Caraga InFocus – August 29-September 4, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

CONTENTS

Caraga

Volume IV, No. 36 Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2020

INFOCUS

ARTICLES

8 9 11 13 14 16

REGIONAL NEWS

40 Butuan villages placed under MECQ COVID-19 cases in Caraga now at 549 Butuan City village SK launches activities for youth week amid pandemic DA-Caraga turns over 50 heads of Anglo-Nubian goats 60 Butuan farmers learn agricultural extension approach Langihan Public Market sa Butuan City, nalockdown ng anim na araw

18 20 22 25 26 27

PROVINCIAL NEWS Former rebels join TOTs for organic agriculture DA, partners to launch ‘Project PEACE’ in Agusan Norte 150 rebels, supporters surrender in Agusan Norte Probinsya ng Agusan del Norte handang tugonan ang banta ng COVID-19 POPCOM nag awhag sa kabatan-unan nga giyahan ang mga manghud Gov’t provides sustainable programs to communities in Surigao Norte town

43 44 48 50 52 53 56

LGU initiatives during pandemic help farmers, consumers PCA launches Transformation Roadmap for 20202038 Army, LGU continue to deliver basic services to AgSur IP communities Hiling ng Tribung Manobo sa gobyerno, tutukan sana kami Anitap farmers rejoice over newly completed Tagbibinuang Bridge Posibleng pagdagsa ng ‘COVID-19 patients’ pinaghahandaan ng Surigao del Sur 175 benefit from livelihood training in SurSur town

MINDANAO NEWS Beauty & Bounty of Mindanao: MinDA “Fish Centers”program to double aqua yield by 2025 MinDA to establish fish center in DavOr

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO chief visits NoCot; gets Covid-19 gov’t response updates UNHRC need not probe rights situation in PH: Andanar SSS Mobile App covers over 22M transactions in the first half of 2020 PRRD kissing ground of Jolo blast site ‘act of genuine respect’ Gov’t to provide shelter for health workers evicted from home

COVID-19 NEWS

Public cooperation to help flatten Covid-19 curve: Lorenzana

5 hospitals eyed for clinical trials of possible Covid-19 vaccine

DOH’s telemedicine strengthens primary healthcare services

Front-liners feted as ‘modern day heroes’

COVER

29 32 34 35 36 39 40

Butuan’s public market stall vendors appeal for relief assistanc during 6-day lockdown By Jennifer P. Gaitano

he stall owners and vendors at the Salvador L. Calo Supermarket, also known as the “Langihan Public Market” here have asked relief assistance from the local government unit (LGU) of Butuan during the six-day lockdown effective Aug. 26 after three vendors got positive rapid test result, and one eventually died.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Jennilyn Supangan was one of the vendors affected by the temporary closure of the market. “Life has been hard these past few days since the lockdown. We hope to receive relief assistance from the government to support us in our daily needs especially that we have children to feed,” she said.

Consumers were also affected and expressed sympathy to the vendors with the hope that they could soon go back to its operations. “As consumers, we also find it difficult to go elsewhere to buy our food. The public market is where we usually find fresh and affordable food to eat,” said Leah Palarca. Meanwhile, the LGU-Butuan has started releasing the relief assistance to the affected vendors. “There are around 600 plus families affected dyan and we already submitted the names of the vendors, families affected,” bared Atty. Edwin Jon Pizarro, OIC of the Office of the City Economic Enterprise (OCEE). The City Health Office continues to conduct contract tracing and disinfection in the vicinity of the public market. Stall vendors also hoped that contact tracing would be over and disinfection in the public market will regularly be conducted for their safety. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

News Briefs The Project PEACE (People Empowerment in Agriculture for Community Enterprise) aims to develop new livelihood skills to the Former Rebels (FR), Indigenous Peoples (IP), and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) and preparing them to become productive citizens in the community. xx

In line with the 120th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Philippine Civil Service @120: Public Sector in the Age of Digital Transformation, the CSC will conduct a virtual media/press briefing. This is to showcase the current technological initiatives of government agencies to cope with the challenges and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CSC panelists will be composed of chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala and Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada.

The concreting of R-Ecleo to Upper Laguna farm to market road in Dinagat Islands under the Philippine Rural Development Project is now 95% complete. The speedy progress would surely help the farmers in the island. The RCEF-Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which was sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, supported by the House of Representatives, and signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. It allots a P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. The program is a 6-year government initiative to help the farmers defend themselves against open competition from the international rice market.

REGIONAL NEWS

40 Butuan villages placed under MECQ By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Forty barangays in Butuan City were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) effective August 25 to September 7, following the continuous rise in local transmission cases in the city. Of the 265 cumulative confirmed cases in the city, 148 are locally transmitted. One hundred thirty-four of these remain active.

“Why we are doing this is because we want to limit the movement of the people in these areas,” he said. This is also to aid contact tracing.

Stated in the Executive Order No. 45 issued by the city government on Monday, September 2, 2020 the following barangays under heightened community quarantine: Agao; Agusan Pequeño; Ambago; Ampayon, Baan Km. 3; Baan Riverside Km. 3; Baan Riverside; Bading; Bancasi; Bayanihan; Bonbon; Buhangin; Dagohoy; Diego Silang; Doongan; Dulag; Fort Poyohon; Golden Ribbon; Holy Redeemer; Humabon; Imadejas; J. P. Rizal; LapuLapu; Leon-Kilat; Libertad; Limaha; Mahogany; Maon; Masao; New Society Village; Obrero; Ong Yiu; Pangabugan; Rajah Soliman; San Ignacio; San Vicente; Sikatuna; Silongan; Tandang Sora; Urduja; and Villa Kananga.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga has called for the cooperation of the public in the conduct of identifying contact persons. Persons and entities should report and/ or respond to notifiable diseases or affected by the health event of public concern, as stated in Section 9 of the Republic Act11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

City Administrator Reynante Desiata stated that there have been reports of mass gatherings among these areas, particularly in the barangays located in the city’s outskirts, hence the reimplementation of MECQ.

Non-compliance will result to a penalty of not less than P20,000 but not more P50,000 pesos and/ or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“Early detection is good for early management. Isolation can help us in preventing the mass transmission of the disease,” DOH Caraga OIC-Assistant Regional Director Dr. Gerna Manatad emphasized.

COVID-19 cases in Caraga now at 549

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported that Caraga region has now registered 549 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases with the 12 new positives for the virus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;DO Caraga announces receipt of 34 RT-PCR confirmatory results from the GeneXpert Reference Laboratory of Butuan Medical Center and Philippine National Red Cross Manila where 22 tested negative and twelve (12) turned positive for the COVID-19 virus,â&#x20AC;? it said. The negative RT-PCR results are from the high-risk individuals who had positive Rapid Antibody-based Tests, health care workers and close contacts of previously confirmed cases.

Of the 12 confirmed positive cases, 75% (9) are frontliners wherein 50% (6) are tagged as local transmission cases, 25% (3) are close contacts of previously confirmed local transmission cases, 17% (2) are Returning Overseas Filipinos with one case quarantined in Manila, and 8% (1) is a health care worker who is also a close contact of a previously confirmed case. About 67% (8) belong to ages 20-40 years old; the youngest is 25 years old and the oldest is 50 years old. As to sex distribution, 67% (8) are August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

males while 33% (4) are females. The confirmed cases are distributed in the following areas: Butuan City-Villa Kananga (4), Libertad (3), Baan Km.3 (1), Bancasi (1), Ong Yiu (1), Tiniwisan (1) and Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte (1). As to the medical status of patients, 83% (10) are asymptomatic while the remaining cases have exhibited mild to moderate symptoms. Furthermore, asymptomatic cases are strictly monitored in following quarantine protocols while symptomatic patients are admitted and managed accordingly. As of September 2, COVID-19 confirmed positive cases in Caraga region now totals to 549 with 367 (67%) recoveries that have been discharged and released, 172 (31%) are active cases wherein 60% (104) are asymptomatic, 37% (64) are mild to moderate, and 2% (4) are severe, and 2% (10) deaths.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“As the COVID-19 cases in Butuan City continuously rise, we are closely coordinating and collaborating with the local government as well as with DILG, PIA, private and public hospitals, and other stakeholders in the monitoring and management of cases and isolation facilities,” said DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. “Likewise, we are also looking into the infection prevention and control measures of organizations and offices especially if there is a presence of unusual case clustering. DOH Caraga will monitor the trend of cases, and efficiently and effectively implement containment measures. We call on everyone to never get tired practicing the minimum health standards like wearing of masks, physical distancing and regular hand washing. We are accountable to our own health and this starts by exercising maximum vigilance,” he added. (DOH Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City village SK launches activities for youth week amid pandemic By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Despite the limitations posed by the current pandemic, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Brgy. Golden Ribbon here launched various activities in line with the celebration of the Linggo ng Kabataan 2020. Groups of youth were given the chance to show their artistry by taking part in the various activities prepared by the youth council such as the week-long mural painting contest. Participants are made to depict this

year’s theme “A drug-free barangay is a safe space for the youth,” which was also chosen to give recognition to Brgy. Golden Ribbon for being the first drugfree barangay in the city. August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

A Miss Gay competition was also launched virtually to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community in the youth. SK Federation chairperson Engr. Wen Kok Chiang Lim II stated that it was still important for their youth to celebrate the event even with the whole nation facing a health crisis. “We wanted to showcase the talent of our youth through the arts. We see these competitions as the appropriate avenues for such purpose,” he said. Participants of the mural painting contest viewed the competition as a way to show support to the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the barangay. Along with her teammates, Angeline Go aims to educate the youth through their painting, depicting the detrimental effects of drug usage and abuse. She also emphasized the importance of using their skills as an outlet to explore their passion and creativity. “Pay attention to what you love doing and use it to create healthy hobbies. In that way, we are able to use our free time to cultivate our passion instead of resorting to activities that may actually do more harm than good,” she added. Fellow participant Danilo Sasan shares the same view with Go’s opinion. While he remained unassuming of his skills in drawing and painting, he also believes that it does not matter whether

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

someone is good at what they’re doing, so long as they enjoy doing it, which is why he encourages his fellow youth to engage in the community and take part in their activities, especially those intended for the youth. “I understand that some of the youth members are shy and this might be because we feel the need to be good at everything we do. The skill level doesn’t matter, so long as you feel happy engaging in these activities and able to share it with your peers.” The event was organized in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

DA-Caraga turns over 50 heads of Anglo-Nubian goats The Department of Agriculture Caraga (DA) headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo turned over 50 heads of Anglo-Nubian Goats to the Caraga Small Ruminant Raiser Association Incorporated (CASRRAI). These goats amounting to P1.6 million would serve as additional said Engr. Anecito Bonpin, Jr., president breeder stocks under DA’s Livestock- of the association. Based and Enterprise Development Bonpin said that the association Program. has active members who are compliant “The association will distribute 10 with the guidelines set by DA on raising goats per province to its members all goats and they hope that through this over Caraga,” said Livestock Program example, other raisers will follow their good practices. Coordinator Jekem Sanchez. DA made sure that the recipients of The initiative is in line with DA’s objectives in leveling up the agriculture the program are farmers with validated goat houses and fully developed sector. forages with water and electricity, Sanchez added that this program and trained manpower. The recipientis in support of the dairy industry and association will be responsible for for strengthening the livestock sector distributing the offspring to its members. in attaining food security, income DA encouraged the farmers and enhancement, profitability, and fishers to form and organize groups sustainability. and associations since its interventions CASRRAI has 18 members all over are usually given to them. They can be the region. “The organization not only ably assisted by the respective City, aims to increase goat production, but Provincial, and Municipal Agriculture it also aims to increase its membership,” Offices. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Caraga) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

60 Butuan farmers learn agricultural extension approach

Around 60 farmer-cooperators of the 100 techno demonstration areas of hybrid rice in the city attended a participatory and an interactive learning approach through the Farmer’s Field School (FFS). The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga together with the Local Government Unit of Butuan City and the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated (Rice Board) provided an opportunity for the farmer-cooperators to practice and test or evaluate sustainable land-use technologies and introduce new technologies

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

by comparing practices.

their

conventional

In a study conducted by DACaraga’s Research Division, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur FFSgraduate farmers who adopted the FFS – recommended technologies improved their yield and income after

the course implementation based on Felicita L. Bagtilay, 60 years old its initial findings. and a farmer-cooperator, shared the importance of FFS to her as a rice farmer Butuan City’s Rice Program for 45 years. Coordinator Nestor Fuentes, in a statement, attested that FFS is an “Participating in FFS allows me effective extension approach as it to learn more and adopt the new adheres to the principles of “learning technologies that I need for my area. by doing.” Learning never stops, because this “The field is the learning place for is needed to improve our farming our farmer-cooperators as they explore practices,” she said. and educate themselves on the issues and topics that affect their livelihood,” Further, farmer-cooperators and said Fuentes. selected farmer leaders from Butuan City, RTR, and Buenavista, Agusan The ultimate aim of the farmers’ del Norte will be conducting a field field school is to improve the farmers’ visitation next month on the technoknowledge and decision-making abilities so they can cope with pest and demo areas to personally observe the crop management problems on their hybrid technologies applied in the said areas. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga) own.

August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

Langihan Public Market sa Butuan City, na-lockdown ng anim na araw By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Pinatupad ng lokal na pamahalaan ang sixday temporary closure ng Mayor Salvador Calo Supermarket o mas kilala ngayong Langihan Public Market sa Butuan City.

Isa na kasi ang namatay sa tatlong ng ayuda sa mga apektadong stall nagpositibo sa rapid test na isinagawa vendors bilang suporta sa kanilang sa mga stall owners at vendors. kabuhayan. Isa si Jennilyn Supangan sa mga apektadong vendor sa pansamantalang pagpapasara sa palengke. “Mahirap talaga kung patuloy ang paglockdown ng pamilihan lalo na sa panahon ngayon kasi ito lang ang aming hanapbuhay,” ani niya.

“May mahigit 600 na apektadong pamilya at naipasa na namin sa LGU ang mga pangalan ng mga apektadong vendor upang sila’y makatanggap ng ayuda,” pahayag ni Atty. Edwin Jon Pizarro, OIC-Head ng Office of City Economic Enterprise (OCEE).

Ang City Health Office ay patuloy Problemado rin ang mga sa pagsasagawa ng contract tracing mamimili. “Nahihirapan din kami dahil at disinfection sa buong palengke. dito na kami nasanay na pumunta para mamili ng mga pagkain na mura,” Umaasa ang mga naapektuhang pahayag ni Leah Palarca. stall owner at vendor na matapos na ang contact tracing at disinfection Tiniyak naman ng lokal na sa palengke para ligtas na silang pamahalan na sa anim na araw na makapaghanapbuhay sa oras na lockdown at tigil operasyon sa palengke buksan muli ang palengke. (JPG/PIAay agad naman aniyang nagbigay Caraga)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Former rebels join TOTs for organic agriculture By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The former rebels in Agusan del Norte are among the sectors who joined in the training of trainers (TOTs) for Organic Agriculture. Alias Henry, who surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army was one of the active participants who was eager to share his learnings to the locals in the priority barangays.

on organic agriculture as a way to sustain his daily living.

“For those who are still in the NPA movement, please surrender and let’s unite and work together for our future. Do not allow yourselves to become Unlike his previous experience victims of abuse and exploitation of while still in the New People’s Army the NPA,” said alias Henry. (NPA) movement where he usually used deadly weapons or firearms, This training on organic alias Henry now equipped himself with farming is part of the PEACE (People the right information and knowledge Empowerment in Agriculture for

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Community Enterprise) Project initiated by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). It also forms part of the government’s strategies for the poverty reduction, livelihood and employment cluster with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as the lead agency, which intends to curb the insurgency problem in the region.

by the Agricultural Training Institute, so that by November, TESDA could also accredit it as a farm school,” underscored Dir. Rey Cueva of TESDAAgusan del Norte. Alias Henry also called on the youth not to be deceived by the wrong ideologies and false propaganda of the NPA communist terrorist group.

“Do not allow yourselves to be deceived by the wrong ideologies of “I am ready and willing to impart the NPA making you believe that they my knowledge especially in producing have the solutions to your problems,” an organic fertilizer that will help us in alias Henry said. our demo farm,” bared PFC Reymar Aballe of 23rd Infantry Battalion. After this training, participants will be deployed to the identified “With the help of our trainers, barangays of the province to help locals would be able to learn how locals and enhance their skills, to sustain food for their family from particularly on organic agriculture their own backyard in their respective with an aim to help uplift their lives community. By October, we expect and have an option for sustainable that the demo farm will be accredited livelihood. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

DA, partners to launch ‘Project PEACE’ in Agusan Norte

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

In the midst of the global health crisis the whole world is facing, the government is exhausting all efforts to ensure food availability and accessibility for every Filipino. In the region, the People Empowerment in Agriculture for Community Enhancement or Project PEACE, a community vegetable production project in select barangays

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

initiated by the Province of Agusan del Norte through the Office of Congresswoman Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) –

Caraga is set to be launched on the last week of this month. The project was created to cushion the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) particularly in selected far-flung and poorest of the poor barangays of the province by establishing vegetable gardens that would serve as their own food source. Other collaborating agencies of the project are the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units of Agusan del Norte. Under the program, five areas have been identified in which the techno demo of the vegetable gardens will be established namely Brgy.Lower Olave in Buenavista, Brgy. Sto. Niño in Remedios T. Romualdez, Brgy. Del Pilar in Cabadbaran, Brgy. Bangayan in Kitcharao, and one barangay in Butuan City. A Training of Trainers for the group who will be working on the techno demo gardens was recently conducted attended by the representatives from the Army, Philippine National Police, Indigenous Peoples, former rebels, and former drug surrenderees facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute, TESDA, and DA-Caraga.

for this project since compared to other crops, it is quicker to grow and harvest. On the other hand, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that at this time of a pandemic, food production at your own backyard is the hope of ensuring food security.

“The simple act of teaching According to DA-Caraga people the basics in planting can have Regional Technical Director Rebecca a huge impact,” Monteagudo said. R. Atega, the vegetable was chosen (DA13-RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

150 rebels, supporters surrender in Agusan Norte By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

A total of 150 members and mass supporters of the Communist New Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army Terrorist (CNT) formally surrendered all together and pledged allegiance to the government in a ceremony held recently in Sitio Macopa, Barangay Poblacion, Carmen town, this province. The activity was led by the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army with the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Carmen, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the different line agencies of the government.

were members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) while 120 were mass supporters of the movement who come from two barangays in Carmen town and were part of the underground links and affiliates of the CNTs, particularly the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, Yunit Milisyang Bayan, Pambansang Katipunan ng Among the one hundred fifty (150) Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, Malayang CNT members who surrendered, 30 Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan and

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Kabataang Makabayan. The mass surrender was achieved through the efforts of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 23rd IB and the Community Action (ComAct) Team of the PNP, with the support of the council members of Barangay Rojales and Poblacion and the Local Government Unit to clear and to dismantle the remaining members of the Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A as well as destroy the Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) CAOCAO and Sub-Regional Sentro de Gabidad (SRSDG) SAGAY of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the CNT. The ultimate aim of the joint efforts is to bring peace and order and pave the way for the implementation of the development initiatives of the government to the conflict-affected areas of Barangays Rojales and Poblacion in Carmen.

over firearms during the ceremony and burned the CPP-NPA flag as a symbol of their decision in choosing a new path for peace and development. The surrendered firearms were accepted by Mayor Jovette C. Calo of Carmen town and Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB. In her statement, Mayor Calo expressed gratitude to the residents of Barangays Poblacion and Rojales, especially to the former members of the CNTs for their decision to leave the communist movement and return to the folds of the law.

“Now you have chosen the right path of your life to reach out to your dreams not only for yourself but for your family as well. In fact, your courage and braveness symbolized the cuttingoff of support to the CNTs,” Mayor Calo During the ceremony, the 150 said. mass surrenderers denounced the CNTs, formally cut their allegiance to the She added that as the mother of communist movement, and declared the municipality, she is encouraging the CNTs as persona non grata in their every parent to become vigilant and barangays. The declaration of persona look after their children to protect non grata is the result of the realization them from the recruitment of the CNTs. of the residents of the manipulations “We need to protect them from the done by the CNTs and the expression deceptions of the CNTs. I hope that that they are already fed up, sick and after this activity, you will become tired of the presence and exploitation the parents who think about what of the communist rebels. They also will be your next step to change your condemned the terroristic acts done community for the better,” Mayor Calo by the CNTs in their communities and said. pledged to support the programs and services of the government in their In his testimony, Alias June, localities. one of the surrenderers thanked the government and the 23rd IB for the The former rebels also handed new opportunities given to them to live August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

peacefully. “Nagpasalamat mi og dako sa atong gobyerno ug sa kasundalohan sa 23IB, sa kapulisan ug sa tanan nga agency nga naningkamot ug nitabang aron mahan-ay ang among kinabuhi. Layo ra kaayo ang trato sa CPP-NPA sa amoa kung itandi nako sa pag trato sa kasundaluhan ug sa gobyerno sa amo. Mao nga dako kaayo ang ano pag mahay sa pag supporta namo sa walhong grupo nga wala man nakatabang ka name,” Alias Jun said. During the activity, each of the former rebels was also provided with initial assistance such as five kilos of rice from the LGU Carmen. Furthermore, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte (TESDA-ADN) led by Provincial Director Rey Cueva also provided them with marinated bangus and assorted biscuits. As long-term assistance, TESDA-ADN will also process the former rebels to be enrolled in the different scholarship grants of the agency for them to undergo schooling on different skills education and training programs.

you to get back to your normal lives,” Paulo said.

He added that the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) is designed to reshape the lives of CNTs who Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Paulo, in awaken from their dark days inside the his message during the ceremony, communist movement and decide to expressed gladness over the renew their lives. increasing number of CNT members “Our brothers and sisters who are who surrendered to the government to embrace a peaceful life by already exasperated and riled while reintegrating into mainstream society. languishing from miserable lives inside the CNT movement deserve to live “We urge the remaining members peacefully. The government is giving of the CNTS to lay down their arms and them the chance to experience new return to their families and communities. lives with their families,” Paulo said. We are always willing to help and assist (CMO Officer, 23IB PA)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Probinsya ng Agusan del Norte handang tugonan ang banta ng COVID-19

By Nora C. Lanuza

Upang mas matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga Agusanons sa panahon na may coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nagbigay ng dagdag na pondo ang probinsya ng Agusan del Norte sa lahat ng kanyang sampung munisipyo at isang syudad upang magkaroon ng sariling quarantine facilities na tutugon sa problemang dulot ng COVID-19. Bilang suporta nagbigay ang probinsya ng tig-iisang milyong peso sa bawat local government unit bilang tulong at dagdag sa pag-establish ng nasabing pasilidad. Ayon kay Gobernador Dale B. Corvera ng Agusan del Norte, handa ang probinsya at maliban din sa labing isang quarantine facilities, mayroon ding tatlong quarantine facilities ang probinsya na matatagpuan sa bayan ng Nasipit at Jabonga at sa Bancasi, Butuan City at may mga isolation facilities din na nakahanda. Samantala, kahit nasa modified community quarantine na ang rehiyon ng Caraga, mahigpit pa rin ang pagpapatupad ng health protocols sa mga regional boundaries na papasaok sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

ng mga gustong pumasok sa rehiyon, binibigyan nila ng pagkakataon nga makapagcomply dito at sila na rin mismo ang tumutulong na makipagcoordinte sa kanilang pinaggalingan. Dagdag pa ni PLt Arnaiz, sa panahong may kulang ang mga dokumento na dala ng isang papasok sa rehiyon, hindi nila pinababayaan.

Maliban din sa pagchechek ng iba pang dokumento na dala-dala ng mga gustong papasok sa rehiyon, ayon kay Anbert Cayna, Jr., nurse assigned sa checkpoint, mahigpit nilang hinahanap ang medical certificates at health Ayon kay PLt. Joseph Arnaiz, ang declaration dahil makikita doon ang team leader ng regional boundary assessment nila sa kanilang kalusugan. control point sa Tagcatong, Carmen, Agusan del Norte, hindi sila naging Nagpapasalamat din si maluwag sa kanilang pagpapatupad Gobernador Corvera sa DPWH Caraga ng pagcheck ng valid requirements dahil sa programa nilang mag-eestablish papasok ng rehiyon, sa panahon na ng quarantine facility sa bawat distrito sa may kulang ang dokumento na dala rehiyon. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

POPCOM nag awhag sa kabatan-unan nga giyahan ang mga manghud By Matt Joe Ian F. Gonzaga

Ang Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga nanawagan sa mga kabatan-unan (youth) nga mamahimong modelo ngadtu sa ilang mga manghud pinaagi sa pagtambayayong sa pag giya ug pag hulma sa batasan ug karakteridad sa mga batang nag tubo (adolescent) karon sa panahon sa pandemiya. Sa usa ka yugto sa POPCOM Caraga Adolescent Health and Development School on Air, nahinabi ni POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano si Rina Andrea Calo, usa ka youth leader ug mental health awareness advocate, kung asa nahisgutan ang bahin sa mga kabatan-unan alang sa pag usbaw sa mga batang nag tubo. Matod ni Calo, sa karong panahuna sa pandemya mamahimong mu abag ang mga kabatan-unan sa ilang mga ginikanan sa pag tudlo sa ilang mga kamanghuran sa mga pamaaging ma hulma ang ilang saktong pagdisisyon ug abilidad sa kinabuhi.

nga pag sugod sa klase, ang distant ug online learing. Sigon usab ni Regional Director Makinano nga dili angay kalimtan sa mga ginikanan ang paghatag ug oras sa ilang mga anak panahon sa pandemya kung asa adunay kaguol nga nabati kanila. Kahinumduman usab nga si National Youth Commission Northeastern Cluster Head, Karenne Anuver atol sa pakighinabi ni Director Makinano nga lakip usab sa mga programa sa ilang ahensya ang pag amuma sa mga batang nag tubo aron mas mahimong ma anyag, klaro ug tataw ang kaugmaon sa nasod.

Dugang ni Calo, mamahimo Gi awhag ni Anuver ang youth usab instrumento ang community quarantine aron mapangandaman sa sector nga mahimong ehemplo sa mga batang nag tubo ang umaabot mga adolescents sa pag buhat ug

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

maayo sa laing tao ug ang pag dili sa mga makadaot nga bisyo hilabi na ang panigarilyo, pag inom, pagpayuhot ug pag gamit sa illegal na droga.

youth nga lantawon ug sundan ang mga yugto sa AHDP School on Air kada Huwebes paingon Biyernes alas tres sa hapon paingon sa alas singko aron makabaton ug kaalam mahitungod sa Giimbitar usab ni RD Makinano Adolescent Health and Development. ang mga estudyante ug out of school (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provides sustainable programs to communities in Surigao Norte town By Venus L. Garcia

The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster led by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Surigao del Norte visited the community in barangay Camamonan, one of the remote villages in the municipality of Gigaquit. An agri-preneurial community enterprise was introduced to the residents and the members of the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization also received coco fiber making machines.

they will also be trained on meat processing, tilapia fingerlings dispersal, and transplanting of seedlings.

The former rebels and indigenous peoples will also go through a As part of the livelihood program, cooperative capability building. August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

A technical skills training on carpentry, masonry, and agricultural crop production are also offered as sustainable livelihood options. “Buo ang suporta ng TESDA upang maging sustainable ang mga proyekto at programa na inilusad para sa ikauunlad ng buhay ng bawat miyembro ng mga nasabing people’s organization,” said TESDA Caraga regional director Ashary Banto. Part of the activities also was the registration of qualified agrarian reform beneficiaries. For young individuals and students, an educational opportunity is made available through an alternative learning system.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Amid the prevailing issue on poverty, unemployment and insurgency, Evelito Baradillo has sensed the future progress and he hoped for a peaceful and sustainable living. “Malaki ang aming pasasalamat dahil kami ay napili at nabigyan ng pansin ng gobyerno lalo na’t malayo ang lugar naming,” said Baradillo. Meanwhile, Mayor Chadru Bonite of the municipality of Gigaquit was grateful to the different government agencies for bringing the various programs and projects to the province as these would potentially bring lifechanging opportunities to the residents especially in far-flung communities. (SDR/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

LGU initiatives during pandemic help farmers, consumers By Rhea Abao

The local officials have a big role to play to conform to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health directives and at the same in ensuring the local populationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food security. The nature of the pandemic gives challenges to actors of the food system at every level such as the disruptions to food supply chains, market losses, and the required safety measures for workers.

first responders on the needs of the affected populations mainly to provide food for all. LGUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsive measures

In the municipality of Claver, In the Caraga region, local Surigao del Norte through the leadership government units (LGUs) are now the of Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee, has August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

found responsive measures to ensure constituents,” said Quirequire. the continuity of their food supply and ease market disruptions. According to Queriqueri, if a farmer will sell 100 bags of fresh palay “The imposition of the localized directly to traders he can only earn community quarantine measures in the around P85,000 while if a farmer will mill middle of March 2020 limits our work his products he can earn P116,000. and field operations but this did not hinder us to continue our partnership “Without the proactive measures with our local farmers to address food of the municipal office, we will be selling availability and accessibility in the our fresh palay to the rice traders at a municipality. The LGU has bought over farm gate price ranging from P16 to P1.69 million worth of agricultural goods P18 per kilo. But the rice procurement directly from the farmers,” said Engr. initiated by the LGU during the Carlos S. Quirequire, OIC-Municipal lockdown aids us to earn more out of Agriculturist of Claver. our products as they encouraged us to do value-adding to boosts our income,” The Municipal Agriculture Office said Rene Taer, president of Ladgaron (MAO) reached out to 35 rice farmers Irrigators Association. from the irrigator’s association and He is also grateful for the initiative of farmer groups within the town to supply the LGU in buying out his 25 bags of milled rice for the relief operations. The milled rice wherein he sold it at a total LGU purchased 532 bags at P2,200 per of P55,000. bag of 50 kilograms. Pro farmer-consumer initiative Aside from the milled rice, they also bought 810 kilos of squash at As the locals observed the P10 per kilo from a local farmer and community quarantine, the vegetable outsource assorted vegetables from farmers and fishers were able to sell the other municipalities and cities in the their fresh harvest as the municipal region with a total worth P521,167. agriculture office initiated the ‘Tabo sa Munisipyo.’ Through this, a total of 13,674 families of the municipality benefited “Tabo sa Munisipyo is our version from the LGU’s procurement of rice and of Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita here in our town. vegetables for project relief operations. This is to help our farmers and fishers to continue earning even at the height “We wanted to help our farmers of the pandemic. This is also our way by buying their products to ensure their to ease the difficulties of consumers income despite the implementation of in accessing fresh produce at a good the community quarantine. Aside from price,” said Quirequire. it, the LGU sees a better alternative of providing nutritious food packs for our On the other hand, part of their

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

assistance is to find market linkages to their local producers. The municipal agriculture office used the available platforms like social media to reach interested buyers. Russell Acero, daughter of the watermelon farmer from Brgy. Sapa, Claver is grateful for the action taken by the MAO for helping them to sell their produce. “Due to the lockdown, we encountered cancellation of orders from our usual buyers. But with the quick response of the MAO, we were able to sell our 10,000 kilos of watermelon at P8 per kilo through online orders and tabo sa munisipyo,” she said.

goods go to waste with no return of their investments. “The move of the LGU-Claver demonstrates that we could do more if we will strategize the food supply chain in our community. Hopefully, these initiatives will continue and be replicated with other LGU’s this will be instrumental in improving farm productivity, thereby improving the quality of lives of the farmers,” said DACaraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo.

The DA continues to strengthen its ties with the LGUs to effectively strategize the support not just for the farmers but for all stakeholders. With a strong LGU’s decision making, the The support of the municipal needs of the community are better government did not leave the farmer- identified. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del producers empty-handed nor let their Norte) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

PCA launches Transformation Roadmap for 2020-2038

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) launched on August 28 the 18-year PCA Transformation Roadmap (PTR) which sets the direction for PCA to become a globally recognized institution championing a market-driven coconut industry by 2038.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“The roadmap underscores the shift in the strategic focus from that of mere implementation of subsidy programs and projects to injecting agribusiness in every step of the supply chain, thereby adding value to the delivery of services to our stakeholders,” PCA Administrator Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. said. Anchored on the ‘agribusinessizing’ approach, one of the objectives of the PTR is to provide a platform for the coconut farmers to be active participants to the supplyvalue chain by capacitating them to be ‘cocopreneurs’ while making the coconut industry market-driven. One of the milestones of this transformation initiative by Madrigal is the establishment of PCA’s MultiSectoral Advisory Board (MSAB), which is composed of Dr. Emil Q. Javier as Chair, Cong. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, Dr. Leonardo A. Gonzales, Dr. Luis Rey I. Velasco, and Ma. Socorro L. Escueta as members.

effectively take its course in refocusing its strategic direction, automating its processes, enhancing manpower competence, and strengthening its organizational capabilities to be able to effectively succeed in implementing the agribusiness sizing approach. “We have identified three major base camps to serve as milestone indicators of success for this transformation journey. By 2022, PCA is to be the leading agency under the Department of Agriculture, steering a market-driven coconut industry, and leveling up on a national level by 2026. The PCA would be conquering the ASEAN arena by 2033, leading to the global vision by 2038,” Madrigal added.

Currently, PCA is on its way to initiating the PGS and in accelerating it towards the ‘compliant status’ in the Governance Pathway within the year. “Centered on PCA’s people, process, and policies, the PCA Transformation Roadmap will pave the way for a more efficient and Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, Chairman effective implementation of industry Emeritus of Institute for Solidarity in Asia development plans,” Madrigal said. (ISA) administered the oath taking of the PCA MSAB. The PCA has enrolled “I am confident that we can in the Performance Governance form a strong partnership with the PCA System (PGS) of the ISA, an exclusive MSAB and ISA as we all work together certifying body for good governance in achieving our goal of becoming in the public sector using the PGS. the leading agency in the agriculture sector, steering a market-driven Through the PGS, definitive coconut industry with a greater global objectives and strategic measures reach and significance,” Madrigal were identified, enabling PCA to said. (DA-PCA/PIA-Surigao del Norte) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

Army, LGU continue to deliver basic services to AgSur IP communities By 2Lt. Cecille C Tapa

The 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, together with the Municipal Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Luis, Agusan del Sur led by Mayor Phoebe Y. Corvera once again embarked on the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) as a strategy to realize the objectives of Executive Order No. 70 or the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wholeof-nation approachâ&#x20AC;? during the mission planning orientation of RCSP held on September 1, 2020, at the Municipal Hall, San Luis, this province.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

The delivery of basic services to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) particularly in the identified barangays of the said municipality were discussed. “The government needs to reach out and we have to be responsive to the needs of these communities. Through the delivery of basic social services, the IPs may have the opportunity to live safer and healthier,” Corvera said. “This gathering is just like any other committee gatherings which tackles our individual functions to continue our mandated tasks in providing social services to the community and to ensure that all concerned agencies are onboard for this year’s implementation,“ underscored Atty. Charles V. Lim, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO). Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A.

Goce, commanding officer of 26IB, bared that “the army is deploying community peace and development teams which are encouraging community-based initiatives defined by the local communities. With the LGU’s efforts against insurgency, geared towards presenting long-term solutions and at the same time addressing the immediate needs of the local community, basic services will be provided.” “In addition, all government agencies should take their functions seriously and make appropriate actions especially in conflict affected areas and vulnerable communities and ensure the participation of all sectors in delivering basic services to achieve social development and sustainable peace,” Goce added. (CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Hiling ng Tribung Manobo sa gobyerno, tutukan sana kami By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Hiniling ng mga katotobong Manobo sa Bunawan, Agusan del Sur ang pagtatalaga ng opisyal na tututok sa kanila. Sa pagbisita ng mga kinatawan ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), hiniling nila na maiparating sa kanilang lugar ang edukasyon at pangkabuhayan.

hanapbuhay. At sana yung forever na livelihood tulad ng fruit trees, isda o kung ano man para ma-suportahan ‘yung pangangailangan ng komunidad,” ani ni Datu Alberto Prado, tribal secretary ng Consuelo Manobo Tribe ng Certificate “Nangangailangan tayo more of Ancestral Domain (CADT) 136. on education at pangalawa yung August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

Kabilang din sa problema nila ang mapuntahan ang ibat-ibang conflict panggugulo ng mga armadong grupo affected areas upang makuha o marinig sa kanilang mapayapang komunidad. mismo sa mga IP communities ang kanilang hinaing at pangangailangan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Umaasa rin kami na sa tulong lalo na ngayong may pandemic. ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, mapoprotektahan po ang karapatan Bahagi rin ito sa pagpapatupad ng mga IPs sa territorial jurisdiction nito,â&#x20AC;? ng Executive Order 70 o ang Task Force sabi ni Prado. on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) ng administrasyong Target naman ng NCIP na Duterte. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Anitap farmers rejoice over newly completed Tagbibinuang Bridge

By Rechel D. Besonia

It was a bright and sunny morning. The sky was an expanse of sapphire blue, dotted with feathery white clouds as the radiant rays of the sun beamed beatifically into the newly built Tagbibinuang Bridge in Barangay Anitap of Veruela, Agusan del Sur perhaps telling the people that better days has indeed began.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“Sa kadugay na gyud namong pinaabot nahubsan na me sa paglaum nga ma arang-arang among panginabuhi tungod kay human sa gihimong validation wala may nahitabong tulay (We already run out of hope that we will experience a more comfortable life because after how many years of waiting, the bridge was still not realized),” said Larry Dugos, an agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB), as he remembered those times in 2011 when personnel from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has validated the area where the bridge should be built.

bridge built from slabs of wood that were pieced together. It was too risky and dangerous yet our farmers have no other choice but to settle what is available,” added Amigable. Amigable said what worries him the most was when emergency strikes and patients could not easily pass through the wooden bridge for fear of falling into the river.

But in the morning of August 25, 2020, Captain Amigable together with his people in Barangay Anitap were flared with joy as they witnessed the turn-over ceremony of the newly built “We have waited long enough, bridge. It was indeed a day full of hope and yet nothing happened,” barangay and contentment. captain Elmer Amigable recalled. Veruela Municipal Mayor Myrna “Before, most farmers and residents S. Mondejar in her message expressed who had to deliver their products to her profound joy as she graced the the market had a hard time crossing activity. “Our prayers were answered the river because it only had a wooden because a steel bridge is here. Now, August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

the farmers will take little time to go to the hospital to seek medical attention. It will hasten transport of products to the nearby market, and the people will no longer risk wading in the river’s currents because now, they can safely pass over the river using the new bridge,” she said. “That’s why we are very thankful to the DAR and President Duterte for making what seems to be impossible into reality,” she added. As the project will directly benefit more than 2,000 ARBs in Anitap and other neighboring barangays, DAR Caraga regional director Leomides R. implemented over a period of six Villareal emphasized that sustainability years but for some reason suspended is important for the project to last a long indefinitely sometime in 2011. time. PARPO II Jamil P. Amatonding Jr. Tagbibinuang Bridge was the expressed his gratefulness to the local first completed bridge in Agusan government unit and the DPWH for their del Sur under the Tulay ng Pangulo commitment to complete the project para sa Kaunlarang Pang Agraryo despite the threat of the coronavirus project, formerly called the President’s disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Bridge Program, which is a zero- He also challenged the residents to based budgeting approach by the take good care of the project. “We government, funded by France, are always behind you, to support and monitored by DAR and implemented give you the necessary services that by DPWH Unified Project Management you need,” he said. Office-Bridge Management Cluster. Also present during the turn Launched in 2008, the project, over were Assistant Regional Director jointly undertaken by the Philippine for Operation Agnes Dela Cerna, and the French Export Credit Facility ARBDSP CARPO Joven Pizarro, PCAO (FCEF), initially involved the provision Fe H. Mosquera, MARPO of Veruela and construction of 418 modular Engr. Gudy P. Centina, DPWH Engr. prefabricated steel bridges all over the Norman Puy, members of Sangguniang country with a total of 10,436.4 linear Bayan and other local officials of the meters, using the French “unibridge Municipality of Veruela. (DAR-Agusan technology.” It was supposed to be del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Posibleng pagdagsa ng ‘COVID-19 patients’ pinaghahandaan ng Surigao del Sur

Bilang paghahanda sa posibleng pagdagsa ng mga pasyenteng may coronavirus disease 2019 o COVID-19 sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) sa lungsod, pinulong ni Gobernador Alexander Pimentel ang mga namamahala ng mga District at Community Hospitals sa buong probinsya ng Surigao del Sur, pati na ang Provincial Health Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Office (PDRRMO) at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center sa Tandag City. Sa panayam kay Gob. Pimentel, sinabi nito na posibleng dito na sa ASTMMC sa Tandag City ipapadala ang mga pasyente ng COVID-19 mula sa iba’t ibang probinsiya ng rehiyon sa kadahilanang puno na ang Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) sa Surigao City at ang Butuan Medical Center (BMC). Kasama sa mga plano at mga hakbangin na gagawin ng probinsya ang paghahanda sa mga lugar, pasilidad, at mga kakailanganin na mga medical supplies sa posibleng pagdagsa ng mga pasyente na may COVID-19 mula sa iba’t ibang probinsya.

Hospital sa bayan ng Lianga matapos mamatay ang isang 75 taong gulang na pasyente na nagpositibo sa COVID-19 noong isang linggo. Napagalaman na dinala sa nasabing hospital ang pasyente dahil sa pananakit ng tiyan, at nirefer kalaunan sa ASTMMC sa Tandag City, at dito na ito binawian ng buhay.

Pahayag naman ni Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen sa kanyang facebook account, naka-lockdown na rin ang buong Purok na tinitirhan ng nagpositibo sa COVID-19 at kalapit na komunidad nito upang magbigay daan sa contact tracing na posibleng nakasalamuha nito. Sa kasalukuyan, Samantala, kasalukuyan namang patuloy pa ang ginagawang contact naka “lockdown” ang Lianga District tracing sa nasabing lugar. August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

Pansamantala munang dadalhin ang mga pasyente na nangangailan ng “hospitalization” sa ngayun sa Hinatuan District Hospital sa bayan ng Hinatuan o sa Marihatag District Hospital sa bayan ng Marihatag habang naka lockdown ang Lianga District Hospital, ayun kay Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Eric Montesclaros.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang probinsya ay may naitalang 57 kumpirmadong kaso ng COVID-19 base na pinakahuling tala na pinalabas ng Provincial Health Office noong Agosto 30. Dalawa nito ay bagong kaso na nasa kwarentina na, habang 44 nito ang nakarekober, at isa ang naiulat na namatay. (PIASurigao del Sur)

175 benefit from livelihood training in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

A total of 175 beneficiaries from Barangay Doña Carmen, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur benefited from the training and livelihood programs offered by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with the member agencies of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC), provincial government of Surigao del Sur, and the local government unit (LGU) of Tagbina. | August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

TESDA Provincial Director Julius Sol Jamero said the beneficiaries will be trained in six different skills training with a budget of P1.8 million.

of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Regional Director Rebecca Atega has pledged to support the PRLEC project. “On behalf of the DA, we commit to provide vegetable seeds; farm tools; organic fertilizers; 100 heads chicks; 25,000 cacao planting materials; 25,000 coffee planting materials; one packet piglets; and one packet goat,” said Dir. Atega.

Each beneficiary will receive an scholarship package that includes free training, free assessment, training support fund of P160 per day, personal protective equipment (PPE) allowance amounting to P500, internet allowance amounting to P500 and a one-year accident insurance coverage from The Department of Labor and the Government Service Insurance Employment (DOLE) Provincial chief System. Genebelle Bal has also committed to extend their services and livelihood Dubbed as “Establishment of programs for the residents of Barangay Barangay Doña Carmen Agriculture Doña Carmen. Hub and Village Enterprise” project, the recipients of the program were Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Louie Demaformer rebels (FRs) and supporters, ala, Commanding Officer of the 67th relatives of the FRs, Indigenous Peoples Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, and (IPs), Out of School Youth (OSY), and Tagbina Municipal Police Station chief women. They will be trained in the Police Major Ephraim Megreño have following community-based programs: also expressed their full support to the production of organic vegetables; program. organic chicken raising; organic hog raising; horticultural crop work support; The activity ended with the organic small ruminants raising; and signing of the pledge of commitment bread and pastry production. by the PRLEC members, LGU officials, and partner stakeholders. (PIA-Surigao During the launching, Department del Sur) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

MINDANAO NEWS

Beauty & Bounty of Mindanao: MinDA “Fish Centers”program to double aqua yield by 2025

With a coastline length of 36,289 kilometers, the 5th longest in the world, and surrounded by seas and ocean, it is unthinkable that the Philippines still imports fish from countries whose fishermen could be fishing in our own waters. While the fisheries sector submitted a positive performance of 1.4% growth for the first time in decades under the Duterte Administration, so much more needs to be done to realize the country’s fish production potentials.

In my endless journey to the various fishing grounds of the country when I was Agriculture Secretary and now as Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I realized that one of the problems affecting fish production is August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

the absence of post-harvest facilities in the intervention to improve the Fisheries most of the country’s fishing grounds. and Aquaculture sector in Mindanao. In Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, Following the lessons I learned in my fishermen use ice in small plastic wrappers journeys, I have designed a program called to preserve their Tuna catch placed in Mindanao Fisheires and Aquaculture huge styro boxes. Development Program (MINFAD) which aims to establish Fish Centers in at least 22 In Tawi-Tawi, fish is sold in the market coastal and inland fishing grounds in the by heaps and everything must go within region. the day of catching, so the price goes down as the sun sets resulting in very little The “Fish Centers” will be equipped income to the small fishermen. with facilities needed to improve productivity, from hatcheries to feed The problem is very simple - the mills, from ice-plants to cold storage, and absence of ice plants and cold storage processing facilities. to preserve the catch and bring it to the market. Using digital technology, the “Fish Centers” will be inter-connected through Mindanao’s fisheries and a digital platform which will gather aquaculture sector, however, faces an information daily on the volume of catch exciting improvement in the next five and the species of fish. years, thanks to the grant fund by the European Union for the Mindanao Rise In designated Mariculture Parks, Program. processing facilities will be established so that what will come out would be The grant fund to be handled by products with added value ready for the MinDA amounting to P2.1-B will be used market. in projects to be implemented by our development partners following three MinDA has already started the parameters: validation of the different “Fish Center” 1. The projects must address poverty sites and hopefully, the program will be in the agriculture and fisheries sector of implemented before the end of the year. Mindanao; 2. The projects must contribute to We have set a target and that is to productivity in the above-mentioned double Mindanao’s current Aquaculture sector; and Fisheries Production of 2-million 3. The funds must be used to trigger metric tons annually by the year 2025 or the economic recovery programs in five years from now. Mindanao. Ambitious? A pipe dream? Maybe! The top priority project identified by Everything starts with a dream, after MinDA in our many planning sessions is all!

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

MinDA to establish fish center in DavOr By Che Palicte

FISHERY DEVELOPMENT. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Secretary Emmanuel Piñol delivers his message during the first-ever Aqua-Fishery Summit held in Davao Oriental on Thursday (Aug. 27, 2020). He said Davao Oriental has been included in MinDA’s Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development program, making it one of the key players in the fishery sector along with other coastal provinces in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of Davao Oriental PIO)

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, said the province of Davao Oriental (DavOr) is set to become one of the 22 recipients of fish centers to be established in Mindanao. In a statement on Sunday, the agency said Piñol made the announcement during the first-ever Aqua-Fishery Summit on Thursday (August 27). The project is touted to improve the province’s promising

aqua-fishery industry. Completing the value chain for the fishery sector, Piñol said in the statement that it will be connected virtually to each other and to the August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

market which will facilitate better sales and exchanges. He added that the City of Mati will be the beneficiary of a fish processing plant that the program will fund. Support packages will also include the provision of ice makers and blast freezers, cold storage, and fish dryers. In his speech during the summit, Piñol said that considering Davao Oriental’s vast potentials, it has been included in MinDA’s Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MinFAD) program, making it one of the key players in the fishery sector along with other coastal provinces in the island of Mindanao. Gaps, issues, and concerns affecting production and business systems in the local fishery were also discussed during the summit. Provincial Agriculture Office department head Rotchie Ravelo said that among the challenges of the fishery industry are climate change, natural and man-made disasters, weak legislative mechanism, and the so-called “brown” development that involves the redevelopment of mangrove areas, rivers and beaches into other purposes such as resorts and human settlement areas.

meanwhile, emphasized the role of law enforcement as he reminded everyone that the task to maintain peace in fishing communities is a shared responsibility by all stakeholders. He pointed out the role of coastal community-dwelling fisherfolk who have knowledge of illegal fishing activities in keeping the peace in their respective areas.

Other concerns raised were the difficult market access and unstable “There is a need for marginalized price movements for “bangus” or fishers to use or be provided with larger milkfish and vannamei shrimp produce. fishing vessels that they may be able to compete with other commercial Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, fishers,” Dayanghirang also said. (PNA)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

PCOO chief vis gov’t response

of the National Task Force on Covid-19 a day earlier to meet with officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region A Malacañang official has lauded in Muslim Mindanao and receive the response of the North Cotabato updates on the region’s pandemic provincial government on the response.

coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, particularly its “Oplan Sagip Andanar praised the provincial Task Force Sagip Cotabateños, a Cotabateño” program.

brainchild of Catamco, which is leading the rescue initiative for North Cotabateños stranded in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other parts of the country.

Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar paid a brief visit to North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco on Thursday to gather “You are really good-hearted reports on the government’s response governor and you are only one of to the pandemic. Andanar was with other officials the few (officials) who has this kind of

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

sits NoCot; gets Covid-19 e updates PANDEMIC RESPONSE UPDATES. North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco provides updates of her administration’s response to the coronavirus disease crisis to Presidential Communications Operation Office Secretary Martin Andanar during the latter’s stopover in a resort near Mt. Apo on Thursday (Aug. 27, 2020). Andanar briefly visited the province en route to Manila from a visit to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao day earlier. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PIO)

program,” Andanar told Catamco status of police action on the murder during their meeting. of a tribal leader early this week. Catamco, meanwhile, briefed Andanar on the province’s Covid-19 measures, including the realignment of a PHP86-million fund for Special Education Fund to be used for homebased learning, and the support to the local education department as the province prepares for the new normal education learning scheme in October. While in the province, Andanar also visited Barangay Mahongkog, Magpet, and inquired about the

“The police is at the peak of its investigation and three suspects are already in police custody,” Catamco told the PCOO chief. Andanar left North Cotabato province convinced that its response to the Covid-19 pandemic was superb with almost 20,000 stranded individuals in NCR, Cebu, and Davao having availed of the free travel back home as well as strict health protocols to ensure they are cleared of the virus. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

UNHRC need not probe rights situation in PH: Andanar By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. (File photo)

There is no need for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to look into the human rights situation in the Philippines, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday. Andanar issued the statement after around 62 civil society organizations urged UNHRC to launch an immediate and independent “international investigative mechanism” on the supposed human rights violations committed in the Philippines since 2016.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“The Philippines’ human rights situation does not merit any external investigative mechanism being called for on the basis of specific cases where investigations are ongoing,” he said in a statement.

In a joint letter dated August 27

and addressed to UNHRC, some 62 civil society groups expressed their “continued grave concern” over the alleged “ongoing extrajudicial executions and other serious human rights violations in the context of the ‘war on drugs’ in the Philippines”.

“well-established and functioning accountability mechanisms” have already been in place.

He added that the current administration maintains its commitment and international obligation of enhancing and strengthening structures The groups said the acts were aimed at upholding human rights and fueled by “incitement to violence and the rule of law in the country. discrimination by the highest levels of government with near-total impunity”. “The administration has ensured the steady increase of public budgets Amnesty International, Human to strengthen these structures, as a key Rights Watch, Asean Parliamentarians pillar of its good governance agenda. for Human Rights, Free Legal Assistance This includes the increase of the budget Group, Karapatan, National Union of the Commission of Human Rights of Journalists of the Philippines, and (CHR), an independent human rights Reporters Without Borders were among institution in the past three years,” the organizations that asked UNHRC to Andanar said. carry out an independent international investigative mechanism on the Andanar then appealed to the civil Philippines’ human rights situation. society and international community to support the Duterte administration’s Andanar, however, said the efforts in protecting human rights in the Duterte government, through the Philippines. publication of the Philippine Human Rights Situationer, has already presented He said the government is also “thorough and scrupulous” information open to engaging all parties to address on the human rights situation in the allegations of human rights violations Philippines. in the country within the framework of the domestic accountability “Apart from this, we have rigorously mechanisms. addressed allegations of human rights violations in the Human Rights Council “We recognize that the and in other relevant fora. We believe advancement of government’s that these engagements at all levels constructive cooperation with the CHR, have been useful in presenting the real civil society, and international partners, human rights situation in the country including the United Nations will be and the context on the ground,” he important as we further promote the said. comprehensive facets of human rights, accountability, and rule of law in the Andanar also ensured that Philippines,” Andanar said. (PNA) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

SSS Mobile App covers over 22M transactions in the first half of 2020

The Social Security System (SSS) disclosed that the SSS Mobile App recorded nearly 22.4 million transactions from its members for the first half of 2020.

loan records. A member may register in Text-SSS by sending their SSS number and birthdate using the format “SSS REG <SS Number> <MM/DD/YY>” to 2600.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said that the pension fund’s mobile application facilitated 22,363,413 transactions from January to June 2020, with an average of 124,24 transactions daily.

“We are delighted that our members and employers have been using this app with their various SSS transactions, which is user-friendly and easy to access. Members can now view their contributions record, membership information, and SSS branches’ location. They can also check the status of their benefit claim and salary loan applications, their remaining loan balance, and update their contact information as well. Through the years, we have incorporated other services in the SSS Mobile app, like the generation of Payment Reference Number (PRN) needed for SSS contribution payment

Launched in 2018, the SSS Mobile App is a free downloadable app for smartphone users. It is designed to provide a more convenient way for members to transact with SSS without the hassle of queuing in the branches. In 2010, SSS also had implemented the Text-SSS facility for members to obtain information on their contributions and

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

and filing of maternity notification for female SSS members. They can also pay their contributions using PayMaya through the SSS Mobile App,” Ignacio added. “Among the transactions on SSS Mobile App, checking member’s salary loan status garnered the highest number of transactions. From January to June 2020, the SSS Mobile App recorded 7,628,068 transactions on salary loan status,” Ignacio added.

The SSS Mobile App ranked as the most downloadable free app in Google Play Store under the productivity category, with 6,032,977downloads from Android phone users. It is among the top three most downloadable under the utilities category in Apple’s App Store, with 726,840 downloads from iOs phone users. Likewise, the mobile application is the third most downloadable app under the finance category among Huawei users, with 726,000 downloads.

Meanwhile, Ignacio revealed that the SSS Mobile App is among the most downloadable applications in its category on Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. As of July 2020, SSS Mobile App accumulated 7,485,817 downloads in the three mobile app markets.

“With the use of modern technology and with SSS’ digitalization efforts, we further encourage all our members and the employers as well to use this mobile app to enjoy a simple, fast and easy way of conducting your transactions with SSS,” Ignacio concluded. (SSS)

PRRD kissing ground of Jolo blast site ‘act of genuine respect’ By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

President Rodrigo Duterte kneeling and kissing the ground where the August 24 twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu took place is an “act of genuine respect,” a blogger said on Tuesday. Pro-Duterte blogger Mark Lopez, in a Facebook post on Aug. 31, said there was nothing wrong with the President kissing the ground of the blast site in Jolo.

a sign of humility.

“This is an act of prostration where one bows down completely with the forehead touching the ground, signifying utmost humility, respect Lopez said Duterte’s gesture and reverence, and acknowledging is known to Muslims as “sujood” or the power and greatness of a more prostration, an act of low bowing as supreme being,” he said. August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

SHOW OF RESPECT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the candle-lighting and the offering of flowers at the blast site at Barangay Walled City in Jolo, Sulu on August 30, 2020. The twin explosions killed at least 14 people, including seven soldiers and a police officer, and injured 77 others. (Presidential photo by Karl Norman Alonzo)

Duterte visited Jolo, Sulu on Sunday to condole with the victims of the twin blasts that killed at least 14 people, including seven soldiers and a police officer, and injured 77 others. Duterte’s former special aide and now Senator Christopher Lawrence Go shared photos of the President kneeling and kissing the ground while wearing a face mask. In his speech during his visit to Jolo, Duterte said his gesture was for victims of the twin explosions who lives were “snuffed out for no reason at all.”

leader with (care).”

authentic

malasakit

“What [Duterte] did was to humble himself before those soldiers and innocents who died because of that cruel terrorist bombing, and conveying that powerful message that he will do everything to give them justice they deserve. It is also an act of genuine respect to the community, and telling them that he is their public servant,” Lopez said. Lopez came to Duterte’s defense after some netizens have posted satirical memes of Duterte’s latest gesture.

Duterte’s “spontaneous” act, He said Duterte’s latest photo Lopez said, proves that he is a “true showed the Chief Executive’s

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“authentic act of courage.” “ M o s t important of all, he went there to personally empathize, grieve, and assure his troops that he is there with the all-out support of government. You don’t do this just for the sake of propaganda, when there is too much at stake,” he said.

another being,” Quintana said. A certain Menchie Panganiban, on her Facebook account, also called out a teacher who allegedly edited Duterte’s photo by making it appear that the President is eating a dog food.

Photo shows the aftermath of the twin bombings at Barangay Walled City in Jolo, Sulu that claimed 14 including government troops, and wounding dozens last August 24, 2020. (Presidential photo by Karl Norman Alonzo) Panganiban said Laarni Villaluz, a teacher who posted an edited Apart from Lopez, other netizens photo of Duterte, “deserves to get also defended Duterte. punished and be sanctioned for what she did.” Netizen Deriz Quintana said it was “rude” to create memes involving “It can be remembered that Duterte. Villaluz is the licensed teacher who posted an edited photo of President “At this point, it doesn’t even Rodrigo Duterte while paying respect matter if it was President Duterte or to the victims of Jolo bombings. Most whoever, but this meme is kabastusan of the netizens were disappointed (disrespect) in the highest level. because Villaluz was supposed to Bowing and kissing the ground is a give a higher standard of learning to form of reverence, done with the her students because she’s working utmost humility and sincerity, to in a private school,” she said. (PNA) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

Gov’t to provide shelter for health workers evicted from home By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo Duterte and members of the IATF. (Presidential photo)

Medical front-liners who have been evicted by their landlords from their homes will be provided with food and shelter by the government, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday. In a taped public address, Duterte said it hurts him to see how health care workers on the front lines of the battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic are being mistreated due to the “unfounded fear” that they are carriers of the disease.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

“They are summarily dismissed from the residence whether it is leased, rented. Iyan ang nakaka-ano ng loob. Kaya itong mga ‘to, we must have a mechanism. Sasaluhin natin ito dito (It pains me. That’s why we must have a mechanism. Let’s help them),” he said.

Duterte said health care workers evicted from their homes may seek help from the office of Chief Implementer of the country’s National Policy Against Covid-19, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. “If this happens, you can call directly the office of Secretary Galvez and we will provide you with the necessary billeting and pati pagkain (even food), and we will choose a place nearest to where you are working,” he said. Duterte said the government could easily provide health care workers with a room in a hotel or motel to stay in the meantime.

“We will treat you decently. The “It behooves this government to long and short of it is parang tao ka do something about it. We will find a (you’re a person). And since you are there, I said obligasyon ng gobyerno house, a hotel, a motel,” he said. na tumulong (it’s the obligation of the The President said he would even government to help),” he said. call the attention of landlords who have According to Duterte, the evicted health care workers from their homes, saying in jest that they would government is “trying to make up for not be treated if they needed medical the deficiencies.” attention. “The Philippines has (been) able “Isabi mo lang ang pangalan to at least meet halfway of what was ‘yung may-ari ng building, may-ari the expectations of the people. Iyan ng boarding house at (Just tell me sana. Maawa naman ako sa mga tao their name, the owner of the building, na tumutulong tapos pinapaalis. Hindi boarding house and) I will call their ho maganda pakinggan (I pity those attention publicly so that kung sila who help [battle the health crisis] but ang magkasakit, huwag na silang are sent away. It doesn’t sound good),” tanggapin sa ospital rin (so that when he said. they get sick, they won’t be admitted Earlier, Duterte called on the to hospitals),” he said. police force to ensure the safety of Health care workers, Duterte said, health care workers against attacks and discrimination. (PNA) deserve to be treated decently. August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

Public cooperation to help flatten Covid-19 curve: Lorenzana By Priam Nepomuceno

There is a good chance that the Philippines could flatten the curve of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) within this month if everyone follows health and safety protocols, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

“Yes, we can. What will we do to achieve it? Strictly implement the health protocols and follow the campaign plan developed by the NTF (National Task Force) – the PDITR: protect, detect, isolate, treat, and reintegrate,” the chair of the NTF against Covid-19 said in a message on Tuesday night.

Covid-19. “The NTF has disseminated this to the businesses, regional task forces, and LGUs (local government units). If everyone follows this plan, we will not only flatten the curve but bring it down,” Lorenzana added.

Researchers from UP said the Lorenzana was commenting on flattening of the curve in the country’s the possibility of flattening the Covid-19 Covid-19 situation may be reached by curve as predicted by a research group the end of August or by September. from the University of the Philippines (UP), which cited the decline in the They said the disease’s number of infections in the past few “reproduction rate” in the country days. fell from 1.5 to 1.1 after Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, He said the PDITR contains step- Rizal, and Laguna reverted to the by-step processes to be done in work stricter modified enhanced community areas, homes, and public transportation quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to to prevent infection and eradicate 18. (PNA) August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

5 hospitals eyed for clinical trials of possible Covid-19 vaccine By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday identified five hospitals as sites for clinical trials of a potential coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine from China. “Everything is under discussions for now. We’re still negotiating. For primary information, there are already proposed sites where this is going to be implemented (for) this clinical trial,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual media forum. The hospitals are the Philippine General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Vicente Sotto clinical studies. Memorial Medical Center, and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. “So, antayin lang natin ‘yung (So, let us just wait for) further information “Itong Sinovac ngayon, nasa because negotiations are still ongoing Phase 2, I think they have already although they have already submitted started Phase 3 and mayroon ng ganito and the CDA (confidential disclosure na isinasagawa ang (Sinovac is now agreement) is already final and is in Phase 2, I think they have already being studied by our vaccine experts,” started Phase 3 and there’s already Vergeire said. testing in) Brazil,” Vergeire said. As of 4 p.m. Monday, the DOH She added Sinovac Biotech Ltd. reported 220,819 Covid-19 cases, — the vaccine’s manufacturer — is 157,562 recoveries, and 3,558 deaths. processing applications for Phase 3 (PNA)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

DOH’s telemedicine strengthens primary healthcare services

The Department of Health (DOH) has partnered with Quezon City to deploy the country’s first end-to-end telemedicine project designed to strengthen the local government unit’s (LGU) ability to provide patients access to medical consultation. Quezon City is the first LGU in National Capital Region and CALABARZON (Calamba, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon provinces) to roll out telemedicine that connects to the national Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) surveillance system.

cases that only they are capable of addressing.

The DOH sees telemedicine as an enabler for health facility referral where patients no longer need to transfer from one health facility to another due to unavailability of The telemedicine project seeks doctors or services. to bolster the provision of primary care services to not only give patients Once a doctor sees the patient quicker and more efficient access to via telemedicine, the patient’s data is medical consultation, but also to allow stored in an electronic medical record secondary and tertiary health care capable of transmitting the information providers to focus on more serious to other facilities. August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

“We are deploying this telemedicine project one LGU at a time in order to support their delivery of primary care services, and we enjoin more LGUs to adopt this program so we can have a nationwide end-to-end system,” said Director Enrique Tayag of the DOH Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service. “We already have telemedicine via the DOH Covid-19 hotline 1555, and this LGU-based telemedicine will further augment our efforts.”

as close contacts of a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 positive patient and those who are already undergoing quarantine. Patients are regularly scheduled for telemedicine consultation with a doctor doing their check-up via video conference calls. Should medical prescriptions be needed in the telemedicine consultation, e-prescriptions are sent via electronic medical records to patients’ emails.

Tayag added that other telemedicine platforms of the DOH can be reached via the Covid-19 hotline 02-894-COVID (02-894-26843) and the telemedicine partners SeeYouDoc, CloudPx, HealthNowPH.

At barangay health centers, doctors check patients who are scheduled for the day via telemedicine, while doctors at the temporary and treatment monitoring facilities (TTMFs) need not enter the actual room of the patients as they can do their medical At the moment, the DOH Covid-19 rounds in front of computer screens. hotline allows patients to talk to doctors over the phone while DOH telemedicine The DOH has high hopes that partners make online consultation telemedicine will minimize the spread of with doctors available via web-based the virus among health workers directly telemedicine appointment. exposed to Covid-19. Minimizing exposure of health workers DOH continues to reach out to Covid-19 to cities like Muntinlupa, Caloocan, and San Juan to introduce similar “Given our situation now, technologies, which are directly telemedicine has a multiplier effect connected to the national Covid-19 as our limited number of doctors surveillance system of the government. can practice their field and care for more patients,” explained Pierangelo For cities with existing telemedicine A. Dominguez, head of the Local projects like Taguig and Makati, the DOH Economic Investments and Promotions continues to advocate the adoption Office and project coordinator in of national guidelines for telemedicine Quezon City. practice developed in coordination with the University of the Philippines and The telemedicine project aims the National Privacy Commission. (DOH to monitor patients who were listed PR)

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

Front-liners feted as ‘modern day heroes’ By Azer Parrocha

MODERN DAY HEROES. As the country commemorates the National Heroes Day on Monday (Aug. 31, 2020), the government recognizes the front-liners against the coronavirus disease 2019 as ‘modern day heroes’. National Heroes Day is among the country’s regular holidays defined under Proclamation 845. (Photo courtesy of DOH)

As the country commemorates the National Heroes Day, the national government on Monday honored the front-liners as “modern day heroes” and vowed to boost their coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response to ensure that the sacrifices of front-liners would not be in vain In a statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar recognized the sacrifices of “modern day heroes” as they lead the country’s battle against Covid-19 pandemic.

“As we continue our fight against Covid-19, let’s remember our modern day heroes, our front-liners, who constantly put their lives at risk for our safety and protection,” he said. “May their sacrifices not be in vain as we, August 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

in the Duterte administration, strive to continue providing the necessary actions for us to heal and recover as one nation.” Andanar also urged Filipinos to “reflect” on history to remember the courage and determination of the nation’s heroes to fight for the country’s freedom. “In honor of the spirits of bravery and valor that our heroic ancestors have exuded and handed down to us as inspirations to succeed as a nation, our strong belief and united actions towards our collective development are therefore warranted,” he said.

“For the past six months, our doctors, nurses, military and police personnel and civil servants have been at the forefront of our nation’s battle against the deadly disease. We know how your jobs have taken a heavy toll on your physical and mental wellbeing,” the NTF Against Covid-19 said in a statement. Despite the many challenges, the front-liners have been recognized for putting their lives on the line and carry out their critical tasks “so that our countrymen can get the best medical care and other essential services they need to recover and return to their families.” “The selflessness, dedication and bravery you have shown during this health crisis puts you in the same league as our national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to free our nation from foreign oppressors,” it said.

The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 also honored the medical front-liners as modern day heroes for “every conceivable sacrifice” they make to ensure health and safety of the Filipino people against coronavirus.

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

The task force said the country

will win the battle against the deadly virus “because you, our front-liners, stand ready to serve and protect our country.”

“What the pandemic made us realize is that every Filipino is a hero, and your daily sacrifice and hard work for family and country is worth celebrating and emulating,” he said in a separate “We will forever be indebted to statement. all of you. May this occasion be our He enjoined Filipinos to continue way of showing our heartfelt gratitude, recognition, and support for all the things supporting each other in deeds “big you have done for our beloved nation and small.” and the Filipino people,” the NTF said. “Lahat tayo ay may kanya“You are all heroes in the truest sense of the word. We, your countrymen, will kanyang ginagawang kabayanihan make sure that your contributions will para sa kapwa at para sa bansa (All of be appreciated, remembered and us have the ability to do acts of heroism for fellow citizens and for the country),” honored.” he said. Officials of the NTF include: National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as chair, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año as vice chair, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez, Jr. as chief implementer, Bases Conversion Development Authority president and CEO Vivencio “Vince” Dizon as deputy chief implementer.

‘Do your part, big or small’ Local governments including Pasig City also lauded the heroism of front-liners.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto expressed his gratitude to all heroes who fought behind achieving our Filipino identity and freedom, as well They reiterated call on all Filipinos as modern-day heroes who strive to to work united to surmount the negative flatten the coronavirus curve. impact of the pandemic by following all health and safety protocols to stop “Ngayong Araw ng mga the spread of the virus. Pambansang Bayani, nagbibigay‘Every Filipino is a hero’ Besides front-liners, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles pointed out that “every Filipino” also deserved to be considered heroes. Nograles said heroism “is more effective as a collective effort.”

pugay tayo sa mga Pilipinong ipinaglaban ang ating kasarinlan. Nagbibigay-pugay din tayo sa ating mga Bagong Bayani ngayong panahon ng pandemya: ang ating healthcare frontliners (On this National Heroes Day, we pay tribute to the Filipinos who fought for our independence. We also pay tribute to our new heroes in this time of pandemic –– our healthcare frontAugust 29-Sept. 4, 2020 |

obstacles and limitations, dutifully and resourcefully attend to the afflicted and so far have managed to keep the death rate of Covid-19 patients lower than global thresholds,” said IBP national president Domingo Egon Cayosa in a statement. Cayosa also urged the public to be “little heroes” by following the government’s instructions to defeat the coronavirus disease. He also hailed the judges, prosecutors, and government and private lawyers killed or harmed for performing their sworn duty. “We affirm the courage of liners),” Sotto wrote in a social media lawyers defending human rights, public post. interest advocates and whistleblowers; Sotto said the city government will the selflessness of countless pro provide the necessary support for every bono lawyers helping the poor; the health care worker and other medical dedication of lawyer-public servants and educators; the creativity of lawyerfront-liners amid the pandemic. innovators, entrepreneurs and activists; Sotto urged the public to live with the contributions of the good Filipino the spirit of heroism in these crisis times lawyer to nation-building,” he said. saying, “we all have a responsibility to National Heroes Day and do our part, big or small.” Bonifacio Day used to be celebrated on the same day—November 30. Lawyers salute front-liners The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) also hailed the health front-liners for sacrificing their security and “even their life” to save people from the deadly virus. “In these uncertain and challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, IBP salutes the health professionals who, despite the many

| August 29-Sept. 4, 2020

In 1952, President Elpidio Quirino separated the two holidays and restored National Heroes Day to the last Sunday in August. National Heroes Day is among the country’s regular holidays defined under Proclamation 845. (With reports from Benjamin Pulta and Lade Kabagani/ PNA

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