CONTENTS
Caraga Volume IV, No. 33 August 8-14, 2020
INFOCUS
ARTICLES
REGIONAL NEWS
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DOST-Caraga provides COVID-19 detection equipment to BMC
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Caraga RDC supports inclusive education amidst pandemic
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OWWA-13 now accepts online scholarship application for AY 2020-2021
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150 new Caraga cops complete basic recruit course
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PROVINCIAL NEWS Youth ‘activism’ in time of the pandemic Dinagat Islands town eyes food supply production during health crisis Dinagat Islands town to improve tourism facilities amid pandemic Dinagat Islands town establishes isolation facility U.S. provides technical training on COVID-19 testing in PH Vegetable production gitutokan sa probinsya
40 Mga pamaagi sa pagtudlo sa mga bata sa Day Care gipahiluna sa PSWD SurSur coffee farmers receive P1.82M post-harvest facility TESDA Training Center at skills training program inilunsad sa bayan ng Surigao Sur Army seizes containers of ammonium nitrate in Agusan Sur Agusan Sur agri resource center gets P7.1-M machinery
MINDANAO NEWS
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Jobs, productivity, recovery: MinDA eyes agriculture, aqua to boost Mindanao economy
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Mindanao products to shine in Manila’s MinDA Tienda
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NATIONAL NEWS PCOO expresses support for DOH-led CODE strategy in fight against COVID-19 PCOO chief honors Alfredo Lim’s ‘dynamic political career’ Gov’t doing ‘very good’ job in containing Covid-19: Palace DepEd kicks off national school readiness program DOE signs agreement with DA to boost energy and food security
COVID-19 NEWS
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Biggest Covid-19 quarantine facility in NCR to open Aug. 25 Año: Face shield adds another layer of protection vs. Covid-19 Fight vs. Covid-19 calls for endurance: Duque Covid-19 won’t intimidate Asean: Andanar
COVER
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Lungsod sa Agusan Norte hingpit nga ipatuman ang pagbawal sa pag-ihi ug pagluwa sa pampublikong lugar
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Locally transmitted to rise in Butuan Ci By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
D
espite the easement of community quarantine implementation in Caraga region, health authorities continue to detect a surge of locally transmitted cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region, particularly in the city.
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d cases continue ity
As of August 8, Caraga region now has a total of 55 cases of local transmission. Butuan City holds the highest record, with 44 cases tallied in the city, followed by eight cases in Claver town in Surigao del Norte, all of which were employees of the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation. The remaining three cases had a travel history in Butuan City. While the Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has recommended that the whole region be placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from August 1 – 15, the city government of Butuan continued to impose a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on 36 barangays namely Agao; Agusan Pequeno; Ambago; Baan Km. 3; Baan Riverside; Bading; Bancasi; Bayanihan; Buhangin; Dagohoy; Diego Silang; Doongan; Fort Poyohon; Golden Ribbon; Holy Redemeer; Humabon; Imadejas; J. P. Rizal; Lapu-lapu; Leon Kilat; Libertad; Limaha; Maon; Masao; New Society Village; Obrero; Ong Yiu; Pangabugan; Rajah Soliman; San Ignacio; San Vicente; Sikatuna; Silongan; Tandang Sora; Urduja; and Villa Kanangga. An enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed on Purok 6-A of Brgy. Buhangin, where August 8-14, 2020 |
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local transmission is most prevalent. The implementation of varying degrees of community quarantine was made effective on July 28 until August 10 through the Resolution No. 61 of the Caraga Regional Task Force on COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTFCOCS) concurring the request of the city government of Butuan. Authorities are now hastening their interventions to address the ballooning number of cases. The city government of Butuan inaugurated its molecular laboratory and COVID-19 facilities on July 28, which is the first in the entire Caraga region. Since staff members and technicians are still undergoing training, the laboratory will be allowed to operate upon the approval of the DOH. The same facilities are also being established in the province of Agusan del Sur and in Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Surigao del Sur province. Meanwhile, GeneXpert laboratories are now being established in different locations in Caraga. The construction of the said laboratory in Surigao City is now on-going while the laboratory in Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan City had already been inspected by the DOH and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and is expected to be fully functional on August.
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Local health authorities continuously appeal to the public to remain vigilant and abide health protocols even when heightened community quarantine has eased. (DMNR/PIACaraga)
News Briefs (Advisory to all GSIS Pensioners) SUSPENDED po ang Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR) niyo until 31 December 2020. xx
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, in partnership with the local government units started the delivery and distribution of the subsidized inbred certified seeds in the region. The intervention is part of the agency’s Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19, or the Plant, Plant, Plant Program under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP). Of the P8.5 billion national funds for RRP, the region has P207 million allocations.
Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga of the municipality of Loreto, Dinagat Islands and Janree Gonzales, Sangguniang Kabataan Federated President of Surigao City will be among the guests in today’s Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) - Caraga provided another set of 100 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the personnel of OWWA-Caraga. These will be used during the operations especially in welcoming and attending the needs of the arriving/returning OFWs in the region.
REGIONAL NEWS
DOST-Caraga provides COVID-19 detection equipment to BMC By Venus L. Garcia
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga donated a unit of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machine and one class II biological safety cabinet to the Butuan Medical Center (BMC). The RT-PCR is one of the most widely used devices to help detect and confirm the presence of the coronavirus in swab samples from a suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient.
The biological safety cabinet on the other hand is a containment device that would aid in the preparation of samples, protecting not only the sample material but also the laboratory worker from contracting the virus and August 8-14, 2020 |
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the surrounding contamination.
environment
from the-line RT-PCR machines were also given by the Department of HealthCenter for Health and Development The total cost of the detection (DOH-CHD) Caraga and LGU of equipment is nearly P4 million. Butuan. “We provided BMC with the said machine because we will be establishing a molecular lab. With this, we can already perform confirmatory tests in Butuan City and probably could also cater to other provinces upon request,” said DOST-Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga.
As of August 11, the total COVID-19 confirmed cases in the Caraga region have reached to 372 cases. The highest number of 113 confirmed cases are from Butuan City.
“The RT-PCR machines and molecular diagnostic laboratory will certainly increase the testing capacity The local government unit (LGU) for Butuan City and the entire region,” of Butuan is currently waiting for said Mallonga. the accreditation of the molecular diagnostic laboratory of the BMC in Meanwhile, Dr. Caridad Burdeosorder to proceed with the COVID-19 Plete, officer-in-charge medical testing. director of the BMC, said that the laboratory testing capacity will help to Apart from the machine donated rapidly identify, treat, and isolate the by the DOST Caraga, two other top-of- positive patients. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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Caraga RDC supports inclusive education amidst pandemic
By Hazel O. Fuentes
In preparation for the resumption of classes during the ‘new normal’, the Caraga Regional Development Committee (RDC) has extended their support to the implementation of inclusive learning despite the challenges posed by the current health crisis. The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga has been preparing for distance learning through alternative learning modalities such as online learning, blended learning, modular learning and TV/Radio-based instruction for the opening of classes on August 24. Radio and television will be used as a mode of teaching delivery for students who do not have access to a computer and/or other similar devices or the internet.
To date, 649,000 or 85 percent of learners in the region have been enlisted. DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas disclosed that while a concrete strategy to implement the said learning modalities, enabling TV/radio-based instruction remains a challenge due to the lack of funding to secure airtime. August 8-14, 2020 |
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The Social Development Committee (SDC) of the council has initiated to lobby the said concern to the DepEd Central Office and engage the Congress to authorize DepEd for the said expenditure to be used in light of the 3- or 6-hour daily air time.
endorse to the Caraga RDC the request for Congress through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide funding for the procurement of airtime to broadcast educational materials and instructions for SY 20202021.
“Aside from the 30-hour per month free of charge public service time provided by TV/radio stations, DepEd needs to earmark budget for the airtime of the educational materials to the far-flung areas,” said cluster chairperson and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Bonifacio Uy.
Director Bringas also noted that the welfare of all those involved in the implementation of the blended learning will be given the utmost attention.
The
Committee
agreed
“DepEd Caraga will give utmost priority to the health and safety of the teachers, parents and learners as the department prepares and ensures that education continues under the “new normal,” he affirmed. (NEDA Caraga/ to DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
OWWA-13 now accepts online scholarship application for AY 2020-2021 The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office Caraga is once again calling for applicants for its two baccalaureate scholarship programs, namely OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) and Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for A.Y. 2020-2021. The OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) is a scholarship program that offers P20,000.00 financial assistance per academic year to qualified dependents of active OWWA members whose monthly salary is not
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more than US$600. The applicant must be an incoming 2nd year to 5th year college student, intending to enroll or currently enrolled in any four to five-year baccalaureate
for the semester. For incoming freshmen, meaning, grade 12 graduating students, they must be single and not be more than 21 years old, with a general weighted average (GWA) of 85 percent or higher for the preceding school years (Grade 11 and Grade 10) and belonging to the top 20 percent of the graduating class. They must also belong to the top 400 qualifiers of the OWWA qualifying exam to be administered by the degree of their choice in any CHED Department of Science and accredited State Colleges or State Technology (DOST). Universities. The legal dependent must be the child of a married OFW-member, Applicants who are already or sibling of a single or childless OFW- enrolled in 2nd to 5th year must be member. single, not more than 30 years old to qualify, with a grade not lower than B Meanwhile, Education for or 85 percent in all academic and nonDevelopment Scholarship Program academic subjects from the previous (EDSP) is a scholarship program that school years. offers P60,000.00 financial assistance per academic year to qualified dependents The acceptance of the application of active OWWA members who shall starts this August 2020 and deadline of enroll or is currently enrolled in any four- submission will be on August 30, 2020 year or five-year baccalaureate course or until slots are available, but not later in any college or university. than September 15, 2020. The scholar will be entitled to a financial assistance of P30,000.00 per semester to be paid directly to the school. If the tuition fee is more than the financial assistance, the scholar must shoulder the difference; if less, the difference shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades
For more details, interested applicants may call the OWWA Regional Welfare Office-Caraga’s Education and Training Unit at telephone number (085) 815-1894 or hotline numbers 09399259895 (Smart) / 09383163838 (TnT) / 09173150590 (globe). (OWWA13/PIA-Caraga) August 8-14, 2020 |
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150 new Caraga cops complete basic recruit course By Alexander Lopez
NEW GRADUATES. At least 150 newly-recruited police officers in Caraga Region complete their Public Safety Basic Recruit Course on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2020) at the Regional Training Center in Lipata, Surigao City. The new police officers consisted of 118 males and 32 females. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)
The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) on Wednesday said 150 newly-recruited personnel have already completed their Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC).
In a press statement, Major Renel ceremony at the Regional Training Serrano, PRO-13 public information Center in Lipata, Surigao City, marked officer, said Tuesday’s graduation the training completion of the 150 new
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PRO-13 police personnel.
keep going. Entrust everything to the Almighty God because His ways are The activity was graced by Brig. higher than our ways. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, the Deputy Regional Director for Administration Serrano said among the highlights who represented PRO-13 director Brig. of the ceremony was the recognition Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr. of graduates who excelled in different fields of the training. Of the 150 graduates under the PSBRC Class 2020-01 ‘Kamandasig’, 118 Pat. Mary Grace Daisy Z. Cinabre are males and 32 are females, Serrano ranked 1st in the entire class, followed said. by Pat. Mark Freddie D. Suarez in second, and Pat. Mark Cesar E. Erman In his message, Macaraeg in third place. highlighted the improvements done by the leadership of the police organization Accorded with leadership awards in the country, including the recruitment were Pat. Franz Siegfred L. Dela Cruz as process and the training of the recruits. the Battalion Commander of the class, Pat. Miljoy M. Yamit as President, Pat. Mark He also encouraged the Cesar E. Erman as the Alpha Company neophyte police officers to “be ready commander, Pat. Eric M. Porpayas to face the challenges along the way. as the Bravo Company commander, Greater challenges may come but your and Pat. Emelon O. Torralba as Charlie experiences shall be your inspiration to Company commander. (PNA) August 8-14, 2020 |
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Youth ‘activism’ in time of the pandemic By Venus L. Garcia
In this day and age, the young people are no longer excluded from real world affairs and involvement in decision-making. The wave of youth activism now seem to have a silver lining in the selfless heroism of young bloods. For Janree Gonzales, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federated President of Surigao City, now is the time to spur youth activism. Activism, he said, in such a way that encourages vigorous action and campaign for “Bayanihan.”
“This means we simply need to follow the health protocols and guidelines imposed in order to curb the spread of the virus. Our cooperation is important in the fight against COVID-19,” he said with further emphasis that no extraordinary skill or talent is required but a willful act that He said that at this time of the could contribute in preventing the pandemic the younger generations transmission of the virus. have to step up their efforts, Young people are among participate, and show support to those impacted by the current crisis the agenda of the government that brought about by the COVID-19 are most beneficial to the people pandemic but according to Gonzales especially during this time of global during the Laging Handa Network crisis due to coronavirus disease 2019 Briefing today hosted by Presidential (COVID-19) pandemic. Communications Operations Office August 8-14, 2020 |
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Secretary Martin Andanar, they find meaningful ways to contribute in helping the communities. He said that together with the SK officials and members, they assisted and provided frontline service at the entry points of the city.
and hygiene kits to be distributed to the underprivileged students.
He also disclosed that just recently they collaborated with the ‘Project Pagsubook’ and ‘Kat-on Surigao’ (Learn Surigao). Both are youth-led organizations that aim to They also have prepared more provide assistance to the target public than 20,000 relief goods that were schools and students. distributed to family beneficiaries. The “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxi The SK Federation of Surigao with seats extended sideways) drivers City will aid in identifying the recipient have also benefitted from the 5,000 elementary and secondary schools relief packs that they had donated. from the 15 barangays in the mainland Surigao. Learning never stops “We are glad to have partnered As the COVID-19 pandemic with Project Pagsubook and Kat-on continues to confront the world with Surigao. Our goal is to achieve youth unprecedented challenges, it does empowerment and promote youth not factor out the number of learners participation in advancing positive worldwide. Educational institutions change. So, this is basically a ‘youth were forced to close their doors for youth’ initiative where we aim affecting a multitude of students. to support the young individuals by imparting to them the needed school Gonzales even mentioned materials,” explained Gonzales. during his guesting in the Laging Handa Network Briefing that per Leading forward to a more data from the local school board, a responsible and responsive youth decrease in the number of enrollees sector, Gonzales said that their was noted in the area that is why the group is committed in unleashing Department of Education (DepEd) their youthful power to advocate in initiated to conduct a campaign in learning continuity. the barangays informing the public about the ongoing enrollment at that Sec. Andanar lauded the time. contributions and best practices of the SK Federation of Surigao City Elevating his civic leadership as and encouraged the members to the SK federated President, he said remain steadfast in pursuing and he already issued a memorandum achieving the significant goals of the allocating a part of their budget for organization. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del the procurement of school supplies Norte)
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Dinagat Islands town eyes food supply production during health crisis By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
Food security remains a great concern that continues to be addressed by the municipal government of Loreto in Dinagat Islands.
Loreto town mayor Doandre Bill Lagada reiterated in today’s episode of the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar the measures they have done to maintain food production in the locality. They have continuously advocated for their residents and constituents to embark on backyard gardening by distributing seedlings. Mayor Ladaga noted the improvement of their agriculture, stating that even those who are not familiar with gardening are now eager to expand their own gardens.
As to food self-sufficiency, the local government unit of Loreto has implemented strategies to transport goods to the mainland of the province. The mayor admitted that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic served as a ‘wake-up call’ for their local government to boos their local agriculture. “When we experienced the effects of the pandemic on March, we were able to see the insufficiency of our food supply, which our Municipal Agriculture Office quickly addressed,” he said.
With the presence of Department August 8-14, 2020 |
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of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar in the same episode, the mayor took the opportunity to solicit additional assistance to help farmers in increasing food production. The agriculture secretary was quick to answer to the call, stating that they may approach their regional office in Caraga to voice out their concerns. The department will make sure to tend to their appeals as they are also promoting the Plant, Plant, Plant program of the government,
wherein all aspects of food production such as crop, livestock, and fisheries are being targeted. Furthermore, the secretary has stated that he will personally coordinate with DA Caraga regional director Abel Monteagudo to help farmers not just in Loreto town as well as in the whole Dinagat Islands province and in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte in marketing their products by establishing market linkages. Teams will be deployed to tackle on the matter. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
Dinagat Islands town to improve tourism facilities amid pandemic By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
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With the whole nation grappling with the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the municipality of Loreto in Dinagat Islands province aimed to make use of the temporary suspension of accommodating tourists in the area to improve their facilities. During his guesting in today’s episode of the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Municipal Mayor Doandre Bill Lagada bared that they aim to make use of the travel restrictions to improve their local tourism.
The municipality is known for its ecotourism. Tourists flock to witness its famous Bonsai Forest, which is currently under a mining claim. “Despite this, both the municipal and provincial governments are coming up with strategies to preserve the forest,” Mayor Lagada clarified.
“Boosting our local tourism after According to the mayor, the pandemic is admittedly a great challenge to the local government preserving the forest is important to the town, since unit,” he furthered.
Dinagat Islands town establishes isolation facility
By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio
In line with the intensified efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amid the continuous growth of confirmed cases in Caraga region, a local elementary school was converted to a Municipal Care and Containment Center (MCCC) by the municipal government of Basilisa town in the province of Dinagat Islands to serve as an isolation facility for the returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and suspect and probable cases in the municipality. August 8-14, 2020 |
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Its 80-bed capacity has been allocated to cater in equal number of female and male patients, equipped with fixtures to maintain patient privacy, among others. The said facility had operational since August 11.
been
While funding posed as a challenge due to the pandemic, the municipal government was able to source out funds for the facility by realigning its existing budget for unprogrammed projects and activities for Gender and Development (GAD) and Peace and Order (POC) under the FY 2020. The setting up and operationalization of MCCCs in municipalities is deemed crucial as more and more Basilisanhons are still coming in the ports of the province to come home in the midst of a health crisis.
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In addition, this served as a compliance to the call of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. Epimaco V. Densing III enjoining all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to render full assistance and coordinate among line agencies to mobilize the necessary resources efficiently to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19, through a memorandum issued on April 14, 2020. As it is situated in the Tag-abaca Central Elementary School, the newlyestablished MCCC will cater in as many patients up until the resumption of classes. To date, the province of Dinagat Islands is one of the two provinces in the whole country to maintain a COVID-19free status, along with Batanes. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIACaraga)
U.S. provides technical training on COVID-19 testing in PH
The United States (U.S.), through the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), led a two-week molecular biology training to strengthen the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing capabilities of Philippine medical technologists. From June 1 to June 12, the U.S. Department of Defense’s PhilippinesAFRIMS Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) trained four medical laboratory technologists at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center, the biggest Philippine military medical facility, on biosafety, biosecurity, respiratory sample processing and storage, and COVID-19 testing techniques. PAVRU and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have maintained a strong partnership since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic outbreak, during which they worked to support disease testing in the Philippines. With the onset of the COVD-19 pandemic, PAVRU is once again working directly with and supporting AFP personnel in the fight against the disease.
testing and laboratory supply support, including reagents, laboratory consumables, access to equipment, and guidance for molecular testing. In addition, PAVRU offered technical guidance as the Medical Center designed, renovated and equipped a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory that includes biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and biomedical freezers. With PAVRU support, Victoriano Luna Medical Center and its personnel have completed nearly 3,000 COVID-19 tests on behalf of the AFP.
AFRIMS is an overseas laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, headquartered in the United States in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since 1893, WRAIR has worked to reduce the During the early phases of the impact of some of the world’s most COVID-19 pandemic, PAVRU provided debilitating diseases. (U.S. Embassy/ Victoriano Luna Medical Center with VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) August 8-14, 2020 |
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Vegetable production gitutokan sa probinsya
Gitutokan karon sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug Department of Agriculture-Caraga ang umaabot nga project partnership kabahin sa vegetable production. Nakig-meeting bag-ohay pa lamang ang mga personahe sa Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga nga gipangunahan ni officer-in-charge Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega kauban ang mga representante gikan sa Office of Cong. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba ug Provincial Agriculture Office sa panguna ni Alvin P. Aclan aron mahisgotan og insakto ang maong project partnership on vegetable production. Ang maong proyekto molangkob sa 50 ka mga barangays sa probinsya. Lain na usab kini nga inisyatibo aron sa pagsagang sa impact sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Ang proyekto ma-implementar sa pakig-kolaborasyon sa Agricultural Training Institute ug Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Matod pa ni DA-Caraga regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo nga sa panahon karon sa pandemya, ang food production diha sa inyong kaugalingon nga backyard maoy importante. Dugang pa niya nga ang pagtudlo sa katawhan sa simple nga pamaagi sa pagtanom aron makaangkon sa ilang kaugalingong pagkaon makatabang og dako sa panahon karon. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Lungsod sa Agusan Norte hingpit nga ipatuman ang pagbawal sa pag-ihi ug pagluwa sa pampublikong lugar By Prisilina P. Amoroso
Hingpit na karon nga ipatuman sa lungsod sa Carmen ning probinsya ang ilang Municipal Ordinance No. 014-2019,” An Ordinance Prohibiting Spitting and Urinating in Public Places, Providing Penalty for Violation thereof,” human naaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, atol sa sesyon regular niadtong Enero 20,2020. Ang ordinansa sa lungsod sa Carmen nagdili sa pagpangluwa ug pag-ihi sa mga publiko nga lugar ug adunay ipataw nga silot sa paglapas niini. Ang baho sa ihi ug ang pananaw sa luwa sa palibut dili mahinlo ug dili limpyo tan-awon, kay ang usa ka buhat sa pagluwa ug pag-ihi sa mga pampublikong lugar dili insakto nga buhat ug nga kini maghatag sakit sa mga katawhan.
Nakita sa Committee on Health and Nutrition diin tsirman si Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, nga ang ordinansa sa lungsod sa Carmen, nahisubay sa seksyon 16 (General Welfare Clause) ug seksyon 447(1) sa RA 7160 ang Local Government Code 1991, ug kini nagtumong sa paghatag usa ka himsog nga kahimtang sa mga residente ug mga lumalabay ug aron mapadayon ang usa ka limpyo ug sanitary nga palibot.
Ang makalapas ani nga balaodnon adunay ipataw nga multa: First Offense – Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) Second Offense – One Thousand Pesos (P1,500.00) Third Offense – Two thousand Pesos (P2,000.00)
Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No.031-2020 gi-aprobahan ug gideklara nga balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Municipal Ordinance No. 014-2019 sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Calo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) August 8-14, 2020 |
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Mga pamaagi sa pagtudlo sa mga bata sa Day Care gipahiluna sa PSWD By Karen V. Decamotan
Ubay-ubay ang giplastar sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) pinaagi sa Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council nga mamahimong alternatibong paagi nga pagkat-on sa mga bata nga nag edad og 3-4 years old o mga toddler aron magpabilin nga luwas ug makapahaum sa gitawag nga ‘new normal.’ Usa niini nga gi-tanyag sa konseho sa ECCD nga limitahan ang mga ‘face to face gathering’ hinungdan nga namugna ang duha ka alternatibong paagi.
klase na karong September. Wala pay tukmang desisyon. Struggle sa amua kay ang pipila usab nga mga day care centers sa probinsya, gigamit sab isip isolation facilities,” pahayag ni Jeanette Paredes, ang ECCD/Children Una, mamahimong alternatibong Coordinator. ‘teacher’ ang ilang mga ginikanan ug adunay sesyon alang kanila nga Samtang wala pa nakanaug ipahigayon sa mga Child Development ang tukmang desisyon sa kaulohan, Teacher (CDT) kada semana aron gipaneguro sa probinsyal nga mapasabot kanila ang ilang role ug panggamhanan sa pagdumala ni angayan nilang buhaton alang sa mga Gobernador Dale B. Corvera nga bata. talewala sa gisagubang nga mga kakulian dala sa coronavirus disease Ikaduha, mamahimong 2019 (COVID-19) sa probinsya, ipadayon ang normal nga klase apan padayon gihapon ang probinsyal nga mamahimong katunga lamang kini sa panggamhanan pagpadangat og regular nga kapasidad sa luna. serbisyo alang sa mga bata sama sa pagpanghatag og mga educational “Plano pa lang na tong una pa, kits aron naa silay materyal nga kadtong wala pa nagpagawas og tun-anan ug mga logistics nga desisyon si President Duterte nga mag panginahanglanon sa day care
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centers sama sa bangko ug lamesa.
mahatagan og saktong amoma ang mga bata tungod usa sila sa Gikatakdang panghatagan usab mga vulnerable nga matakbuyan sa og module ang CDT aron mamahimo makalilisang nga sakit sa COVID-19. nilang giya sa pagtudlo. Gi bana-bana nga moabot og Ipanghatag kini nga mga 6,000 ka mga bata ang mo-eskwela na panginahanglanon sa umaabot nga sunod buwan ug prayoridad niini mao mga adlaw. kadtong nag-edad og upat ka tuig tungod kay sila ang sumusunod nga Hugtanon usab nga misanong mamahimong Grade 1 sa umaabot sa hustong health protocol ang nga tuig. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA mga personahe sa probinsya aron Agusan del Norte)
SurSur coffee farmers receive P1.82M postharvest facility By Nida Grace P. Barcena
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned-over a hauling truck worth P1.82 Million to the coffee farmer-members of the Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PARBMCO) in Poblacion, Tagbina this province. DAR Provincial Office information officer Myra Yu said the project grant was part of the component B (I-SHARED) investment for Value Chain Equipment of the Project Convergence on Value Chain for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE). Yu said the post-harvest facility will be utilized for the coffee trading and marketing enterprise of the coffee farmers in Barobo, Tagbina (BATA)
Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Cluster in Surigao del Sur. PARBMCO Chairperson Pastor Jerry Taguno thanked DAR for being the recipient of the program. “This is a great challenge for us because if there is an opportunity, it entails great responsibility being the lead ARBO on marketing activities of the project, and a consolidator of the coffee as well,� said Taguno. August 8-14, 2020 |
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Meanwhile, Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso encouraged the officials and members of the cooperative to always perform well and maintain the stability of the business operation. The official also encouraged the members to cooperate and help each other to reach the target of the program so that the government would not hesitate to extend additional assistance and support for them. Meanwhile, DAR Surigao del Sur Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Office (PARO) chief Leoncio Bautista, Jr. acknowledged the local government unit of Tagbina for their cooperation and untiring support of the project.
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“By providing the post-harvest facility, it will help PARBMCO in their marketing enterprise activities and in the delivery of coffee produced to potential markets,” PARO chief Bautista said. Organized in 2006, PARBEMCO has 152 members. The cooperative’s main business enterprise is a consumer store when they started, and currently, they now have two branches in Tagbina town. It started on December 31, 2019, with a capital of P7,500.00 only. But based on the current financial condition of the coop, it has reached its cash flow liquidity to P6.5 Million, Yu noted. (PIASurigao del Sur)
TESDA Training Center at skills training program inilunsad sa bayan ng Surigao Sur By Nida Grace P. Barcena
Sa gitna ng banta ng pandemya, matagumpay na idinaos ang magkahiwalay na launching ng mga programa at proyekto ng Technical Education Skills and Development Authority o TESDA na dinaluhan ng mga opisyal at empleyado mula sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan sa bayan ng Marihatag, Surigao del Sur noong Biyernes, Agosto 7. Unang idinaos ang launching ng Provisional Provincial Training Center o PPTC sa Poblacion Marihatag, pinagunahan eto ni Deputy Speaker
at 1st District Congressman Prospero “Butch” Pichay na naging panauhing pandangal kasama ang mga opisyal ng probinsiya at lokal na pamahalaan August 8-14, 2020 |
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ng Marihatag na sumusuporta sa pagpapatupad nang mga programa ng TESDA. Kasabay nito, iginawad din ni TESDA Caraga Regional Director Ashary Banto sa local government unit ng Marihatag na pinamumunuan ni Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio ang Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR) nang Masonry National Certificate II (NC II), Driving NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, at ang Organic Agriculture Production NC II. Sa kanyang mensahe, nangako si Mayor Pelenio na susuportahan ang lahat ng mga programa ng TESDA sa pamamagitan ng paglaan ng mga pasilidad at ekwepo ng lokal na pamahalaan para magamit sa implementasyon sa pagsasagawa ng mga iba’t-ibang pagsasanay sa mga benepisyaryo nito.
San Roque, Barangay Mahaba sakop sa bayan ng Marihatag. Layunin nito na sugpuin ang ugat na problema sa insurhensya sa pamamagitan ng “Whole-of-Nation Approach.”
Napag-alaman, kasama sa scholarship packages na nakatakdang magsisimula bago matapos ang buwan ng Agosto ng kasalukuyang taon ang free training, free assessment, training support fund na nagkakahalaga sa P160 bawat araw, P500 allowance para sa personal protective equipment o PPE, P500 allowance para sa internet, at isang taon accident insurance coverage sa GSIS.
Inilahad naman ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang ahensya na myembro ng Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) ang ibang ibang programa na pwedeng mapakinabangan ng mga taga Sitio San Roque. Kasama si Cong. Prospero Pichay na naglahad ng kanyang commitment na maglaan ng pundo para sa pagpapatayo ng kanilang Tribal Center sa kanilang kumunidad.
Bukod dito, inilunsad naman ang isa pang Skills Training Program na tinawag na “Barangay Mahaba Organic Agriculture Production Village Enterprise” sa isang kumunidad ng Sitio
Nagtapos ang okasyon sa pamamagitan ng Tree Planting Activity sa komunidad na dati ng tinaguriang naimpluwensyahan ng mga makakaliwang grupo. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Army seizes containers of ammonium nitrate in Agusan Sur By Alexander Lopez
BOMB-MAKING MATERIAL. A trooper of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion inspects the 85 packs of ammonium nitrate placed in plastic containers and concealed by suspected New People’s Army rebels in a remote area of Barangay Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The Army says the recovered bomb-making material pose danger not only to government troops but also to the villagers in the area. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)
The Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion seized several containers of ammonium nitrate, a bomb-making material, believed to be owned by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote area in the Agusan del Sur town of Esperanza. August 8-14, 2020 |
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1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civilmilitary operations officer, told Philippine News Agency Thursday (Aug. 13) that a farmer reported the discovery of the bomb-making materials in Barangay Maasin, Esperanza town, on Monday evening (Aug. 10).
including the materials used for making bombs in areas populated by civilians,” Paulo said.
Sometime in June this year, the 23IB also seized 11 containers of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials in the same barangay based Maglalang said the 23IB on the report of concerned civilians in immediately sent a team to the area, the area. which recovered four plastic containers with 85 packs of ammonium nitrates, “The Communist NPA Terrorists a material used by the NPA in making (CNTs) directly threaten, disturb and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). put the lives of the civilians in the area in great risk by storing deadly explosives He said the materials for bombnear the communities in the area,” making belonged to the members of the Sub-Regional Committee 3 of Paulo said. the NPA’s North Central Mindanao He added that the acts of the Regional Committee. NPA rebels showed a “disregard for the In a statement Thursday, Lt. Col. rights of the civilians who wish to live Julius Cesar Paulo, 23IB commander, peaceful lives in their communities”. lambasted the NPA rebels for the “Aside from planting APMs and “continuing threats they pose against the lives of the ordinary civilians” in the concealing deadly explosives, the area. CNTs continue to disturb the populace in the area through extortions and Paulo pointed out that the manipulations,” Paulo added. recovered bomb-making materials could generate around 85 anti- Paulo also lauded the villagers for personnel mines (APMs) that could reporting the presence of the bombinflict heavy damage to government making materials, saying this reflected troopers and civilians. their “disgust over the taxing atrocities, threats, and intimidations of the NPA “Treaties in the country and rebels to the civilians”. abroad, particularly the Ottawa Treaty, Geneva Convention and the “Your cooperation gave us the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International strong motivation to continue our Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) strictly mission and do our best to serve and prohibit the storing and use of the protect you from the threats of the improvised explosive device (IEDs), CNTs,” Paulo said. (PNA)
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Agusan Sur agri resource center gets P7.1-M machinery By Alexander Lopez
MECHANIZATION. The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region hands over 204 units of pre- and post-harvest facilities and small-scale irrigation project worth PHP7.1 million to the Agricultural Resource Center in Barangay Mabuhay, Bayugan City on Thursday (Aug. 6, 2020). The equipment will help boost the agricultural production of farmers in the province. (Photo courtesy of DA-13 Information Office)
A resource center for agriculture run by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur has received harvest facilities from the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13). In a statement Friday (August small-scale irrigation projects worth 7), the DA-13 said a total of 204 units PHP7.1 million were handed over to the of pre- and post-harvest facilities and Agricultural Resource Center (ARC) in August 8-14, 2020 |
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Barangay Mabuhay, Bayugan City on Thursday. “The agriculture department is strengthening the capacities of our farmers with their groups and organizations through mechanization,” DA-13 Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo of DA-13 said. “Farm mechanization will further boost the agricultural production of our farmers here in Agusan del Sur and the rest of the region,” said Monteagudo, who led turnover of the machinery to the top officials of Agusan del Sur on Thursday. The DA-13 official also took note of the previous deliveries of farm equipment and types of machinery done by DA-13 to other groups of farmers in the region, including the cassava and corn farmers in Agusan del Norte last month. Among the equipment delivered include 35 pumps and engine set, 12 rice threshers, four rice reapers, thee mechanical rice transplanters, six hand tractors, and three granule applicators cum seed spreaders worth PHP5.1 million and funded under the DA’s Rice Program.
banana chippers, six pole pruners, three mini chainsaws, five grass cutters, six power sprayers, eight knapsack sprayers, and 104 plastic drums amounted to PHP1.3 million funded by Another four units of cassava the High-Value Crops Development chippers and one corn sheller with Program (HVCD) of DA were also turned the amount of PHP630,850 were also over on Thursday, DA-13 said. received by ARC on Thursday funded by the agency’s Corn Program. Monteagudo said more machinery and equipment will be handed over to A total of 137 units of facilities, different farmers’ organizations in the to include two multi-cultivators, three region. (PNA)
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MINDANAO NEWS
Jobs, productivity, recovery: MinDA eyes agriculture, aqua to boost Mindanao economy
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will focus its efforts on the region’s agriculture and fisheries sectors over the next five years as it aims to trigger immediate recovery following the economic slowdown because of the COVID 19 Pandemic. Projects which will be pushed, especially those funded by the European Union’s Grant Fund for Rise Mindanao Program, are those which will address poverty, improve productivity and trigger economic recovery.
Mindanao’s agriculture and fisheries sector was the bright spot in the region’s economy as it showed resilience by posting a positive growth, even as the industry and services sectors were badly battered by the COVID 19 Pandemic.
MinDA’s interventions will be mainly on value-adding on its major products to create more job opportunities and increase producers’ earnings.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that in the 2nd Quarter, Mindanao Agriculture continued to grow by 0.1 percent while industry and services
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sectors contracted by 6.9 percent and resilient and can stand better chances 9.7 percent, respectively. of overcoming internal or external shocks and recover faster”. Despite a 16.5 percent drop, the Gross Domestic Product in the second He added that the agriculture value quarter this year, the worst since 1981, chain cuts across sectors as hotels and Mindanao Development Authority malls sell agri-products, some construction (MinDA) has projected that Mindanao activities are related to agri-facilities, can withstand the current challenges. logistics flow contain agri products, raw or processed, domestic or for export. “While major growth drivers succumbed to Covid-19 pandemic, Mindanao supplies over 40 percent agricultural sector output for domestic of the country’s food requirements and consumption and exports of top Mindanao contributes more than 30 percent to the agricultural products stood strong against national food trade. the insane waves of adversity, showing Mindanao’s resiliency,” MinDA Assistant The Mindanao Peace and Secretary Romeo Montenegro said. Development Rise Program (MINPAD “Regardless of the situation we are Rise) under the European Union Fund confronted with, calamities, disasters, Grant amounting to PHP 2.1-Billion, MinDA conflict, pandemic, and the likes, we will implement and manage integrated all need food to survive. So if the focus value chain and rural development is given to improving Mindanao’s agri projects across Mindanao regions to sector, which is an inherent strength, address poverty, increase productivity, towards self-sufficiency, food security, and immediately restart the Mindanao and sustainability, then we become more economy. (Minda)
Mindanao products to shine in Manila’s MinDA Tienda By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo
Fruits, marine products, and other goods from Mindanao will be showcased during the week-long “MinDA Tienda sa Manila” scheduled in September, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday. Piñol said the “MinDA Tienda Mehan Garden beside the Manila City sa Manila” which will be held at the Hall has already been approved by August 8-14, 2020 |
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Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, tentatively Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces. scheduled from September 20 to 26. Other high-value products to “This followed after the be displayed are the black and red announcement of Russian President organic rice, the popular Zamboanga Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (August Spanish sardines, vegetables from 11) that the Covid-19 vaccine is now Bukidnon’s IMTASULA (Impasug-ong, available and that the Philippines will Talakag, Sumilao, Lantapan) vegetable be one of the first beneficiaries,” he complex, and locally woven fabric said. made out of indigenous fibers. Piñol said the planning for the market showcase began early this year and that the chosen date was in anticipation of the harvest season of fruits and marine products in the island between September and October.
The event, Piñol said, will be patterned after the highly successful “MinDA Fruit Festival” staged in Baguio City last year, which will link Mindanao suppliers to direct buyers in Metro Manila.
Among the products which will be showcased during the week-long activity are fruits coming from the Davao and Central Mindanao regions and the marine products from as far as
“It is one of the programs complementing the Complete Value Chain Policy of MinDA to empower its agricultural and fisheries producers,” Pinol said. (PNA)
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NATIONAL NEWS
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PCOO expresses support for DOH-led CODE strategy in fight against COVID-19
even before the start of the enhanced community quarantine in March. “Patuloy ang pagtulong natin sa National Task Force laban Sa COVID-19. Nagbibigay suporta tayo hindi lang sa presensya, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng mga polyeto at posters patungkol dito sa ating BIDA Solusyon at Laging Handa [We continue to work with the National Task Force Against COVID-19. We support not just with our presence, but also by bringing brochures and posters of our BIDA Solusyon and Laging Handa],” he said. The PCOO chief also handed over copies of the BIDA Solusyon information collaterals to Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
According to the DOH, the coordination meetings with LGUs are part of the National Task Force’s CODE initiative that demonstrates active case Presidential Communications finding strategies for the prevention Operations Office Secretary Martin and elimination of clusters.
Andanar on Friday expressed support for the initiated COVID-19 Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) of the Department of Health (DOH).
CODE will be headed by the DOH in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) who will be conducting houseto-house visits in 10 barangays in Metro Sec. Andanar joined the CODE Manila to find symptomatic patients so meeting in Pasay City with DOH they can be tested and isolated. Secretary Francisco Duque, Contact The said strategy was adopted Tracing Czar and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and World from the Dharavi model of Mumbai, Health Organization Representative Dr. India. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, where the city During the meeting, Sec. government presented the programs and initiatives they have undertaken Duque stressed that the fight against COVID-19 is a test of endurance for the
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Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar handed over copies of the BIDA Solusyon information collaterals to Pasay City Representative Antonino Calixto and Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano during the CODE meeting on Friday at the Pasay City Hall. Photo from PCOO.
government and all sectors. “Limang buwan na po nating binubuno ang problema natin sa COVID-19. Ito na talaga ang itsura ng laban natin. Ito’y hindi na sprint, marathon na ito. Patatagan po ang laban dito kaya kinakailangan talagang maging matatag po tayong lahat [We have been trying to solve this problem with COVID-19 for five months now. This is really how it’s going to be. This is not just a sprint—this is already a marathon. This is a test of strength so we need to be strong],” he said as he urged everyone to also be part of the solution. “Sa laban po na ito ay hindi po pwedeng gobyerno lamang ang kikilos. Hindi naman pupwedeng pribadong sektor lang po ang kikilos. Ang atin pong policy that governs our response
to COVID-19 is a whole-of-government, whole-of-system, and whole-of-society approach [In this fight, the government or the private sector cannot act on it alone. Our policy that governs our response to COVID-19 is a whole-ofgovernment, whole-of-system, and whole-of-society approach],” he added. Sec. Duque also stressed that behavior change by the public to routinely observe minimum health standards should be pushed further to bring down the rate of transmission in communities. Mayor Magalong also discussed the CODE strategy for Pasay and challenged the local government to intensify its contact tracing efforts by building a database. (PCOO) August 8-14, 2020 |
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PCOO chief honors Alfredo Lim’s ‘dynamic political career’ By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday showed appreciation for the “dynamic political career” of former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim who died due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a press statement, Andanar Lim served as mayor of Manila extended his sympathies and City from 1992 to 1998 and from 2007 to condolences to the family of Lim. 2013. Andanar said the nation He also became senator and would remember Lim for the latter’s Interior Secretary. “dedication to public order and long years of public service.” Lim was also former chief of the “Our thoughts and prayers go out National Bureau of Investigation. to his family and friends. We pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Mayor In a separate statement, Lim,” he said. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque hailed Lim‘s “tough stance against Lim’s grandson, Paul dela Cruz, criminality and drugs.” confirmed the passing of the former mayor in a Facebook post. “He (Lim) left a legacy of law and Dela Cruz, however, did not mention order to his constituents,” Roque said. “We pray for the repose of his soul as further details about Lim’s death. we keep the family of Mayor Lim in our Lim, 90, was a police officer before thoughts and prayers during this time of he entered politics. great loss.” (PNA)
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Gov’t doing ‘very good’ job in containing Covid-19: Palace By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
Swab testing center at the MOA Arena in Pasay City (File photo)
Malacañang on Wednesday said it believes the government is doing a “very good” job in combatting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country, despite the unabated spike in the number of infections. August 8-14, 2020 |
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While Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged the “continuing” transmission of Covid-19 in the country, he was convinced that the government is able to manage the pandemic.
He noted that the situation in the Philippines is “not as bad” as it might seem, compared to other nations, such as the United States, which have been badly hit by Covid-19.
“That’s the context by which “No country in the world is perfect people should evaluate – how well in this coronavirus and I would say (the) government has responded to that we have done very good so far this challenge,” Roque said. in containing it and also in limiting the death (of Covid-19 patients),” Roque In March, President Rodrigo said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Duterte imposed an enhanced The Source. community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest lockdown, in Luzon to stop the The Philippines on Monday transmission of Covid-19. reported 6,958 new Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day surge in the country. Duterte in April extended the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas On Tuesday, the country logged considered high risk for Covid-19. an additional 2,987 Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of cases to He eventually eased the 139,538. quarantine restrictions to allow the gradual reopening of the economy. Despite this, Roque said the government is doing the “right thing” in However, the continuing rise in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 infections prompted Duterte to again place Metro Manila and the He also reiterated that the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, country would have recorded millions and Rizal under modified ECQ (MECQ), of Covid-19 infections, had the the second most stringent quarantine government failed to take immediate classification imposed in the country, steps to arrest the further spread of the until August 18. new coronavirus. Roque said the classification of “We do the best that we can. community quarantine in Metro Manila Number one, we recognize that there and its nearby provinces after August 18 is a continuing transmission. And I’d would be based on the case doubling like to point out that we have actually rate and critical health care capacity. done a good job of containing it His statement came a day after he said somehow, given that we have the it would be “highly unlikely” for Duterte highest population density in Southeast to retain the MECQ status in Metro Asia,” Roque said. Manila and its nearby provinces. (PNA)
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DepEd kicks off national school readiness program By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday held a dry run of the alternative delivery modalities under the blended or distance learning to be used for the school year 2020 to 2021. During the virtual launch of the “Handang Isip, Handang Bukas” school readiness program, about 10 schools showcased their back-toschool preparations in various settings.
Malaya Elementary School’s Special Education Program, and TAGUMpay Palengskwelahan. Three schools -- Santiago City National High School, Navotas National High School, and Shining Light Academy -- will use blended learning which is a combination of modular and online teaching.
Five of these schools will use modular distance learning for the incoming school year – Don Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. Memorial High School, Don Luis Hidalgo Memorial School, Sucao Elementary School,
The Mangayon Elementary School August 8-14, 2020 |
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will use a radio-based and modular teaching approach while Calay IP School will use learning-on-wheels and modular approaches for their learners. In her speech, Education Secretary Leonor Briones assured learners that DepEd would continue providing learning opportunities despite the absence or limited face-to-face classes in this time of the pandemic. To address the varying local situations and needs of learners, Briones said schools and teachers may “contextualize” the Basic EducationLearning Continuity Plan.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga magulang ng 22.9 milyong learners na nag-enroll dahil sila ang magdedesisyon sa kinabukasan ng mga batang ito. Naniniwala pa rin sila sa kapasidad ng DepEd na mag-deliver ng response sa bagong panahon (We thank the parents of 22.9 million enrolled learners because they decide on the future of these kids. They still believe in DepEd’s capacity to deliver a response in the modern times),” she added. To date, there are 21,441,092 learners who have enrolled in public schools and 1,538,815 learners in private schools nationwide. (PNA)
DOE signs agreement with DA to boost energy and food security As part of collaborative efforts to boost the country’s energy and food security, especially during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi yesterday (6 August) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Agriculture Secretary William P. Dar at the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Diliman, Quezon City. “We have been actively seeking ways for the DOE and DA to work closely together, given that food and energy security are intertwined concepts. With the COVID-19 crisis further underscoring the importance of energy and food
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independence, we want to build on this momentum to ensure that we are able to fully utilize our indigenous energy resources to boost our agrifood sector,” Energy Secretary Cusi said.
Revving UP THE FOOD AND ENERGY SYNERGY: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (left) signs a Memorandum of Agreement with Agriculture Secretary William P. Dar (right) to develop and implement a Renewable Energy Program for the Agriculture and Fishery Sector (REP-AFS).
Under the MOA, the DOE and DA will develop and implement a comprehensive Renewable Energy Programs and Projects for the Agriculture and Fishery Sector (REP-AFS), as part of the National Renewable Energy Program and Food Security Program.
The objectives of the REP-AFS are: • strengthen and/or expand the implementation of existing renewable energy (RE) programs, projects, and technologies for the agri-fishery sector in all feasible sites all over the August 8-14, 2020 |
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country, such as, but not limited to solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS); biomass gasifiers; and small-scale geothermal energy to supply heat, mechanical and electrical power for farm machinery, post-harvest facilities, and greenhouses; • promote the use of RE, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, smallscale geothermal, and other farmbased energy resources for agriculture and fisheries to reduce the cost of production of agri-fishery products; • develop new and emerging RE technologies for the agri-fishery sector in collaboration with research and development institutions, state colleges and universities, and the private sector;
• provide technical and other support services to local manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers of locally-produced equipment and components of RE-powered agri-fishery systems; and encourage continuing technology innovation through public private partnerships, joint venture arrangements, technology business incubation, contract research, management contract, and other legal instruments. A Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) will be created to develop the detailed programs and projects, address policy and technical requirements, and attend to other related concerns. The TWG will be composed of the DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau; and the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Sugar Regulatory Administration, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
• promote and coordinate the human resource/manpower development of RE for the agri-fisheries sector through capacity development; and the deployment of agricultural and bio systems engineers, technicians, farmers, fishermen, farm workers, and other concerned stakeholders in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Labor and “This is a win-win partnership for Employment, and the Department of our energy and food industries. Energy Education; is needed throughout the agrifood • promote, coordinate and/ production process, and at the same or undertake the development and time, the systems being used are also implementation of standards on able to produce energy. It is up to us the design and construction of RE to optimize this synergy to benefit our equipment and facilities for the agri- people,” Secretary Cusi concluded. fishery sector; and (IDPD/DOE)
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Biggest Covid-19 quarantine facility in NCR to open Aug. 25 A 525-bed mega quarantine facility -- the biggest so far in Metro Manila -- will open later this month to accommodate coronaviruspositive patients who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. MEGA QUARANTINE CENTER. Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Sec. Vince Dizon discusses the design and key plan of the mega quarantine center which will open later this month. The government targets to house mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 cases in the facility. (Contributed photo)
This was announced by National Action Plan (NAP) Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Sec. Vince Dizon during an inspection of the facility’s ongoing construction on Monday.
Foundation, Inc.
“We want to thank the Razon Group and Prime BMD, to Mr. Enrique Razon, Jr., for this very, very generous donation,” Dizon said. Dizon also expressed gratitude The mega quarantine facility, to Meralco and the Maynilad Water located in Parañaque City, is funded Services Inc. for providing power and by the Razon Group through its water connections to the facility. construction arm Prime Metro BMD Corporation, and Bloomberry Cultural Dizon said the mega quarantine
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center is one of the additional Covid-19 country and is constructing 95 more for facilities that will be built to service Metro completion this month until the early Manila, Bulacan, and the Calabarzon part of September. Region. These facilities have a total These additional facilities, he capacity of around 13,000 beds. added, will have a total capacity of 3,000 beds. Prime BMD Chief Executive Officer “A lot of the cases are mild Jeff Gallus said they are aiming for the and asymptomatic cases, up to 98.5 facility to be used by August 25. percent to 99 percent. We are going to have to house them and allow them to get better, roughly for two weeks, and “It’s an immense source of pride these are the facilities that are going to for us to be able to support the IATF house them,” Dizon said. and the government in achieving this outcome. This is a great opportunity DPWH Undersecretary Emil for us to be involved; and certainly for Sadain, who also joined the inspection, Mr. Razon, for his support, so we can said his department has finished a total continue to help in this crisis,” Gallus of 300 quarantine facilities all over the said. (PR)
Año: Face shield adds another layer of protection vs. Covid-19 By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said face shield would serve as additional layer of protection against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) particularly in areas where some people do not observe physical distancing. “Kung saan ‘yung maraming tao at hindi mo ma-maintain ‘yung twometer distance kasi dapat two-meter distance so makakatulong ‘yung face shield (Wherever there are a lot of
people, and you can’t maintain the two-meter distance, so, face shield can help),” Año said in a television interview. August 8-14, 2020 |
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Año said the use of face shields is also encouraged not only in public transport vehicles but public areas such as markets, hospitals, quarantine facilities, and workplaces. He said that even inside the house, family members should practice physical distancing and wear face masks to avoid Covid-19 transmission.
He said only authorized persons outside residence (APOR) should only be the ones who can travel. Metro Manila as well as the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal were placed anew under second most stringent modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from Aug. 4 to 18 amid the rise of the Covid-19 cases.
“Ang pinaka-importante diyan kung talagang di nila maiwasan, magsuot sila ng mask. Advisable din Under MECQ, mass public ‘yung face shield diyan (If physical transport is suspended and only APOR distancing can’t be practiced, wear are allowed to travel. face mask. It is also advisable to wear face shield),” Año said. As of Aug. 9, the country has Año reiterated that staying at recorded 129,913 Covid-19 cases, with home is the best way to prevent the 67,673 recoveries and 2,270 deaths. (PNA) transmission.
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Fight vs. Covid-19 calls for endurance: Duque
The fight against the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is not a sprint but a marathon that calls for endurance, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reminded the city officials of Pasay.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (File photo)
“Limang buwan na po nating binubuno ang problema natin sa Covid-19. Ito na talaga ang itsura ng laban natin. Ito’y hindi na sprint, marathon na ito. Patatagan po ang laban dito kaya kinakailangan talagang maging matatag po tayong lahat (We have been fighting this problem with Covid-19 for five months. This is really the kind of war that we have. It’s not a sprint, this is a marathon. It requires endurance and that’s why we all have to be stable),” Duque said during the Covid-19 Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) meeting with Pasay City’s Task Force Covid on August 7. Duque advised the local officials to keep healthy as the country continues to grapples with coronavirus that has so far infected 129,913 in the country.
“Alam kong nakakapagod (I know it’s tiring), but we just have to recharge, re-energize, reconvene, review the plans, narrow them down, then execute,” he said. The coordination meeting with the Pasay City’s Task Force Covid is part of the National Task Force’s CODE initiative that demonstrates active case finding strategies for the prevention and elimination of clusters. “Active case finding” means systematic screening and clinical evaluation of patients in the community. “Sa CODE, kapit-bisig po ang national and local governments, sa pangunguna ng local chief executives, sa pag-durog ng clusters (Through August 8-14, 2020 |
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CODE, national and local governments are united -- lead by local chief executives -- in crushing clusters),” he said. “Tayo po ay magba-bahaybahay, sa pangunguna ng isang (We will visit house-to-house lead by our) healthcare worker -- do house-to-house symptom check, immediate isolation ng mga may sakit o sintomas (of those with symptoms), and massive targeted testing kung saan ang swabbing ay ating isasagawa sa community na rin mismo (where swabbing will be held within the community),” Duque explained. He also urged everyone to adopt BIDA solusyon! (B-awal walang mask, I-sanitize ang kamay, D-uminstansya at A-lamin ang tamang impormasyon!) [BIDA solution! B – not wearing mask to educate Pasay residents on how to is not allowed, I – sanitize your hands, protect themselves from Covid-19. D – distance, and A – know the right information]. As of August 6, 2020, Pasay City has 871 active cases; 788 of which are Duque said BIDA is the simplest mild, 64 are asymptomatic, five are yet proven measures to protect oneself severe, and 14 are critical. from getting infected with coronavirus. During the CODE meeting, Mayor The city has one accredited Imelda G. Calixto-Rubiano reported reverse transcription polymerase how the local government manages chain reaction (RT-PCR) laboratory, Covid-19 cases in their jurisdiction. the Philippine Airport Diagnostics Laboratory. She highlighted their executive ordinances, orders and resolutions that Duque was joined by contract reinforced Department of Health’s tracing czar Benjamin Magalong, (DOH) protocols and guidelines on Communications Secretary Martin Covid-19. Andanar, other DOH officials and World Health Organization Country Rubiano also shared their pro- Representative Dr. Rabindra active and aggressive information drive Abeyasinghe. (DOH PR)
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| August 8-14, 2020
Covid-19 won’t intimidate Asean: Andanar By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. (File photo)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will never be daunted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on Saturday.
In his message for the Asean’s 53rd Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, founding anniversary, Andanar said the Myanmar, and Cambodia later joined regional bloc would continue to show the grouping, bringing the total number dedication to address the Covid-19 of Asean member-states to 10. pandemic. The Asean celebrates its 53rd “Even with the present threat posed founding anniversary as the region and by the Covid-19 pandemic, Asean has other parts of the world grapple with Covid-19. never wavered in its determination and commitment of community-building for Andanar expressed optimism every Asean citizen,” he said. that the present Asean leaders would continue to imbibe their forefathers’ On Aug. 8, 1967, five leaders from collective vision of “shared socioIndonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, economic development, mutual Singapore, and Thailand signed a assistance, and regional peace and document establishing the Asean. stability.” August 8-14, 2020 |
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He expressed confidence that the In a separate statement, President 10-man regional organization would Rodrigo Duterte said the Asean’s fight continue to achieve milestones and against Covid-19 would be successful successes, both regionally and globally. through their continued cooperation and collective effort to stop the further Andanar made the statement transmission of the disease in the as he noted that the Asean is moving region. closer to its vision of a “politically-, economically-, and socially-united The highest number of confirmed community.” Covid-19 cases in the Asean is recorded “Through Asean’s continued achievements as an effective mechanism and institution, we are confident that we will all overcome all difficulties that come our way, especially the threat of Covid-19, as we embrace mutual assistance and regional collective partnership,” he said.
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| August 8-14, 2020
in the Philippines, which is currently at 122,754. It is followed by Indonesia (121,226), Singapore (54,797), Malaysia (9,063), Thailand (3,345), Vietnam (750), Myanmar (359), Cambodia (243), Brunei Darussalam (142), and Laos (20). (PNA)
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