Caraga InFocus – December 26- January 1, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 1 December 26- January 1, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

10 12

IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC, OWWA CARAGA ASSISTS 9,309 OFWS BACK IN THE REGION DA DISTRIBUTES ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS AFFECTED BY TD VICKY

PROVINCIAL NEWS

14 17 20 21

BUNAWAN RESIDENTS THANKFUL FOR THE ASSISTANCE FROM SENATOR BONG GO FLOOD VICTIMS IN AGUSAN SUR AREAS RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM SEN. BONG GO 33 FRS IN AGUSAN NORTE, BUTUAN RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AGRI GALING MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION ISINAGAWA NG DA CARAGA

24 27 28 29 31 33 34 36 38 39 41

MINDANAO NEWS FILIPINOS LIVING IN THE EDGES: DIGITAL CONNECTION SOUGHT FOR REMOTE MINDANAO ISLANDS WHILE PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT: FARMERS EARN P200,000 NET FROM 1 HECTARE OF BAMBOO

NATIONAL NEWS COVID-19, DISASTERS SPAWN WHOLE NEW LEARNING EXPERIENCE -ANDANAR GORDON CALLS ON SSS FOR REVIEW OF 2021 CONTRIBUTION INCREASE PRESIDENT DUTERTE SIGNS P4.5-TRILLION 2021 NATIONAL BUDGET COVID-19 VACCINATION COULD BEGIN IN MAY NEXT YEAR, SAYS COUNTRY’S VACCINE CZAR PRESIDENT DUTERTE CANCELS IN-PERSON CLASSES AMID FEARS OVER NEW COVID-19 STRAIN GOV’T ADOPTS MEASURES TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 MUTATED VARIANT METRO MANILA, NINE OTHER AREAS, PLACED UNDER GCQ IN JANUARY

COVID-19 NEWS NEW SARS-COV-2 VARIANT DOESN’T MAKE VACCINES INEFFECTIVE CREATION OF DIFFERENT TASK FORCE ON NEW COVID-19 STRAIN MULLED ADAPT TO NEW NORMAL TILL PANDEMIC IS OVER, PINOYS URGED

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Message of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Rizal Day - SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

e enjoin every Filipino in commemorating the 124th anniversary of the martyrdom of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Dr. Rizal dedicated his life not just to writing novels that would influence our consciousness and national identity, but also in doing work as a physician and a philanthropist, in service to his fellowmen. Being a beacon of hope, unity, patriotism, valor, and service to the country, may Dr. Rizalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy continue to burn within the hearts of every Filipino, especially now as we face the challenges brought by social ills, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic. May we remain inspired by and continue to embody the values and principles that defined Dr. Jose Rizal - his love for our country, compassion for others, and intellectual prowess - as we collectively heal, recover, and rise as one nation.

DTI OPENS OTOP HUB CARAGA, OTOP DINAGAT ISLANDS By Venus L. Garcia

| December 26-January 1, 2021

Amid the challenges of businesses and economy of the country due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga ensures that micro, small at medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region are given appropriate support form the government through the agency. Part of the intervention was the opening of the One Town, One Product o OTOP PH Hub Caraga and OTOP Dinagat Islands situated at the 3rd and ground level of the SM City Butuan wherein several food and non-food items made by local producers are available.

Caraga INFOCUS

“We need a lot of pump priming. Business opportunities are necessary at this time because we need economic activities. We have to build lives again and have to start all over again. I think it’s about time that we come together and work for economic development in Caraga,” said DTICaraga regional director Edwin Banquerigo. The DTI-Caraga also inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with its partners GDH Caraga Inc., Create Food Inc., and Binuhat Arts and Crafts Trading. With the start of operations of the OTOP hub, the local producers felt the significant intervention of the government. According to Banquerigo, the DTICaraga, their agency has been providing product and market development support to the MSMEs and comprehensive entrepreneurship development training to enhance the competence of the entrepreneurs. “To all our producers, always remember you are the engine of growth Caraga INFOCUS

and that every product that you produce you create jobs, you create livelihood opportunities. And this is what we really want, this is what we really need to push Caraga further,” said Banquerigo. For other programs of the DTI, Banquerigo said that they also give business or livelihood starter kits and there is also the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program to those who are affected by the disaster such as the pandemic in order for them to recover economically. Meanwhile, city administrator Reynante Desiata of the local government unit of Butuan said that through the OTOP Hub, as a retail store, it is a good venue

to showcase the distinct products of Caraga. “This is also our call to all Caraganons to patronize our local products. This is our way of helping our local entrepreneurs. We are calling all everyone to support OTOP and local producers in Caraga region and Butuan City,” Desiata said. DTI-Dinagat Islands provincial director Arnold Faelnar also bared that the establishment of said OTOP outlets will pave the way in introducing the locally-made products not only to the buyers from the Caraga region and Philippines but also to people from other places outside the county. (VLG/ PIA-Caraga) December 26-January 1, 2021 |

News Briefs Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my sworn duty to expose corrupt officials, says President Duterte. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, announced the names of some members of the House of Representatives allegedly involved in corruption particularly in the construction of infrastructure projects. xx

The GSIS Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) program is again extended by another year (or until 31 December 2021) to give the personnel of the Department of Education, as well as other government agencies, additional time to apply and enjoy the benefits of GFALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flexible credit facility. GFAL has recently been expanded to include active members whose employment status are appointed, elected, or non-permanent and whose periods with paid premiums (PPP) are at least 15 years. GSIS has also reduced the previous three-month payslip requirement to only one month from the date of application.

Simulan ang 2021 mo sa TAMANG TUNOG. Iwasan na ang delikadong paputok at gumamit ng ligtas at alternatibong paraan para lumikha ng malakas na tunog sa pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon. Senator Bong Go met with the media practitioners in Agusan del Sur during his visit, Dec. 29 in the municipality of Bunawan and answered their queries, with the presence of Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., and other local officials.

REGIONAL NEWS

IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC, OWWA CARAGA ASSISTS 9,309 OFWS BACK IN THE REGION Few days before the year 2020 closes, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Regional Welfare Office (OWWA RWO) Caraga has recorded a total of 9,309 returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) including their dependents that have been assisted by its ongoing repatriation assistance beginning April 29, 2020. Of this number, 2,040 were residents of Butuan City, 1,838 from Agusan del Norte, 1,615 from Agusan del Sur, 1,590 from Surigao del Norte, 1,854 from Surigao del Sur, 181 from Dinagat Islands, and 191 from Misamis Oriental (Region X). The said OFWs also adhered to all the established health protocols before they are allowed to board the plane and vessel that includes, Bureau of Quarantine Certificate yielding negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase

| December 26-January 1, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test results to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Upon arrival at any port of entry near the Caraga region, free meals, food packs, transport assistance, and temporary shelter were provided to those OFWs who had to wait for their transport service to be arranged by their local government units concerned for onward travel to their home provinces, subject to the minimum required public health standards. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered

Caraga INFOCUS

mass repatriation of OFWs to the Philippines. While many of the repatriated OFWs lost their jobs, they also included those contracts had ended, distressed workers who were staying in shelters, and those returning home for a vacation. OFWs who came home temporarily were also caught up by the various quarantine requirements, and in addition, they were stranded in the Philippines pending the availability of flights back to their countries of employment. To meet the various needs of the arrivals

of the returning OFWs, OWWA RWO Caraga has coordinated with the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), other members of the Regional Task Force for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield and most importantly the provincial and local government units here in Caraga region. (OWWA Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

December 26-January 1, 2021 |

DA DISTRIBUTES ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS AFFECTED BY TD VICKY

In response to the call of the Office of the President and the Office of Senator Bong Go to assess areas affected by Tropical Depression (TD) Vicky, the Department of Agriculture (DA) converged with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide assistance after the onslaught of TD Vicky, affecting several livelihoods in the region including the agriculture sector. DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness Kristine Y. Evangelista together with DA Caraga

| December 26-January 1, 2021

Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo and DA Caraga Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega attended on Monday the distribution in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The local government unit (LGU) of Prosperidad received 285 bags of Certified Rice Seeds and 3,000 pouches of 7-in-1 vegetable seeds in support for the rehabilitation of the livelihood of affected farmer-beneficiaries. Moreover, the DA grant one million pesos

through the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program to the LGUs severely affected by the typhoon. “This grant will serve as an investment to create more agricultural businesses, I hope that you’ll make use of this grant to grow your business fast,” Asec. Evangelista said. “Agriculture does not end with just planting, we have to create a business, invest in our agricultural products so that we can gain profit even more,” she added. RED Monteagudo also reiterated that the DA will continue to serve its mandate, especially in times of disaster where the agriculture sector is prone to severe impacts. The Inter-agency will continue to roll out assistance on the following days to the severely affected LGUs, mostly in Agusan del Sur area. (DA-Caraga/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUNAWAN RESIDENTS THANKFUL FOR THE ASSISTANCE FROM SENATOR BONG GO The residents of different barangays in the municipality of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur are thankful as they received the assistance from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go during his recent visit to residents affected by Tropical Depression Vicky, right before welcoming the new year 2021. On Tuesday, December 29, Go and his team initiated a distribution activity held at the Zotico Moday Sports Complex and Cultural Center of said municipality. There, a total of 500 typhoon victims were provided with meals/food, medicine packs, vitamins, masks and face shields while strictly complying with health and safety protocols to avoid the

| December 26-January 1, 2021

spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. “Ang hindi ko makakalimutan na sikreto ni Presidente [Rodrigo] Duterte na kanyang itinuro sa akin ay ang unahin at mahalin mo ang kapwa Pilipino mo — dito, hinding-hindi ka magkakamali (One thing that I could never forget President Rodrigo Duterte told me is to love and prioritize our co-Filipino – and one will never regret it),” Go began in his speech. “Kung mamatay man ako papauwi, masaya ako dahil nakapunta ako ng Bunawan at nakapagserbisyo ako sa mga kapwa ko (Should I die as I go home, I’d be happy that I was able to visit Bunawan and was able to give the services

to you),” he continued. During Go’s visit, selected indigents have received shoes from the senator. Others were provided with bicycles for their commute to work given limited public transportation options. Another set of beneficiaries were given tablets so their children can participate better in the blended learning setup being implemented in schools. The Senator, also the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged that the pandemic had overburdened many people with their medical and healthcare needs. Given this, he offered to assist those in need of Caraga INFOCUS

medical assistance. “Lapitan nyo lang kami. Tutulong kami sa pampagamot ninyo. Kung anumang karamdaman ninyo, susuporta kami. Dahil para sa amin, importante ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino (Just approach us. We will help you in your medical needs. Whatever illness or sickness you have, we are here to give support. Because for us, life of each Filipino is important),” he said. He also advised them that they may conveniently seek further aid from government through the Malasakit Center at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City or neighboring Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. He promised that a Malasakit Center would also be opened in Agusan del Sur soon. “Batas na po ang Malasakit Center. Para po ito sa bawat Pilipino. At sisiguraduhin namin na magkakaroon rin ng ganito dito sa probinsya ninyo para matulungan ang mga taga rito na nangangailangan ng tulong pangkalusugan (The Malasakit Center is Caraga INFOCUS

already a law. This is for all the Filipino people. And we assure you that the province of Agusan del Sur will also have this soon to address your health needs),” he said. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipino patients can conveniently avail medical assistance from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The Senator also reminded everyone to cooperate with the

government, remain vigilant, and follow health protocols to put a stop to the spread of COVID-19 especially as the New Year is fast approaching. “Pakiusap, ‘wag muna mag-party sa New Year dahil delikado pa ang panahon. Sumunod tayo sa gobyerno. Ginagawa naman ito para sa inyong kapakanan. We need your cooperation (I am appealing to everyone to avoid having parties as we celebrate the New Year since it is still not safe during this time of the pandemic. Obey the government. We are doing this for your safety. We need your cooperation),” he appealed. “Kapag mayroon na pong safe na December 26-January 1, 2021 |

vaccine, uunahin namin ni Presidente ang mga mahihirap, vulnerable at lahat ng mga frontliners para makabalik na kayo sa normal ninyong pamumuhay (Once we have the vaccine, the President will see to it that those who are poor, vulnerable and all the frontliners will get it first ans with hope that we could all have a normal living),” he added. Aside from the aid that Go’s office provided, national agencies also extended assistance as part of the holistic approach of government to help affected communities recover and build back better. Representatives of the DSWD provided each beneficiary with separate financial assistance to cover their immediate needs. The Department of Agriculture (DA) supplied the local farmers’ cooperative with a recirculating-type grain dryer, assorted vegetable seeds and rice seeds. It also offered financial grants to help farmers purchase other equipment and supplies. The Philippine Crop

| December 26-January 1, 2021

Insurance Corporation (PCIC) extended further support by distributing checks to qualified farmers. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) provided aid to local coconut farmers in the form of financial assistance, fertilizers, rice, chickens and eggs while indigenous farmers received separate financial support. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in turn, provided fisherfolk with fiber glass paddle boats and tilapia fingerlings. In addition to the above, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), all committed to extend aid upon completing their assessments. During his speech, the Senator expressed his appreciation for all the local officials for their untiring service throughout a tremendously challenging year. He recognized Governor Santiago Cane Jr.; Vice Governor Samuel

Tortor; 2nd District Board Member Edwin Elorde; Mayor Sylvia Elorde; Vice Mayor Gilbert Elorde; Councilors Elmer Desales, June Barrios, Ruth Amador, Cipriano Dique, Ednard Gil Elorde, George Villanueva, Ronald Cesar Bustillo, Rolito Peñaloga; and ABC President Rudy Ayala, among others. He also thanked Bunawan Brook Punong Barangay Emelio Saberdo, Poblacion Punong Barangay Antonio Barrios, Nueva Era Punong Barangay Joel Largo, San Andres Punong Barangay Candelario Salas, Consuelo Punong Barangay Gregorio Maloloy-on, Libertad Punong Barangay Fernando Luna, Mambalili Punong Barangay Jammy Vab Montes, San Teodoro Punong Barangay Charlito Rensulat, Imelda Punong Barangay Ronald Anteg, and SK President Kinny Caballes. Similar activities were carried out by the Senator’s outreach teams for 1,000 typhoon victims in the towns of Prosperidad and Rosario on December 28 and 29, respectively. (Office of SBG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

FLOOD VICTIMS IN AGUSAN SUR AREAS RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM SEN. BONG GO Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent assistance to victims of the recent Tropical Depression Vicky in the municipalities of Prosperidad and Rosario, Agusan del Sur on December 28 and 29, Caraga INFOCUS

respectively. The senator continues to help Filipinos in crises especially during the holiday season. Go’s team provided financial assistance, meals, food packs, masks, face shields, vitamins,

and medicine packs to 500 beneficiaries in Prosperidad and another half a thousand from Rosario in Agusan del Sur. They carried out the distribution activities while complying with December 26-January 1, 2021 |

necessary health and safety protocols issued by the government to avoid the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “Mayroon po akong pinadala na grocery packs sa inyo. Lahat po kayo makakatanggap ng grocery packs. Mayroon ding vitamins. Inumin niyo po ito dahil pampalakas po ito ng resistensya (I have sent grocery packs for all of you. All of you will receive the grocery packs. Included also are vitamins. Consume it to help boost your resistance),” Go said during his video message to the recipients. “Mayroon din po

| December 26-January 1, 2021

kaming pinadala na mask at face shield. Pakiusap lang na suotin niyo po ito dahil delikado pa ang panahon. Mag social distancing at maghugas ng kamay. Sa mga tagaAgusan, huwag kayong mag-alala. Kapag mayroon ng vaccine na safe, uunahin po namin kayo diyan (We also sent masks and face shields. Please use it to protect you in this time of pandemic. Observe social distancing and wash your hands regularly. To all of you here in Agusan, don’t worry. Once we have the vaccine, we will prioritize you),” he assured them. Go also recognized the efforts of the local

governments of the two municipalities led, respectively, by Prosperidad Mayor Frederick Mark P. Mellana and Vice Mayor Jesusimo L. Ronquillo; and Rosario Mayor Jupiter Abulog. He advised local officials, including the councilors, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials and municipal staff, present to always prioritize the poor and vulnerable sectors when it comes to public service. Due to limited transportation and the need to commute to work, Go also gave away bicycles to selected recipients. The senator also distributed Caraga INFOCUS

tablets to another set of chosen beneficiaries for their children’s use for online classes under the blended learning set-up. Go also reminded residents who need medical attention to avail of services from the nearest Malasakit Centers located at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, and in neighboring Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital - Montevista in Davao de Oro. “Mayroon tayong Malasakit Center na pwede ninyong lapitan. Kung kailangan niyo ng tulong sa ospital, puntahan niyo lang ito at tutulong po ang staff sa inyo (We have Malasakit Center that is ready to attend to your medical needs. Should you be needing help from the hospital, go to Malasakit Center and the staff will help you),” he said. Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops where four government agencies, namely the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Caraga INFOCUS

PhilHealth are placed under one roof whose medical programs help poor and indigent patients. M e a n w h i l e , personnel from the DSWD separately provided financial assistance to the victims while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Housing Authority (NHA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) assessed and validated potential beneficiaries for their respective programs. The Department of Agriculture (DA), including its associate agencies Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), distributed additional aid to Rosario beneficiaries. The assistance included a recirculating dryer

under its Enhanced Kadiwa Grant, pouches of assorted vegetable seeds and rice seeds, a 12-footer fiberglass paddle boat, and fishing gears. The DA-PCA also provided social amelioration to coconut farmers. Moreover, the Rosario local government unit received financial assistance from the agriculture department under its Enhanced Kadiwa Grant Puhunan Pang-Agribusiness program. “Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin, ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa ating Panginoon (President Duterte and I continue to serve you because for us, the services that we provide you are the services that we also offer to God),” he ended. (Office of SBG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) December 26-January 1, 2021 |

33 FRS IN AGUSAN NORTE, BUTUAN RECEIVE ASSISTANCE By Karen Kie V. Decamotan Another 33 former rebels (FRs) from Agusan del Norte and Butuan City received assistance in an activity recently attended by the four department secretaries of the national government and local officials. The package, handed over to FRs during the Awarding of Assistance to FRs and Interfacing of Regional Task Force ELCAC and Regional Task Force for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTF COCS) in Butuan City, included cash, food packs, hygiene kits, and personal items. Sec. Eduardo Año of the Department Interior and Local Government, Sec. Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense, Sec. Francisco Duque III of the Department of Health and Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process

| December 26-January 1, 2021

personally awarded the package to the FRS. Gov. Dale B. Corvera, chairperson of both the Caraga Regional Development Council and RTF COCS as well as Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte and other officials of Caraga also attended the event. In his welcome message, Gov. Corvera shared how the region responded to the pressing issues surrounding insurgency while mitigating the effects of the pandemic. He added that at this point, the region focused on efforts at improving the local economy while managing the risk of the pandemic and at the same time, ensured that the strong partnership and collaboration of the

stakeholders in the fight against insurgency is sustained until the end of the problem. “As chairperson of the Regional Development Council, RTF COCS and Agusan del Norte Peace and Order Council, it is our pride that so far, we are the only region throughout the country to have a regional peacebuilding initiatives, the Caraga roadmap for peace which is aligned to the goals of EO70 in ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict by addressing not only insurgency but also the other major conflict lines like criminality, resourced based conflicts, and issues and challenges of the Indigenous People living therein,” Gov. Corvera said. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

AGRI GALING MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION ISINAGAWA NG DA CARAGA By Nora C. Lanuza

Sa layuni ng ma-showcase ang kayamanan sa agrikultura at pangingisda sa rehiyon ng Caraga, nagsagawa ng agri galing mobile photography competition ang Department of Agriculture ng rehiyon na nilahokan ng iba’t ibang sektor. Binigyan ng isang buwan ang lahat na nakilahok upang makapagsumite ng kanilang entries kung saan ang tema ay nakasentro sa pagdiriwang ng rice awareness month at organic month. Masaya si Charmagne dela Peña, ang 1st placer sa millenial category Caraga INFOCUS

dahil sa oportunidad na naipromote ang agriculture sa pamamagitan ng kanyang talento sa photography kahit sa panahon na may banta ang coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hinikayat din ni dela Peña ang iba pang may hilig sa photography na makilahok sa pagpromote ng agriculture. Ayon kay DA regional technical director Rebecca Atega, ang kompetisyon ay isa sa mga stratehiya ng ahensya upang maipaabot ang kahalagahan ng agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng

larawan. Dagdag pa ni Atega, ito rin ay paraan kung saan ang mga kalahok ay maging instrumento upang ma-inspire ang iba pa na suportahan ang agrikultura. May dalawang category ang nasabing competition – ang Gen Z category at Millenial category. Sa Gen Z category nakuha ni Aaron Dax Ucat ang 1st place, sumunod si Jobert Cordero at pangatlo si Jan Edcel Man-on. Nakuha din ni Ribeth Morgado and 2nd place at Garald Rago ang 3rd place sa Millenial category. (NCLM/PIA Caraga) December 26-January 1, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

FILIPINOS LIVING IN THE EDGES: DIGITAL CONNECTION SOUGHT FOR REMOTE MINDANAO ISLANDS The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has asked Congress to urge Philippine Telecommunication Companies to link the farthest southern islands to the rest of the country by establishing digital connection through satellite facilities. During a hearing conducted by the Mindanao Affairs Committee chaired by Representative Shirley BaĂąas last week, I brought to the attention of Congress the request made by residents of Taganak Island which I visited in March this year. Taganak, which is part of the Province of Tawitawi and one of the Caraga INFOCUS

islands in the Turtle Islands Group, is about a two-day boat ride from Zamboanga Cty. From Sandakan, Sabah, however, it is only a 1-hour trip by speedboat. The island has no communications facilities and residents have to scale a hill to be able to get a faint signal from Malaysian Telecommunication companies. In March, when I attended a BIMPEAGA conference in Kota Kinabalu as MinDA Chairman and Philippine Signing Minister, I received an offer from a Malaysian telecom for the establishment of a satellite station in Taganak and another southern island,

Mangsee which belongs to the Province of Palawan. While I was excited about the proposal, I realized later that it would not be a good symbol of an inclusive governance to allow foreign telcos to serve Philippine territories. Establishing satellite facilities in Taganak and Mangsee Islands may not be a lucrative and profitable project for Philippine Telcos because of the small population. This however, must be done if only to make people living in the edges of the country feel that they too are Filipinos who should be cared for. December 26-January 1, 2021 |

WHILE PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT: FARMERS EARN P200,000 NET FROM 1 HECTARE OF BAMBOO

A prospectus released by Mindanaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first bamboo processing facility said farmers could earn as much P200,000 per hectare net of expenses by planting the Giant Bamboo. Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Resourced Corp. President Rod Bioco, who set up a bamboo processing facility in Malaybalay, said what makes bamboo a versatile crop is its regenerative charactistic where several.shoots grow to replace a harvested pole. The end products are: treated and dried bamboo slats (intermediate raw material), laminated bamboo lumber/beams and boards, and finished products (doors, jambs, mouldings and furnitures). Most of these materials are now manufactured in China and imported by construction supply companies.

| December 26-January 1, 2021

Here are the details of the Bamboo Farming prospectus released by BGB Resources: -Plantation: Giant bamboo (dendrocalamus asper) 100-150clumps/ ha, Php50,000/ha development cost up to 3 years of rearing.

Initial harvest can be started after 5-6years, but commercial harvest starting 7th year (100mt/ ha). Poles should be 3-5years old. - Farming revenue: owner gets net Php90-120/ pole. Yield 120-150poles/ ha/year (70-110kg/pole) or around 120-150mt/ Caraga INFOCUS

(Photos provided by BGB Resources)

ha/year. Some farms are getting 1500-2000 poles/ ha/year (15-20poles/ clump). Farmer can make profit Php200,000/ year, year after year with minimal maintenance cost (no replanting, fertilizer, etc). Harvesting crew get P50-80/pole depending on terrainy, Caraga INFOCUS

generating income of >P8,000/16mt truckload per 4-5days per crew of 6-7pax. - Supply: ideally within 30km radius to control trucking cost <P50/pole or P0.50/kg. Plant capacity to do 60,000mt/year (2shifts) or 600,000poles/year, which

can be supplied from just 600hectares of giant bamboo. - Buying price: P2.50/ kg delivered/unloaded basis. - P r o d u c t i o n capacity (when finished): 200mt/day or 2,000 of fresh poles (3-5 years old at 40%mc) yielding 24,000 boardfeet/day. Investment Php150M. - Cost: Php55/BF, dried, treated slats, which we export at Php65/BF, or we laminate costing another P20/BF, and sell as engineered bamboo lumber or beams for P100/ bf and panel boards for P120/bf (ex-plant Bukidnon)... If we process further into mouldings, floor panels, doors or jambs we can sell P180250/bf, while furnitures can fetch P300-500/bf. - Products: treated and dried bamboo slats (intermediate raw material), laminated bamboo lumber/beams and boards, and finished products (doors, jambs, mouldings and furnitures). â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope to sell more locally. Every board foot of engineered bamboo is a BF of tree not being cut,â&#x20AC;? said Rod Bioco. December 26-January 1, 2021 |

NATIONAL NEWS

COVID-19, DISASTERS SPAWN WHOLE NEW LEARNING EXPERIENCE -ANDANAR

P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar today encouraged all Filipinos to reflect and learn from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 global health pandemic and from major natural disasters that hit the country recently. “The past year has been marked by major changes not only in our country, but for the rest of the world. Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the entire world, the Philippines has endured calamities and natural disasters that have truly challenged our Caraga INFOCUS

resilience, our grit, and our bravery as a nation,” Anadanar said in his yearend message. “As we reflect on the past year, may we recognize all that we have achieved and accomplished despite the difficult circumstances that we have encountered. May we learn from the lessons brought by these challenges and apply our learning moving forward,” he added. Andanar said everyone must be willing to trade some freedom for the greater good of the public. “We ask everyone to remain committed in

following all the health protocols and minimum health standards prescribed by our government, especially as we celebrate the coming new year, so that we can continue to heal, recover, and rise as one nation,” he said. “As we welcome 2021, we face the adjustments and some degree of uncertainty brought by ‘new normal’. Although our collective fight is far from over, may we remain firmly united and unyielding in meeting head on any difficulty that this year holds,” he added. (Jerome Carlo R. Paunan) December 26-January 1, 2021 |

GORDON CALLS ON SSS FOR REVIEW OF 2021 CONTRIBUTION INCREASE Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Corporation and Public Enterprises, called on the Social Security System (SSS) to submit to the Committee proposals on how the implementation of the 2021 contribution increase can be suspended without shortening the fund life of the SSS. “ B a g a m a ’ t kailangan at nakasaad sa batas na magkaroon ng dagdag na kontribusyon ang SSS sa 2021, nakikita natin na hindi ito napapanahon lalo na’t lugmok ang ating mga negosyo. Noong ginawa ang RA 11199, wala pa sa hinagap ng mga mambabatas na magkakaroon ng

| December 26-January 1, 2021

He noted that data from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) show that losses in sales reached PHP5.2 trillion in the first half of the year alone. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/ Facebook)

pandemya at magiging malala ang epekto nito sa ekonomiya,” said Gordon. “Ayon sa datos ng NEDA, Php 5.2 trillion ang loss sales sa unang semestre pa lang ng taon. Kalahating taon pa lang, mas mataas na ito sa 2021 budget na Php 4.5 trillion. Kailangan nating balansehen ang interes ng mamayan na nahihirapan sa pandemya pati rin ang interes na mapangalagaan ang pondo ng SSS,” he added. Gordon admits, however, that stopping the 2021 contribution increase is not easy and that a new law may be needed as the increase is specifically mandated in Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 and there is no provision in the

said law that empowers the SSS to stop it. “Pag-uusapan namin ito sa komite at kung kinakailangan ay maglalabas kami ng bagong batas para maging magaan para sa ating mga kabababayan ang makaahon sa pandemyang ito habang patuloy na nagbabayad ng kanilang kontribusyon sa SSS,” he said. RA 1199 was enacted on February 7, 2019 to protect the fund life of the SSS which was shortened by ten years from 2042 to 2032 on account of the approved Php 1,000 additional benefit given by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte under the memorandum from the Executive Secretary dated February 22, 2017. Caraga INFOCUS

PRESIDENT DUTERTE SIGNS P4.5-TRILLION 2021 NATIONAL BUDGET

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the ceremonial signing of the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) at the Malacañan Palace on December 28, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed into law Monday the P4.5-trillion 2021 national budget that allocates money for the government’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and infrastructure development. Attending the signing ceremony in Malacañang were select members of the Caraga INFOCUS

Senate and the House of Representatives. “I stand before you today happy and proud to sign the 2021 General Appropriations Act,” President Duterte said in his message. “This important piece of legislation attests to the importance of an active and fruitful collaboration between

the Executive and the Legislative branches of government, especially at this time when the health and welfare of our people are at stake.” The ratification of the 2021 national budget manifests the commitment of all stakeholders to set aside divisive partisan politics for national good. December 26-January 1, 2021 |

The President commended the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and civil society partners, which provided extensive knowledge and technical expertise in crafting the expenditure program that will enable the country to rebuild and push the economy forward. With the signing of the 2021 national budget, the President said his administration could continue pursuing its flagship Build, Build, Build program, revitalize the industry and service sectors, and support much-needed social

| December 26-January 1, 2021

services projects. “Let me stress, however, that one of the most important items in the 2021 budget is the allocation of 72.5 billion pesos for the purchase, storage, transportation, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines,” he said. “As we look forward with hope for the coming year, let me assure the public that this administration will ensure the efficient use of our resources through a sound fiscal policy that will enable us to overcome the debilitating effects of the pandemic on public health and our

economy,” he added. President Duterte assured the Filipino public that every centavo contained in next year’s spending measure would be spent to ensure the nation’s recovery, resilience, and sustainability. Under the 2021 national budget, the education sector received the lion’s share with P708 billion. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) came second with P694 billion while the country’s health sector got the third highest allocation with P287 billion. PND

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte went back to Manila a day after Christmas to meet selected members of his Cabinet along with infectious disease experts. The emergency meeting, held in Malacañang Palace on December 26,2020, was convened to discuss the emerging fast-spreading new variant of Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease found in the United Kingdom. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

COVID-19 VACCINATION COULD BEGIN IN MAY NEXT YEAR, SAYS COUNTRY’S VACCINE CZAR The government may start inoculation for COVID-19 in May next year at the earliest, as it secures substantial vaccine doses intended for the government and the private sector, the country’s vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday. The government Caraga INFOCUS

is working to secure 20 million and 10 million doses for the government and private sector, respectively. During an emergency meeting presided by President Duterte in Malacañang, Galvez said the government might have contracts with Novavax Inc and Pfizer Inc by January. It is also has initial

arrangement for 20 million doses with Moderna. “So all in all sir if we will get Novavax, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, J&J, and also Moderna, we might have more or less 80 million doses. And also recently, Gamaleya of Russia also negotiated for another 25 million,” he told the President. Currently, Philippine authorities are asking December 26-January 1, 2021 |

Gamaleya for its third phase clinical trial information, Galvez said, hoping to secure a deal with the Russian vaccine maker also by January at the earliest. At the same time, he brushed off accusations that the government is focusing only on few vaccine sources. “It is a portfolio. Basically, ang mauuna sir is AstraZeneca ‘yung magiging contract natin,” he said. “Next is ang Novavax from Serum of India; next is Pfizer; and

| December 26-January 1, 2021

then maybe Johnson & Johnson. We have also the discussion of the head of terms and also the supply agreement and also with Moderna; and then followed by Gamaleya and also the Sinovac.” President Duterte told Galvez not to worry about the cost and just strive to secure supply from vaccine producers. “Don’t mind so much about the cost. The thing here is availability. Kung sino ‘yung mayroong maibigay sa

atin and never mind if it’s a costing ‘yung kanila. Magsabi sila ‘Ours is much expensive because it is more potent,’ sige bilihin mo na lang,” he said. “What’s available there, bilihin mo because it’s an emergency. Never mind about the costing.” Multilateral financial institutions such as World Bank and Asian Development Bank will finance the country’s vaccine procurements as well as other local banks. PND

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE CANCELS IN-PERSON CLASSES AMID FEARS OVER NEW COVID-19 STRAIN President Rodrigo Roa Duterte went back to Manila a day after Christmas to meet selected members of his Cabinet along with infectious disease experts. The emergency meeting, held in Malacañang Palace on December 26,2020, was convened to discuss the emerging fast-spreading new variant of Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease found in the United Kingdom. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday has recalled the implementation of the face-to-face classes in select areas in county following the emergence of a more infectious variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UK. “I have allowed kasi the face-to-face classes as pilot projects all over the country,” President Duterte said in a meeting with Cabinet officials and infectious disease experts in Malacanang. “With the new strain, true or not, maybe it’s true because it’s being validated in Germany and South Africa, UK, eh ‘yung order ko noon kay Caraga INFOCUS

Secretary Leonor Briones that she can… If she is here, I’m calling back the order and I will not allow face-to-face classes of children until we are through with this.” “We have to, I said, we have to know the nature of the germ that we are confronting. Wala pa tayong alam and I cannot take the risk of allowing the children. That would be a disaster actually.” The President has earlier approved the trial run of the face-toface classes in areas considered at low risk for COVID-19 to be implemented next year. The Department of Education (DepEd) said

the proposal involves pilot implementation or dry run of face-to-face classes in select schools in areas with minimal risk from COVID-19 for the whole month of January. British authorities announced stricter restrictions in their country after the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19, which they said is 70 percent more transmissible than the earlier strain. The Philippines has already imposed travel ban on the UK to prevent the new COVID-19 strain from entering the country. Philippine authorities proposed to extend the restriction in January next year. PND December 26-January 1, 2021 |

GOV’T ADOPTS MEASURES TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 MUTATED VARIANT

The government has adopted measures to mitigate the spread of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant first detected in the United Kingdom and already has presence in a handful of countries. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who presided a meeting Saturday of government officials and health experts, approved a twoweek extension of travel ban on UK that expires

| December 26-January 1, 2021

December 31. “As a matter of fact, I’m telling you there is no way of knowing how this thing would evolve. It is evolving itong new strain but how far, how fast is the progression, wala pa tayong alam,” the President said during the televised meeting. “So the best way is really to play safe. You put a stop sa travel nila. That is a good. Kasali na man siguro iyan diyan.” Other measures

include strict mandatory quarantine for travelers coming from countries with reports on the new COVID-19 variant — Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia. Travelers from those countries will undergo mandatory completion of 14-day quarantine regardless of their reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test results, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. Caraga INFOCUS

Also, countries with local community transmission will consider travel restriction but only when transmission of new variant is at the community level, he said, adding the World Health Organization (WHO) could provide information for Philippine authorities’ guidance. The President also highlighted the importance of enhanced surveillance to detect the presence of the new strain in the country, in which local government officials will play a major role. He warned mayors and barangay captains that they will be sanctioned if there are lapses on their part particularly in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 cases in their localities. “Alam mo ang pinaka ano diyan is the mayor and the barangay captains. So make it an obligation for them to really strictly follow also the whatever direction that we take in this fight against COVID,” President Duterte said. “So mayors must exert efforts na sa kanilang munisipyo at barangay is working Caraga INFOCUS

Contributed photo

and they can push hard also the barangay captains. Iyong mga barangay captains na hindi tumatrabaho and the surveillance in Manila would just notice that there is a spike in your barangay, then we will investigate why na may spike,” he added. The national government should make the most out of the country’s existing structure of governance to make sure that local government units will do the best they can to protect citizens from the deadly coronavirus disease. “This time, lahat tayo. I said it behooves upon everybody who is with government to contribute. Dapat lang gawin ninyo, nakikinig kayo sa sinasabi ng ano. Iyong surveillance talaga importante. And well, if

there’s a lot of people who are sick then maybe the national government would also contribute something to control the pandemic in your place,” he said. Last week, the UK reported more than 1,000 cases of new coronavirus variant, which experts said, is 70 percent more infectious. To prevent the new COVID-19 variant from entering the country, the Philippines has temporarily banned flights from UK and intensified travel health protocols for travelers. The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 1,406 new COVID-19 cases on December 26, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 469,005 with 431,005 recoveries and 9,067 deaths. PND December 26-January 1, 2021 |

METRO MANILA, NINE OTHER AREAS, PLACED UNDER GCQ IN JANUARY President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañan Palace on December 28, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday announced the extension of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila including nine other areas from January 1 to 30. Areas placed under GCQ were the provinces of Davao del Norte, Batangas, Isabela, Lanao del Sur and the cities of Santiago, Iloilo, Tacloban, Iligan, and Davao. The rest of the country will be under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). President Duterte noted in a public address, however, that the new quarantine classifications

| December 26-January 1, 2021

could still change and is subject to appeals by the respective local government units (LGUs). In announcing the new restrictions, President Duterte encouraged Filipinos to observe health protocols particularly by staying home and frequent washing of hands. “Dito sa COVID strain na... the rule is kung maaari hindi ka lumabas ng bahay, huwag ka nang lumabas,” the President said. “So it’s a stay home if it’s really possible. Kung kaya mo lang. It’s for your own good. And then the washing of the hands.” The new quarantine

classifications for January came after reports of a mutated COVID-19 variant emerging in the United Kingdom. A new separate strain of the coronavirus was also reported to have identified by experts in Africa. In response, the Philippine government extended an existing UK travel ban by another two weeks after its supposed expiration by December 31. As of Monday, the Philippines has recorded 470,650 coronavirus infections with 438,780 recoveries and 9,124 deaths. (PND) Caraga INFOCUS

Xinhua photo

NEW SARS-COV-2 VARIANT DOESN’T MAKE VACCINES INEFFECTIVE It is early to tell whether the existence of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 found in the United Kingdom will affect the development of vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and the immunity of those who have been inoculated in other countries, health experts said Sunday. In a virtual media briefing, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

| December 26-January 1, 2021

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor President Dr. Marissa will be monitored if they Alejandria said the will have a disease which predominant strain of could be mild, moderate SARS-CoV-2 is not yet or severe,” Alejandria known and surveillance said. is needed to see how it D e p a r t m e n t behaves. of Health Technical “There are now Advisory Group member mutations seen but not Dr. Edsel Salvana all of them are significant. stressed the importance We don’t think that the of surveillances in vaccine being used now the improvement of will not be effective, but the current Covid-19 we will have to monitor vaccines if ever mutations actively, surveillance that of SARS-CoV-2 will have is needed, so all those any impact on them. who were vaccinated “For example, ‘yung Caraga INFOCUS

pneumonia vaccine mayroong 30 strains na kasama (the pneumonia vaccine has 30 strains included) or 23 stains or the human papilloma virus there are nine, so we can adjust the vaccines, but what’s important is we’ll have the means to detect if it’s becoming resistant to vaccines,” Salvana said. Apart from monitoring and adjustment of vaccine formulation, Salvana underscored the importance of keeping the number of infections low because more

infections would mean more opportunities for the virus to mutate. S u p p o r t i n g Salvana’s advice, World Health Organization’s Coordinator for Essential Medicines and Health technologies Dr. Socorro Escalante said control and suppression of the transmission are important in stopping virus mutations. “It will be more difficult may be if these mutations are very important in terms of increasing transmission or infectivity or even the

severity of the illness then it will be more difficult for us to fight Covid-19,” Socorro added. For her part, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist and past President of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines Dr. Anna OngLim reminded the public to observe the minimum public health standards at all time to control the spread of the coronavirus and the existence of new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-2019. (PNA)

CREATION OF DIFFERENT TASK FORCE ON NEW COVID-19 STRAIN MULLED President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday pitched for the creation of a new task force that will focus on the new strain of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) that was first detected in the United Kingdom (UK). Duterte made the suggestion during his meeting with the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Caraga INFOCUS

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and infectious diseases experts held at Malacañan Palace in Manila. “Pag-aralan natin. May nakatutok talaga diyan (Let’s assess the situation. Someone needs to monitor the situation). I would suggest that we create a panel whose job would be only to observe the different progression

and the identification of the new strain,” he said. Duterte said the new task force would be different from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). He directed the Department of Health and the Department of Science and Technology to form a task force that December 26-January 1, 2021 |

PANEL VS. NEW COVID-19 STRAIN. President Rodrigo R. Duterte presides over an emergency meeting with selected members of his Cabinet along with infectious disease experts at Malacañang Palace Saturday (Dec. 26,2020). Duterte pitched for the creation of a new task force that will focus on the new strain of the coronavirus disease 2019 that was first detected in the United Kingdom. (Presidential photo by King Rodriguez)

is composed of medical experts. “It should be medical persons na nakatutok lang talaga diyan sa bagong strain (who will monitor the new strain),” he said. Treat as ‘deadly disease’ Infectious diseases experts told Duterte during the meeting that while the new strain of Covid-19 is more infectious, there is still no evidence that it is more

| December 26-January 1, 2021

virulent. Still, Duterte said the new Covid-19 strain should be treated as a “deadly” disease. “I think we should not be really complacent about it. We should treat them as deadly disease [that] will be entering the Philippines. Mahirap kasi (It’s difficult to be complacent),” he said. Duterte also advised his Cabinet not to let their guard down to prevent the possible entry of the new variant of the SARS-

COV-2, the virus that causes Covid-2019. “Let’s do it this way: We will assume as if it will really happen. We will assume that the new strain will arrive in the Philippines,” he said. Duterte has already approved the IATF-EID’s recommendation to ban flights from the UK from December 24 to 31 and extended it for another two weeks to avoid the possible entry of the new Covid-19 strain into the country. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

ADAPT TO NEW NORMAL TILL PANDEMIC IS OVER, PINOYS URGED National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., on Thursday urged Filipinos to adapt to the new normal by observing health protocols until the public health crisis is over. “In order for us to survive and move forward, we had to undergo the process of adaptation. We had to let go of our old habits and adopt new systems, approaches, and a new way of doing things until the pandemic is over,” Galvez said in his yearend message. He cited the Filipinos’ patience, determination, and strong character in fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. “The year 2020 was truly a very challenging one for the Filipino people. We were waging battles on multiple fronts: the health, economic, and peace fronts,” Galvez said. “The health crisis altered practically all aspects of our way of Caraga INFOCUS

By Lade Jean Kabagani

National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (file photo)

life – the way we work, the manner we interact with people, and the methods we use in doing business, among others.” He noted that the national government, alongside local government units and the private sector, was able to scale up the country’s capacities on testing, contact tracing, and isolation. “We believe that this is what happens when we come together and use the power of unity, complementation, and cooperation to protect the health, security, and welfare of

our countrymen,” Galvez said. He noted that all sectors are working together to push for the national vaccination program so that the economy would recover. “As we welcome the new year, let us look back and learn from the lessons of 2020. It was the year that tested our mettle as a people. But we stood tall and remained resilient,” Galvez said. “This will be our clarion call for 2021. Together we shall heal, recover and build back better as one people and one nation.” (PNA) December 26-January 1, 2021 |

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