Caraga InFocus – February 20-26, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 9 February 20-26, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

10 12 13 14 15 PROVINCIAL NEWS 17 19 20 21 22

SIGNAL NO. 1 UP IN CARAGA PROVINCES DUE TO TS AURING; RESIDENTS SEEK SHELTER IN EVACUATION CENTERS DA RICE PROGRAM ALLOTS P161M INTERVENTION TO CARAGA FARMERS QUALITY COMMODITY INVESTMENT PLAN INSTRUMENTAL FOR APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS CARAGANONS POSITIBO SA VACCINATION PROGRAM NG GOBYERNO, INFORMATION ROADSHOW NG PCOO-PIA GINAWA SA CARAGA REGION

MGA CARAGANONS NAGING PRO-ACTIVE SA INAASAHANG BAGYONG AURING

ARMY BRIGADE IN SURIGAO WARNS PUBLIC ON CTG’S RECRUITMENT

PASSENGERS, BUSES STRANDED AT SURIGAO PORT AS PCG SUSPENDS SEA TRAVEL SURIGAO NORTE IPS AVAIL HEALTH SERVICES, RECEIVE SCHOOL EQUIPMENT PRO-13 COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FAMILY VISITS DINAGAT ISLANDS

TESDA AGNOR PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIP TO 175 TD VICKY VICTIMS

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OVER 100 INMATES IN AGUSAN NORTE FINISH TESDA TRAINING PROGRAMS TESDA’S SPECIAL CLIENTS IN BUTUAN FINISH FFS IN PRODUCE ORGANIC VEGETABLES P1M MADAWAT KADA LGU SA AGNOR ISIP SUPORTA SA VACCINATION PROGRAM PAGPAHILUNA SA PASPAS NGA PAGPATUMAN SA VCO PRODUCTION UPGRADING SA LIBAS GISUGDAN NA MGA BAKTIN GIAPOD-APOD SA MGA SWINE RAISERS PAGSASAKA NG MGA TAGA AGUSAN MAS PINADALI SA PAMAMAGITAN NG RICE MECHANIZATION EQUIPMENT NO MORE UNSAFE BRIDGE FOR PANAGANGAN FARMERS BISLIG CITY TURNS OVER AQUACULTURE FARM INPUTS TO FISHPOND OPERATORS

MINDANAO NEWS

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MARAWI REHAB ON TRACK, IDPS GET PERMANENT HOUSES PRACTICAL, DOABLE INTERVENTIONS TO AVERT LOOMING FOOD CRISIS

NATIONAL NEWS

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ANDANAR RALLIES PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LGUS’ COVID RECOVERY RESPONSE PH, UN SIGNING OF HUMAN RIGHTS JOINT PROGRAM SEEN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH NATIONAL ANTI-HUNGER INITIATIVE PILIPINAS KONTRA GUTOM

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GORDON WANTS DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL’S LAST COVID-19 TEST INCLUDED IN VACCINE PASSPORT PRC PARTNERS WITH ANGKAS TO EXTEND ITS HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS NATIONWIDE GORDON, PROUD OF CARDINAL TAGLE’S ADDITIONAL POST PRESIDENT DUTERTE: FILIPINOS MUST REMAIN CAUTIOUS AS COUNTRY AWAITS COVID-19 VACCINE TOP OFFICIALS VOUCH FOR SINOVAC’S EFFICACY, SAFETY PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS UNSCRUPULOUS LAW ENFORCERS HAVE NO PLACE IN GOV’T SERVICE GOV’T AGENCIES ASSURES PRESIDENT DUTERTE OF SWIFT DISASTER RESPONSE IN CARAGA IMPROVING CARAGA’S ROAD NETWORK, VITAL TO DEFEATING COMMUNIST INSURGENCY – PRESIDENT DUTERTE

COVID-19 NEWS EXPERTS RECOMMEND SINOVAC FOR HEALTH WORKERS: DOH GOV’T WORKING DOUBLE TIME TO HASTEN DELIVERY OF COVID-19 VAX SINOVAC VACCINES TO ARRIVE IN PH FEB. 28: PALACE

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Secretary Michael Lloyd Diño’s health after contracting COVID-19

We extend our prayers of speedy recovery and good health to Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Diño after he recently contracted COVID-19. May Secretary Diño’s recovery be immediate in order for him to continue fulfilling his duties and in assisting the President and the whole Duterte administration in the fight against and recovery from the pandemic in the Visayas region.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

AgNor guv: Working tog puts an end to COVID-19 By Nora C. Lanuza

After fighting Covid-19 for almost a year now, one thing is becoming more certain – winning this battle is not upon the hands of a select few, but upon a united people who shall put an end on this crisis by working together,” said Governor Dale B. Corvera of the province of Agusan del Norte during his message on the Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagduaw sa Butuan roadshow recently. As the chairperson of the Regional Task Force on COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTF-COCS), Governor Corvera acknowledged the significance of the

| February 20-26, 2021

roadshow for it provides the local officials on the importance of the national vaccination program. “The conduct of the roadshow by the Presidential Communications Operations Office and Philippine Information Agency (PCOO-PIA) is a manifestation that the national government under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte truly cares the Butuanons and the Agusanons,” he said. Gov. Corvera also cites the timely conduct of the roadshow to inform and explain to the people the national Caraga INFOCUS

gether 9

Caraga INFOCUS

vaccination program and because there is a need for the people to know what the government is doing and what programs are implemented for them especially at this time when people still bear the effects of the lockdown and other restrictions.

National Vaccination Program. “With this situation, the government must have a massive information drive explaining in simple language why people should submit themselves for vaccination and that the process is safe,” he added.

“There is also a compelling need for government to EXPLAIN, EXPLAIN and EXPLAIN to the people why they should submit themselves for voluntary COVID-19 vaccination because of the growing fear of our people brought about by misconceptions and the story about Dengvaxia as the government is now preparing to roll out the COVID-19 National Vaccination Program,” Gov. Corvera said.

Gov. Corvera is also confident that EXPLAIN, EXPLAIN, EXPLAIN will not only provide a platform for government agencies to discuss their policies in helping communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic but also a venue for the people to know that indeed their government is working for them.

He believes that this is the greatest challenge the government must overcome in order to have a successful

Caraga region, according to Gov. Corvera, is the only region in the country to have a united regional stand in responding to the health crisis with the creation of the RTFCOCS. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

February 20-26, 2021 |

News Briefs President Rodrigo Roa Duterte arrived at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City and met with his Cabinet secretaries, local officials of Surigao del Sur, and heads of different government agencies for the briefing on the effects of the Tropical Storm Auring in the region. xx

As parts of Caraga region recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Auring last February 19 - 21, 2020, NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Usec. Ricardo Jalad said the national government has pledged to provide the assistance for the recovery of the province of Surigao del Sur, which sustained the greatest impact in the region. “This is a directive of the President himself and we will make sure that we will provide all the help the victims of this province need,” Usec. Jalad said. The NDRRMC is currently coordinating with the Caraga RDRRMC to identify the actions to be undertaken and help the said province recover from TS Auring.

In today’s meeting of the Regional Nutrition Technical Working Group (RNTWG) spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, Retsebeth Laquihon, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator thanked the members from government agencies, LGUs, and private sector for continuously attending the scheduled meeting/s amid the COVID-19 pandemic and for gearing up efforts and initiatives in strengthening the policies and programs on nutrition in Caraga region.

The barangay local government unit of San Pablo, Sison prepared and distributed food packs to affected families/individuals who are affected by the TS #AuringPH and those who seek temporary shelter at the evacuation center.

REGIONAL NEWS

SIGNAL NO. 1 UP IN CARAGA PROVINCES DUE TO TS AURING; RESIDENTS SEEK SHELTER IN EVACUATION CENTERS By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Tropical Storm (TS) Auring is now on Tropical Wind Cyclone Signal (TWCS) No. 1 in Caraga region and is expected to make landfall on Saturday night or Sunday morning. But in the Surigao provinces, where the storm is expected to hit, residents have started to seek shelter in evacuation centers. As of 4:00 am of Saturday, February 20, the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) reports that 742 families or 2,992 individuals from 27 barangays in ten municipalities in the province of Surigao del Sur are now sheltered in the evacuation centers identified by their respective local government units (LGUs). Bayabas town Mayor Clarita Garcia-Limbaro said that identified evacuation centers in their town remain insufficient to house all of their evacuees, which have now totaled to 432 families, per its latest DRRM report. “As a coastal town, our residents predominantly reside in coastal areas. And although some barangays have identified

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more than one evacuation center, it still isn’t enough to accommodate all of our evacuees,” the mayor said. Cagwait town mayor Lilian Lozada said they have started preparing food packs since yesterday to be distributed to evacuating residents. In Surigao del Norte, a total of 494 families of 1,838 individuals from nine barangays in four towns are sheltered in nine identified evacuation centers. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), continues to monitor disaster-prone areas. On the other hand, residents in this city have also made pre-empted evacuation, as the city is known for being flood-prone. Five families or 17 individuals from five barangays have now been evacuated in five evacuation centers.

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Eleven individuals or two families from lowlying areas in the municipality of Buenavista in Agusan del Norte have also been evacuated. Disaster Response Meanwhile, various DRRMOs in the rest of Caraga region have activated their emergency operation centers (EOCs) in light of TS Auring. All PDRRMOs of the four provinces in the region and the City DRRMO of Butuan continue to coordinate with their Local DRRMOs and Barangay RDRRMCs for monitoring and provision of the latest advisories while warnings and advisories are continuously being disseminated to the public. In Agusan del Norte, rescue vehicles consisting of four dump trucks are now on standby at Sanghan Motorpool ready for deployment. The PDRRMO of Dinagat Islands has activated the Blue Alert Status of the Provincial EOC and conducted clearing operations for potential hazards in their Provincial Care and Containment Center (PCCC). Food and non-food items and medicines

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have already been prepositioned by the Surigao del Norte PDRRMO, as well as search and rescue equipment. The Butuan CDRRMO has already prepositioned non-food items consisting of 1,135 blankets; 963 plastic mats; 1,115 cooking pots; 7,536 plastic plates; 7,344 plastic drinking cups; 4,857 stainless steel utensils; and 1,467 family bags, as well as 2,000 family food packs. Close monitoring of the water level in the Agusan River is also being conducted. The RDRRMC continues to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga and local health offices for the strict implementation and observance of COVID-19 health protocols in evacuation centers. Meanwhile, calamity response government agencies continue to prepare for needed augmentation. The provincial offices of the BFP continue to monitor landslide- and floodprone areas. The 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army is ready to deploy their disaster response teams comprising of a ninemen team in Camp Lemuel Rubi in Butuan City and another from the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Alubihid, Buenavista in Agusan del Norte. A total of three M35 trucks are on standby for logistical support. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

February 20-26, 2021 |

DA RICE PROGRAM ALLOTS P161M INTERVENTION TO CARAGA FARMERS By Rhea Abao

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga Rice Program allocated P161 Million of agriculture interventions to rice farmers for the calendar year 2021. DA-Caraga OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega said that the bulk of intervention for this year is dedicated to the nonRice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) provinces - Surigao del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands. “Our support continues with the three provinces Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur through the DA attached agencies and bureaus and other implementing agencies under the RCEF Program. Rest assured that more interventions are coming for the rice sector in the region,” RTD Atega said. This year, portions of the budget go to the following interventions: Production Support Services (PSS) – P81 million, Extension Support, Education, Training Services (ESETS) – P27 million, Research & Development – P9 million, and Agri

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Infrastructure & Farm Mechanization P43 million. Aside from the regular Rice Program, DA-Caraga is also currently implementing the Rice Resiliency Project 2 (RRP 2) with a total budget allocation of P229 Million for seeds, fertilizers, and logistics support for the current cropping season (Sept 2020Mar 2021). All programs and projects for the rice sector are being lined up to improve and increase farmers’ income in accordance with directives of the Secretary of Agriculture following the guidelines under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program. Moreover, part of the strategies to accelerate the implementation of the projects for the rice sector is the continuous partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs). Through Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, the decentralization limited the DA to have operational control over the LGU personnel working directly with the farmers. As a national government

agency, DA’s influence in LGU’s decisions is mainly executed through the budgetary process since the budget for agricultural development projects remains under the control of the Department. RTD Atega encouraged the LGUs to continuously link the local farmers to various programs of the agency. “We recognize that the Municipal and City Agriculture Offices are the effective launching pads of DA’s program and services. We want to engage everyone to be partakers to attain a modest agriculture sector growth in the region,” she said during the technical briefing conducted for the Municipal Agriculturist and Rice Coordinators in the Province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City on January 26. Series of technical briefings for the rest of the Caraga provinces are scheduled this week to discuss the processes in availing the interventions to guide the LGUs for proper and smooth implementation. (DA-13RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

QUALITY COMMODITY INVESTMENT PLAN INSTRUMENTAL FOR APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS By Vanessa P. Sanchez

To ensure that the interventions given are appropriate to the needs of the recipients, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) follows processes and uses tools to achieve this. One such tool is the Commodity Investment Plan (CIP) which is used to develop priority commodities of the regions as well as the provinces. The CIP also serves as a basis in the identification of necessary interventions or subprojects that may be funded under the Project.

City Agriculturist Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven, Engr. Princess Castro, and Levita Grana of the City Planning and Development Office represented the Local Government Unit of Butuan while other stakeholders including the representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute, LandBank of the Philippines, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries, Department of Agrarian Reform, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Program Support Office – IPLAN Mindanao also participated.

The Regional Program Coordinating Office (RPCO) Caraga through the IPLAN Component, on February 9, spearheaded the conduct of a Joint Technical Review for the CIP of Butuan City.

Butuan has two versions of its CIP. The first version listed rubber, banana cardava, cacao, and coconut as its priority commodities. With the developments in the city and their economic and

Caraga INFOCUS

agricultural directions, the second version of their CIP was created. The second version included processed sardines, bangus, and swine among its priority commodities. The Joint Technical Review served as a venue for the stakeholders to discuss and give their inputs for the enhancement of the drafted CIPs. IPLAN Component Head Roberto Hipolao said the CIP is a very significant tool that both the government and the private sector can make use of in pursuing investments in agricultural and fishery development endeavors. A joint technical review of the CIPs of the provinces of Caraga are also scheduled in the coming days. (DAPRDP13/PIA Caraga)

February 20-26, 2021 |

CARAGANONS CARAGANONS POSITIBO POSITIBO SA SA VACCINATION VACCINATION PROGRAM PROGRAM NG NG GOBYERNO, GOBYERNO, INFORMATION INFORMATION ROADSHOW ROADSHOW NG NG PCOO-PIA PCOO-PIA GINAWA GINAWA SA SA CARAGA CARAGA REGION REGION By Nora C. Lanuza

Positibo ang mga Caraganon sa vaccination program laban sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus. Si Aracely Lagarde, isang senior citizen ay handang tumanggap ng COVID-19 vaccine sa gobyerno dahil makakatulong ito hindi lang para sa kanyang sarili kundi sa kanyang pamilya. “Handa ako na magpabakuna dahil para ito sa aking kabutihan at sa aking pamilya. Nagpapasalamat din ako kay Presidente Rodrigo Duterte dahil nagbigay siya ng libreng bakuna,” ayon kay Lagarde. Sa isinagawang Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagduaw sa Caraga roadshow ng Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) at Philippine Information Agency (PIA) kamakailan

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lang, nagpahiwatig din ng suporta ang iba’t ibang sektor na dumalo. Tiwala si Agusan del Norte Gobernador Dale B. Corvera na marami ang magpapabakuna. Ayon din kay Gob. Corvera, ang pagbisita ng PCOOPIA sa rehiyon ay siang pagpapakita na mahalaga ang mga Butuanons at Caraganos sa administrasyon Duterte. Ayon din kay Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia ng Sison, Surigao del Norte, dapat gawin at pangunahan ng mga local government units ang maayos na information dissemination upang maintindihan ng maayos at mawala ang takot at pagaalinlangan ng publiko. Napakahalaga ng komunikasyon, kaya’t dapat malaman ng publiko

ang tama at wastong impormasyon hingil sa krisis na hinaharap ng bansa, dagdag ni mayor Paronia. Patuloy din ang pagpapalaganap ng laging handa information and communications campaign sa kahalagahan ng gagawing vaccination. Ayon kay PCOO secretary Martin Andanar, patuloy ang PCOO sa pag-implement ng Laging Handa information and communication campaign para ipaabot sa publiko na ang Duterte administration “is on top of the COVID-19 situation.” Ang COVID-19 vaccination roadshow ay ginanap sa apat na lugar sa rehiyon, sa Butuan City; Prosperidad, Agusan del sur; Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; at Sison, Surigao del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

MGA CARAGANONS NAGING PRO-ACTIVE SA INAASAHANG BAGYONG AURING By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Ilang araw bago paman ang inaasahang pagtama ng Tropical Storm Auring sa Caraga Region, pinaghandaan na ito ng mga Caraganon upang masigurong ligtas mula sa maaaring maging pinsala na dulot ng nasabing bagyo. Kaya naman Biyernes (Pebrero 19) pa lang ay nagsimula nang lumikas ang mga residente sa kanilang mga tahanan na malapit sa disaster-prone areas sa probinsya ng Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur dahil na rin sa nararanasang malakas na hangin at ulan, at pansamantalang nasa evacuation centers pa hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Sinigurado naman ng bawat Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) na nakahanda ang tulong na kakailanganin ng mga apektadong residente tulad ng pagkain at iba pa. Nakaantabay rin ang iba’tibang kinauukulang ahensiya kasabay ng pag-activate ng mga Emergency Operation Centers ng rehiyon. “Tinutugunan ng mga ahensiya at local na pamahalaan ang mga residente na naapektuhan ng baha. Patuloy ang ating response at relief operations sa mga apektadong lugar.

Caraga INFOCUS

At kung kailangan pa nila ng karagdagang tulong, nakaantabay naman yung suporta natin sa RDRRMC,” ani ni Dir. Liza Mazo, RDRRMC chair at Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga regional director. Ayon sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)Caraga, may kabuuang mahigit 14,000 apektadong indibidwal ang nasa evacuation centers sa probinsya ng Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte at Agusan del Sur. May nakahanda ring food packs at non-food items ang nasabing ahensiya sa bawat apektadong pamilya. Itinigil man ang operasyon sa ibat-ibang pantalan ng rehiyon upang masigurong ligtas ang mga pasahero at ang ilan ay na-stranded sa mga pantalan, tinutugunan naman ng Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) ang kanilang seguridad at pangangailangan. Samantala, simula kahapon ng umaga ay may naitalang pagbaha na sa iba’t-ibang parte ng rehiyon lalo na sa Tandag City, Surigao del Sur dahil sa malakas na ulan. Agad namang nagtulongtulong ang mga kawani ng Philippine National Police

(PNP), Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at rescue teams para maligtas at mailikas mula sa tubig baha ang mga residente. May landsline din sa Brgy. Dayoan sa bayan ng Tago papuntang Tandag City subalit agad naman itong natugunan sa clearing operation. Nawalan din ng kuryente ang ilang lugar sa Surigao del Sur at Surigao del Norte. Nagpalabas din ng abiso ang PAGASA na magiging mahina ang Tropical Storm Auring at magiging Low Pressure Area (LPA) ito bago paman mag-landfall. Nanawagan din si Direktor Mazo sa mga Caraganon na patuloy na maging alerto, mapagmatyag at pro-active sa inaasahang pagtama ng bagyo sa rehiyon upang masiguro rin ang Zero casualty. “Maaari pong huwag na nating hintayin na sa kasagsagan na ng bagyo at pagbaha saka pa tayo lilikas. Ngayon palang may lead time pa naman yung hindi pa nakalikas lumikas na para mailigtas ang buhay. Mabuti na ‘yung handa, preemptive kaysa magrescue at mawala pa ang buhay,” pahayag ni Mazo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

February 20-26, 2021 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

ARMY BRIGADE IN SURIGAO WARNS PUBLIC ON CTG’S RECRUITMENT By Venus L. Garcia

Brigadier General George Banzon, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, forewarned that those who exhorted individuals to join the communist rebel movement are also the ones who will abandon their comrades when wounded in an encounter with the authorities. “Tandaan niyo ‘yung mga mukha na magkukumbinsi sa inyo na umanib sa armadong pakikibaka dahil ‘yang mga mukha na ‘yan, kung kayo’y maiipit sa bakbakan, hindi na kayo aalagaan ng mga mukhang ‘ yan, kung sino mang nag recruit sa Caraga INFOCUS

inyo,” emphasized BGen. Banzon as he guested in the Network Briefing News hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar. On the other hand, BGen Banzon bared their efforts in urging the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to surrender through their “Lomon Ko, Salbaron Ko” program. “We have been reaching out to relatives of the armed elements, kinakausap namin ‘yung nanay at kapatid. Through them, sana makumbinsi sila

(armed elements/rebels) at maliwanagan ang isipan na we are not closing the doors for them to have a new life,” he said. BGen. Banzon added that the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) had brought a degree of anxiety among the locals and to some of the business owners and those holding an elected seat in the local government in particular. “Nandiyan ‘yung takot. Iisa lang ang sanction na ibinibigay ng mga NPA to those who are showing resistance – kamatayan (death),” he said. February 20-26, 2021 |

Talking on peace and order situation in Surigao del Norte and their other areas of responsibility from a Philippine Army perspective, BGen. Banzon, bared that one of their line of operations is how to address the resource generation activities of Guerilla Front 16 that is financially supporting the whole Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee Guerilla Fronts. “The secretary of this guerilla front is a Surigaonon and from the municipality of Sison. He is Rolando Rubilla Leyson, Jr. popularly known as “Edroy,” “Pedyo” or “JunJun” to his peers and acquaintances,” said BGen. Banzon. He also revealed that Rolando’s wife is also the

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finance officer of the same Guerilla Front. “So, kung titingnan natin, ‘yung gumagalaw na NPA dito sa probinsiya ng Surigao del Norte ay mag-asawa ang nagpapatakbo,” BGen. Banzon said. The army troops are concentrating their efforts and military resources against the weaker insurgents. “If we figure it out, the armed elements are dwindling in their tactical offensive against the government troops. The primary reason why they are still thriving is because of their extortion activities,” underscored BGen. Banzon. Meanwhile, Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia of Sison town is very optimistic that the whole-of-nation

approach to resolve decades of insurgency is ushering the nation to achieving lasting peace and development. “We can defeat the CPPNPA-NDF with the help of our uniformed personnel of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police. Especially, with Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo together with Antiterrorism Act,” said Mayor Paronia. “Hiling namin ay sana mapondohan na ‘yung hinihingi ng PNP. Sigurado, maso-solve ang insurgency ng Sison, especially the security and the peace and order at mapanatag na rin ‘yung mga tao dito,” she said. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

PASSENGERS, BUSES STRANDED AT SURIGAO PORT AS PCG SUSPENDS SEA TRAVEL By Venus L. Garcia

More than 800 travelers and 300 cargo trucks, passenger bus, and private vehicles bound to Liloan and Benit, Southern Leyte were stranded in Surigao City after the Philippine Coast Guard – Surigao del Norte enforced a suspension of all sea trips due to tropical storm “Auring” on Friday. This compelled them to halt and park outside the port of Lipata in this city. The stranded cargo trucks were loaded with several fruits, vegetables, hogs, and other goods from Davao, Cagayan, and other parts of Mindanao heading for Visayas and Luzon. Raffy Caparida, driver of the 10-wheeler wing van, was stranded for four days. “Dahil po sa sama ng panahon kaya na stranded

Caraga INFOCUS

kami,” said Caparida. The stranded passengers were thankful for the ‘arrroz caldo’ and bread provided by the concerned barangay and Philippine Ports Authority. Uncertain of how long they would get stuck from being stranded, some of them have decided to sell some of their goods with a slashed price. Ariel Esquillo, an entrepreneur from Davao, also sold the bananas that he bought rather than be ripened and wasted prior his arrival to his destination in Legazpi, Albay. “May karga kaming mga saging. Ibinenta na lang namin dahil baka masira na,” said Esquillo.

According to Port Management Office manager Froilan Caturla, as of 6:00 a.m. of Feb. 22, 2021, there were more or less 361 various rolling cargoes that were queueing along Nautical Highway in Lipata area. “There were also more or less 856 stranded passengers most of them were accommodated and designated in various evacuation centers. Others were also staying at the hotel and some preferred to stay in their respective vehicles,” Caturla said. The no sail policy of all types of watercrafts plying Siargao and Dinagat islands was then lifted as soon as the PAGASA cleared the region from the storm signals. (VLG/SDR/PIASurigao del Norte)

February 20-26, 2021 |

SURIGAO SURIGAO NORTE NORTE IPS IPS AVAIL AVAIL HEALTH HEALTH SERVICES, SERVICES, RECEIVE RECEIVE SCHOOL SCHOOL EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT The Indigenous Peoples of the Mamanwa Tribe in Sitio Landing, Brgy. Camam-onan of this province received services from the different partner stakeholders and government agencies during a community outreach program conducted recently. Amid the pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the services have still reached even in the farflung areas, particularly to the indigenous people (IP) communities. The activity was anchored on the theme, “Kalinga Alay sa Katutubo.” It was highlighted by giving of food packs,

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basic commodities, school supplies and equipment, and basic services such as legal and medical services that benefited the four tribal clans of Mamanwa. The IPs of Sitio Landing were chosen by the Community Support Program Team of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), which was previously identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), wherein most of the dwellers were susceptible to NPA terrorists’ deception, abuses, and intimidations. Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Charles G. Callanta, the commanding officer of 30IB, said that the same

efforts will be continued to other parts of their area of operations where IP communities are present. “I am personally grateful that despite the overwhelming challenges posed by this COVID-19 pandemic there are still private stakeholders and government agencies who are willing to toe the line just to provide the basic needs of our IP brothers and sisters. A very significant effort in demonstrating the government’s simple and truthful peacebuilding initiatives within the IP ancestral domains,” said Callanta. (30IB, Phil. Army/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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PRO-13 COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FAMILY VISITS DINAGAT ISLANDS The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13-Community Affairs and Development (RCADD) Office led by its chief Police Colonel Ruben B. Delos Santos visited the province recently. The RCADD family visited the province for the conduct of its family conference with the personnel of Dinagat Islands Provincial Police held at the Tanglaw Diwa Function Hall, Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office in San Jose town. Caraga INFOCUS

The RCADD Family Conference aims to reorient the Community Affairs Development (CAD) personnel on the recurring reports required by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group and to cater issues and concerns from the lower units on matters concerning Community Affairs and Development. During the conference, the RCADD representative explained and conducted the unit performance evaluation rating parameters;

Philippine National Police social media protocols; workshop and critiquing of Information Operation (IO). PCol. Delos Santos said police works are anchored in police community relations. “We will never be successful in our mission if it’s not by the heart we do, because police community relation is the heart of policing,” Delos Santos said. (DIPPO/PIADinagat Islands)

February 20-26, 2021 |

TESDA AGNOR PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIP TO 175 TD VICKY VICTIMS By Robert E. Roperos

Some 175 affected residents of Tropical Depression (TD) Vicky here received a scholarship grant from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte during the distribution of cash assistance held recently. TESDA-Agusan del Norte adjoined with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s Relief Operation for victims of TD Vicky. During the activity, TESDA Agusan del Norte Supervising TESD Specialist Buenafe G. Enaya presented the programs and services offered by the agency.

| February 20-26, 2021

“TESDA Agusan del Norte is awarding a total of P2,449,890.00 scholarship grant to affected residents of TD Vicky. A total of 175 beneficiaries can avail the said the scholarship,” Enaya said. The scholarship certification was handed over to Punong Barangay Gemma Tabada, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in this city. Also, TESDA-Agusan del Norte distributed cookies, a bakery product of the trainees of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF). In his message through teleconferencing, Sen.

Bong Go stressed that together with President Rodrigo Duterte, they are very happy to help the Butuanons. During the event, his team gave food packs, mountain bikes, and tablets. The event was attended by other government agencies namely: National Housing Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry, who brought their respective services. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

OVER 100 INMATES IN AGUSAN NORTE FINISH TESDA TRAINING PROGRAMS Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte took pride in the provincial inmates during their graduation rites after finishing five training programs held recently at the Provincial Jail Multipurpose Hall. The activity was graced by Agusan del Norte Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, Provincial Health Office OIC Dr. Odelio Ferrer, Agusan del Norte Provincial Jail Warden Fermin Antenorio, TESDA Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva, and Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) Administrator Romel M. Natad. In his speech, Administrator Laurito enjoined the inmates to be productive and use the skills in the right way for they can use this as soon as they are already finished serving their sentence. “I am so happy this morning because, the Governor Dale Corvera called me to represent him for this activity. He then told me that he went to a meeting with Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba for the development of virgin coconut oil production in Caraga. I will recommend you to be part of that project. When the time

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By Robert E. Roperos

comes that you’ll get out from this facility, you can work there,” Laurito said. Meanwhile, Jelyn Canoy expressed her appreciation to TESDA-Agusan del Norte for giving them the opportunity to learn skill training. She also added that they wanted to learn more about enterprising activity and be more productive on the skills they have learned. On the other hand, Dir. Cueva pointed out that TESDA programs will be institutionalized in the provincial jail, saying that during their initial talk with Warden Antenorio, they have agreed to provide enterprising activity inside the facility to provide a livelihood to the inmates.

In a related development, Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center Administrator Abegail Eupeña assured the inmates that they will initially put the budget allocation for the bakery enterprise. The inmates finished five training programs, namely: Fabrication and Installation of Wooden Formworks with 10 graduates, 23 for Prepare and Produce Bakery, 23 Food Processing (Longganisa) trainees, 23 completed the Food Processing (Bangus Deboning), and 25 in Urban Gardening, which is in line with the slogan of the agency: “TESDA Abot Lahat.” (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

February 20-26, 2021 |

TESDA’S SPECIAL CLIENTS IN BUTUAN FINISH FFS IN PRODUCE ORGANIC VEGETABLES By Robert E. Roperos

A total of 42 individuals, majority of whom are special clients of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) finish Farmer Field School (FFS) in produce organic vegetables. Composed of eight personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP); eight Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs); 12 Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo (KKDAT); eight members of Women’s Organization, and six from the different youth organizations, the trainees received training certificates from TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva during the Closing Ceremony held Thursday at Madjos Farm, Sitio Tagulahi, Brgy. Antongalon, this city. The training which started in November 11, 2020, is an innovative, participatory and interactive learning approach that emphasizes problem-solving and discovery-based learning. In his speech, Dir. Cueva said that TESDA, through the provincial office is always willing to provide skills and livelihood trainings to all sectors in the society as this will pave the way to transform the lives of every individual.

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He also stressed that with the pandemic that is currently experienced worldwide, there is a need to strengthen the agriculture sector to ensure that there are enough agricultural products to feed the people. “This is also the mandate of TESDa thru our Director-General – Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña to promote Green TVET in the country… and by Green TVET, we mean agriculture,” he said.

Butuan City,” he added. Further, the City Agriculture Office is grateful to the organizers of the project as it promotes organic farming in the city.

FFS aims to build farmers’ capacity to analyze their production systems, identify problems, test possible solutions, and eventually encourage the participants to adopt the practices Also, PCol. Sammy Fuentes, most suitable to their Butuan City Police Director farming systems. It can also said that this is a joint provide an opportunity for undertaking of the Philippine farmers to practice and National Police, City test/evaluate sustainable Government of Butuan and land-use technologies and TESDA dubbed as Project introduce new technologies KALAMBUAN (KAhibalo through comparing their LAMdag sa Buhing Ugma conventional technologies Alang sa Nagkahi-usang developed with their own Kabatan-onan). “Project tradition and culture. (TESDA KALAMBUAN is replicating the Agusan del Norte/PIAFFS in Barangay Bugsukan Agusan del Norte) and Barangay Tagkiling in

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P1M MADAWAT KADA LGU SA AGNOR ISIP SUPORTA SA VACCINATION PROGRAM Hugot ang suporta karon sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte alang sa 11 ka mga Local Government Units (LGU) pinaagi sa paghatag og financial counterpart sa kantidad nga usa ka milyon (P1M) kada LGU alang sa implementasyon sa provincewide Vaccination program alang sa mga katawhan.

By Jessica Mellejot

probinsiya isip suporta sa mga programa, proyekto ug aktibidad (PPA) ubos sa Vaccination Program.

Atol sa virtual meeting sa Committee on Finance and Appropriation diin tsirman si Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, gisuportahan ang maong lakang base sa pahayag sa Acting Provincial Planning and Kini gi-aprobahan sa Development Coordinator Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga ingon nga paggahin sa pinaagi sa Sanggunian pondo sa kantidad nga One Resolution No. 088-2021, Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) tubag sa hangyo ni Governor ) isip katugbang sa mga Dale B. Corvera pinaagi LGUs sa lalawigan aron sa sulat pinitsahan Pebrero suportahan ang PPAs 10, 2021 nga hatagaan alang sa malampuson ug og otoridad alang sa epektibo nga pagpatuman pagpirma sa Memorandum sa programa sa pagbakuna of Agreement o MOA sa sa tibuuk nga Lalawigan ngalan sa probinsya aron sa diin ang nahisgutan nga pagbalhin sa P1,000,000.00 mga PPA nahiuyon sa sa tagsa-tagsa ka LGU sa Supplemental Annual

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Investment Program sa Lalawigan alang sa CY 2021. Kini gumikan sa mando sa Republic Act 11494 o “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act,” na aprobado ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, diin naghatag sa COVID-19 response and recovery intervention Program in coordination sa mga respective Department of Health (DOH) Centers for Health Development ug Provincial/City Municipal Health Offices. Naaprobahan kini niadtong 78th regular sesyon niadtong February 22, 2021 sa pagpangusog ni Vice Governor Ramon A G. Bungabong. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

February 20-26, 2021 |

PAGPAHILUNA SA PASPAS NGA PAGPATUMAN SA VCO PRODUCTION UPGRADING SA LIBAS GISUGDAN NA Gisugdan na ang sunodsunod nga mga konsultasyon og workshops sa Technical Working Group (TWG) nga gitahasan pagpahiluna sa proyekto nga mag-upgrade sa Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Production sa Libas Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LFMPC) sa Libas, Agusan del Norte. Nauyonan nila Gob. Dale B. Corvera, Kong. Angel Amante-Matba, Mayor Napoleon Montero ug mga ahensya sa pagpanguna sa Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) nga nag-converge aron hiniusang suportahan ang pagpakusog sa produksyon sa VCO sa lugar nga mugnaon ang maong TWG aron mapadali ang proseso. Sa maong unang miting, gihisgutan sa TWG ang mahimong papel sa matag usa, apil na ang draft sa

| February 20-26, 2021

By Shena Mae Pabia Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) tali sa PCA, nga maoy mahimong tinubdan sa Php17 million gikan sa Balikatan 2 alang sa building og mga ekwipo, ug sa munisipyo nga magsilbing tulay aron mapadangat ang maon pasilidades sa LFMPC. Ang proyekto nagpunting pagpaangat sa produksyon sa VCO sa LFMPC gikan sa 200 nuts lang matag semana karon ngadto sa 10,000 nuts matag adlaw. Nagkauyon ang tanan sa mahimong papel sa matag usa, apil ang pagtinabangay paggama sa business plan nga mahimong basehan sa mas detalyado pang papel sa matag ahensya. Gilantaw nga mahuman ang konstruksyon sa building, mapahiluna ang mga ekwipo ug masugdan na ang operisyon sa Agosto, ning tuiga.

Ang pagpakusog sa produksyon sa VCO sa Jabonga ug pagpahiluna og uban pang mga processing activities sa lugar gamit ang lubi nga maghimo sa Jabonga nga “Coconut Processing Center” sa probinysa, usa sa mga core processing projects nga buot ipahiluna ni Gob. Corvera sa lugar ubos sa Process! Process! Process! Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa iyang administrasyon kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Amante. Apil usab sa mitambong sa maong meeting nga kabahin sa TWG ang AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center, ang Provincial Agriculture Office, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Development Authority ug Department of Social Welfare and Development. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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MGA BAKTIN GIAPOD-APOD SA MGA SWINE RAISERS By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola

Giapod-apod sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ang 57 ka baktin sa tulo ka mga asosasyon sa hog raisers aron pasanayon ug maapodapod usab sa laing gatusan ka indibidwal. Kabahin ang maong kalihukan sa Swine Stock Infusion Program sa Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO) ubos sa Food Security Enhancement Program sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpapambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel

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Amante-Matba. Ang tulo ka organisasyon nga nakadawat og average 19 ka baktin matag usa nagagikan sa Tubay, Cabadbaran ug Buenavista ug mga sakop sa Hog Raisers Federation of Agusan del Norte (HogRAFAN), sumala pa ni Dr. Belen Aurelo, ang provincial veterinarian. Dugang ni Aurelo nga ang nag-unang tumong saa maong kalihukan mao nga masuportahan ug matabangan ang industriya sa baboy ilabi na karon nga nag-atubang sa hulga sa

African Swine Fever (ASF) ang nasud nga nagresulta sa kanihit sa produksyon sa karneng baboy ug pagsaka sa presyo niini. Ang laing tumong mao nga makaasdang ang programa sa PVO sa pagpadaghan sa produksyon sa baboy pinaagi sa artificial swine insemination, lakip na ang pagpagahum ug pagpalambo sa kapasidad sa mga swine raisers alang sa dugang kita sa mga benepisyaryo. (Agusan Up, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)

February 20-26, 2021 |

PAGSASAKA NG MGA TAGA AGUSAN MAS PINADALI SA PAMAMAGITAN NG RICE MECHANIZATION EQUIPMENT By Nora C. Lanuza

Umabot sa P42.38 Milyong halaga ng rice mechnization equipment ang kabuoang natanggap ng mga magsasaka sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte na nakatulong upang mapadali ang kanilang pagsasaka. Aminado si Nicolas Licuna, ang presidente ng Sayadion-Cuyago Irrigators Association Incorporated ng Jabonga, Agusan del Norte na malaki ang tulong ng Rice Tarrification Law sa kanilang mga magsasaka. Malaki ang pasalamat ni Licuna sa gobyerno dahil sa pamamagitan

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ng rice mechanization equipment,bababa ang kanilang gastos sa pagsasaka at tataas pa ang kanilang kita. Labing limang (15) kooperatiba ng mga magsasaka sa Agusan del Norte at Butuan City ang nakatanggap ng intervention mula sa Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization o PhilMech. Kabilang sa mga natanggap na makinaryas ang four-wheel tractors, hand tractors, floating

tillers, combine harvesters, behaind transplanters, riding-type transplanters, at precision seeder. Maliban sa pinadali at mas mataas na ani sa mas mababang gasto, kikita din ang mga kooperatiba dahil sa renta ng mga makinaryas na kanilang natanggap, ayon kay DA Caraga Regional Director Abel James Montegudo, ang rice tariff revenues ay malaking tulong upang maiangat ang kalagayan ng mga magsasaka sa bansa. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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NO MORE UNSAFE BRIDGE FOR PANAGANGAN FARMERS By Rechel D. Besonia

Jeorge Deloy, 53 years old and an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) from Barangay Panagangan, La Paz in Agusan del Sur was in overwhelming happiness after the Panagangan Bridge was turned over to them in a ceremony held on February 16, 2021. In an interview, he defined his previous situation as very challenging. “Perte jud kaayong lisora pagpagawas sa among mga produkto tungod Caraga INFOCUS

sa kagabok sa tulay nga kahoy. Usahay amoa lang jud agwantahan ug gakit aron lang makatabok kay daghan na ang higayon nga nahugno kini ug nahulog ang (It is really very difficult to transport our products to nearby market because of the previous wooden bridge. Sometimes we prefer to ride a bamboo floats just to pass by the river because there are many instances that the bridge has collapsed causing

passersby to fall),” said Deloy. “But now that we have this bridge, we are inspired to go to our respective farm because it is now very easy to sell our produce with lesser transport cost aside that we are also safe,” he added. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal, PARPO II Jamil Amatonding Jr., February 20-26, 2021 |

PARPO I Allan Mundala; Project Engr. Norman Puy of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga; Municipal Administrator Tirso Gomez; and all the barangay officials of Panagangan headed by Barangay Captain Lily Empleo attended the said event.

implementation of the TPKP project after it was halted sometime in 2011.

In his message, RD Villareal bared that the bridge will open more opportunities for the ARBs in La Paz and the neighboring barangays. “As we recognized the vital role of our farmers in this time of the pandemic, it is also very important that we can provide them easy means to transport their products. Thus, we never stopped in providing them the support services that they need including these infrastructures,” he said.

PARPO II Amatonding also shared that the “Tulay ng Pangulo” project would benefit 2,177 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in five barangays in La Paz, especially in the marketing of their farm products, as well as to at least 8,084 residents.

Villareal further thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for pushing the

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“This is a proof of how aggressive our president is, in terms of helping our farmers, whom we considered our front liners in this time of crisis,” he added.

“This bridge will link agrarian reform communities in the five barangays to the economic mainstreams, especially in the market centers in Agusan del Sur,” said Amatonding.

Captain Lily Empleo expressed commitment to take this assistance seriously with supporting policies. “We are privilege enough to have been given this opportunity by DAR. We must put our heart into it because this will bring forth better opportunities in the future,” she said. Panagangan Bridge was the second completed bridge in Agusan del Sur under the Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang Agraryo project, formerly called the President’s Bridge Program, which is a zero-based budgeting approach by the government, funded by France, monitored by DAR and implemented by DPWH Unified Project Management OfficeBridge Management Cluster. (DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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BISLIG CITY TURNS OVER AQUACULTURE FARM INPUTS TO FISHPOND OPERATORS

The city government here has turned-over on Monday aquaculture farm inputs, seaweeds farming implements, and fishing gears to the marginal fisher folks and small-scale fishpond operators during the regular Flag Raising rites held at the city hall grounds, this city.

to be utilized for algae growing and extensive farming. The organization has around 27 memberbeneficiaries.

The ceremonial turnover was led by City Mayor Florencio Garay. The said farm inputs were received by the representatives of the people’s organizations.

Another recipient was the Association of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Management Council represented by Chairman Roland Samontina, who received materials for seaweed culture production. The organization is composed of 34 memberbeneficiaries.

The Pamanlinan Fishpond Operators Association represented by Barangay Kagawad Ging Cordova received sacks of fertilizers

While the fishing gears were turned over to Ronald De Castro of Pamanlinan Fishpond Operator to be given to 68

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beneficiaries. Per validation, the beneficiaries were residents of the six barangays of San Fernando, Pamanlinan, Sibaroy, Bucto, Mangagoy, and Poblacion, all in Bislig City. The said barangays were affected by the tidal flooding during the onslaught of Tropical Depression Auring last December 2019. The report said, the tidal flooding has resulted in the damage of several fishponds, lost aquaculture stocks, and several unrecovered fishing gears. (with a report from CIOBislig/PIA-Bislig City) February 20-26, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

PERMANENT HOUSES. TFBM Chairperson Secretary Eduardo del Rosario (left), Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra (right, with black mask), and Social Housing Finance Corporation president Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling (far right) conduct the ceremonial distribution of permanent house certificates on Thursday (Feb. 25, 2021). The TFBM also inaugurates the Marawi Resettlement Site and Permanent Houses (Phase 1) in Barangay West Dulay in Marawi City. (Contributed photo)

MARAWI REHAB ON TRACK, IDPS GET PERMANENT HOUSES By Lade Jean Kabagani

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) on Thursday handed over permanent housing units to some 109 families affected by the May 2017 siege in Marawi City. In his ground visit, TFBM chairperson Secretary Eduardo del Rosario led the distribution of “permanent house ownership certificates” of the Marawi Resettlement Site and Permanent Houses

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(Phase 1) in Barangay West Dulay.

is with electric and water supplies.

Each two-story house, built on a 100-square-meter lot, has a floor area of 42 square meters and is equipped with a toilet and bathroom, a kitchen, basic lighting, and outlets as well as a sewage piping system.

Del Rosario, also the country’s housing czar, said the turnover activity of permanent housing units to internally displaced persons (IDPs) symbolizes the government’s commitment to pushing Marawi’s full recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

The task force assured the subdivision-like resettlement

February 20-26, 2021 |

“The government, through the TFBM, remains steadfast in helping our Maranao brothers and sisters affected by the 2017 siege rebuild their lives in coordination with the implementing agencies and partner-organizations like UN-Habitat,” he said. He said the housing units would also secure the IDPs’ health safety amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. According to the TFBM, the permanent shelters were constructed on a 1.8-hectare land provided and developed by Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC). In collaboration with the task force’s 56 implementing agencies, the permanent housing project was built under United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) through its Community-Driven Shelter

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and Livelihood Project with a USD10-million grant from the Japanese government. “Having a house that the IDPs can now call their own is part of our commitment to ensuring Marawi’s overall rehabilitation,” said del Rosario. The 109 IDP-families are the first batch among the Marawi residents to receive permanent shelters. TFBM said more than 3,000 permanent shelters are now in various phases of construction. Del Rosario’s ground visit to Marawi City is part of the task force’s monitoring efforts to ensure the progress of rehabilitation processes. Amid the pandemic, del Rosario pointed out the massive rehabilitation works in Marawi City remain

unhampered. He said TFBM has implemented double-shift measures and hiring of more workers to fast-track the completion of various infrastructure projects in the war-torn city. Del Rosario also inspected other ongoing infrastructure projects, including the repair of Marawi City Jail, construction of permanent housing sites in Barangay Gadungan and Barangay Kilala as well as the construction of Datu Naga barangay hall complex, the Grand Padian Market, and the Marawi museum. The TFBM chair reiterated that the target project completion for Marawi rehabilitation remains on track within the scheduled timeline which is December this year. (PNA)

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PRACTICAL, DOABLE INTERVENTIONS TO AVERT LOOMING FOOD CRISIS The need to produce protein-rich food is urgent and to continue with sloganeering and dangling funds that are not accessible is simply raising false hopes which could lead us to a food crisis. Here are some of the practical and doable interventions which the government could undertake which I have categorized into immediate, medium term and long term: Immediate: Caraga INFOCUS

1. The 3-month Closed Fishing Season in Mindanao will be lifted March 1. This would mean bountiful fish catch, especially the pelagic species. At peak fishing season, the price of pelagic species could be as low as P5 per kilo. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) could help the Department of Agriculture in identifying the fishing grounds where the supply

could come from. All that is needed is for DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to deploy trucks with refrigerated container vans and brought to Metro Manila via Fastcrafts most of which are underutilized now. The cost of transport will have to subsidized by DA just to be able to stabilize the prices of proteinrich commodities in the February 20-26, 2021 |

markets of Metro Manila. To institutionalize this, DA BFAR should establish icemaking and cold storage facilities in the fishing grounds as recommended years ago.

eggs and also encourage poultry farms to load up and produce through incentives which would include subsidized feeds and assurance of a farm gate price.

2. Growing broiler chicken takes only 25 to 27 days but currently the local poultry industry is still recovering from the losses due to the overimportation and the massive culling during the COVID 19 lockdowns.

For Mindanao, the farms to be enrolled in this program could be validated by MinDA.

The fastest turn-around and recovery time for the local poultry industry is six months and this is mainly because of the lack of chicks to be loaded in the empty poultry houses. The cost of day-old chicks (DOC)now is P60 mainly because there is no supply and with that investment, it is understandable that dressed chicken in the market would be as high as P160 to P180 per kilo. Instead of importing dressed chicken in cuts whose shipping would take at least 45 days, the best option is to import hatching eggs which could be brought in via air cargo. The government could subsidize the hatching

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Medium Term: 1. Cattle Fattening takes only 100 days but since it would take a few months to establish cattle feedlots and import steers or culled cows from Australia, this could take about six months to operationalize. For Mindanao, this could be implemented in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Governments, the local government units and the Development Bank of the Philippines. However, to fast-track this program, DA could come in through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and provide No-Interest Loans to the Mindanao LGUs (or other LGUs in Visayas and Luzon) to buy an initial fattening stock of 50,000 heads valued at about P3-B. For Mindanao, the

Livestock Industry Development Program blueprint has already been crafted by MinDA and readily implementable. 2. Fish Cage Farming is another option for medium term intervention since Bangus in fish cages would need only 5 to 6 months to mature. When I was Agriculture Secretary, I required each BFAR Regional Director to ensure that at least 300 fish cages are established in their regions. Most of the Directors achieved that while others did not but this program contributed greatly to the positive growth of the fisheries sector, the first after several decades, under the Duterte Presidency. Again, the limiting factors here are the high cost of feeds, the expense needed for the Norwegian Fish Cages and the postharvest facilities. .The recommendation here is for DA through ACPC again to be provided with the pumppriming funds to boost Aquaculture Production. Long Term: Caraga INFOCUS

1. It would take about 2 years at the earliest for the Hog Industry to recover given the threat of the ASF which poses great risks to hog farmers. With backyard hog raisers fearful of investing again in hog raising, the “Hogstel Program” or community common hog raising facility proposed by MinDA under the Islands of Hope strategy is the most practical option. This should be implemented in ASF-Free Zones which were earlier indicated in a map posted in this page. As a national strategy, bio-secure hog breeding facilities should be established in selected provinces indicated as Green Zones in the map Caraga INFOCUS

which includes Western and Central Regions of Mindanao and the islands along with Palawan, Mindoro, Panay, Negros, Bohol, Siquijor, Camiguin and Samar. This is where the national government must focus its interventions in restarting and reviving the hog industry in coordination with the local government units.

2.5-million heads, the Cattle Industry is one of the most overlooked sources of food for Filipinos. Goat Raising for meat, free-range chicken farming and duck raising, especially in areas surrounding Mindanao Marshes and lakes are easily doable interventions.

These are all practical and doable interventions and the involvement of 2. Other long term the LGUs, DILG, DA and programs to be considered MinDA, for Mindanao, is are Cattle Breeding needed. using modern Artificial Insemination on existing Done fast, the markets Cow population including will have sufficient supply an investment by LGUs in of chicken and fish by the procurement of heifers December and we could from the nearest soures like avert a looming food crisis. Australia. The key operating words With the current cattle are: LET US DO THIS FAST population of only NOW! February 20-26, 2021 |

NATIONAL NEWS

ANDANAR RALLIES PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LGUS’ COVID RECOVERY RESPONSE Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday urged the public to continue supporting their respective local government units (LGUs) by following orders imposed to prevent another uptick in new cases of COVID-19. “Let us continue to support our LGU, and President Rodrigo Duterte. We are close to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccines are already made and these will arrive here starting this week,” Andanar said in a radio interview. “If we follow our LGUs, the possibility that we will be saved from this crisis is not far and we can finally continue our plans to further develop Dapitan and the rest of the country,” he added, citing some local governments

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for successfully curbing the spread of the virus. Secretary Andanar was in Dapitan City for the rollout of the Pagdu-aw: Explain, Explain, Explain on the roadmap of the National Vaccination Program of the government. This is a grassroots information caravan being conducted in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). He reiterated that the Duterte administration is focused on saving lives, reviving hopes, and shaping the future of the Filipino people as the national government moves to purchase safe and effective vaccines. “The primary aim of this activity is to really provide an avenue for the vaccination

program to be discussed and to address numerous questions about it,” he said. “The role of the PCOO is to communicate, considering that the confidence of the people in the vaccine is low because of the Dengvaxia controversy before. Nevertheless, we will continue to explain, explain, explain to them that these vaccines that will be arriving in our country are safe,” he added. The PCOO chief also dismissed discussion on running for a political seat in the coming 2022 elections. “We are only focused on serving the public first, and delivering the commitment of the President,” he said. (PIA NCR/ By Susan G. De Leon)

February 20-26, 2021 |

PH, UN SIGNING OF HUMAN RIGHTS JOINT PROGRAM SEEN By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

After months of negotiations, the Philippines and the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) are expected to sign the UN Joint Program (UNJP) on Human Rights, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Saturday. “The Philippine government and the United Nations, through its Resident Coordinator, are moving forward in forging the UN Joint Program on Human Rights, which is the first-ever between the UN and a Member State,” Andanar said in a press statement. He made the remarks after the Philippines completed the first of UNJP activities through the holding of a human rights summit led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in December 2020. The summit, Andanar said, served as a platform for “earnest and intelligent” discourse and for advancing partnerships among various stakeholders on civil and

| February 20-26, 2021

political, economic, social, and cultural rights. “The government is pleased with the steady progress in the work of the UNJP,” he said. There have been consultations on a joint program between the UNRC and UN agencies and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and DOJ. The DFA and DOJ, along with other Philippine agencies, have proposed the elements of a multi-year joint program based on priorities of the government to strengthen various technical aspects of the country’s rule of law, accountability, and human rights mechanisms. The joint program under consideration would mainstream human rights in the cooperation between the Philippines and the UN, as well as strengthen synergies in cooperative efforts to advance human rights side by side with the

country’s determined pursuit of sustainable development goals. ‘Best conditions’ Andanar said the UNJP marks the newest milestone in the long history of the Philippines’ successful and productive engagement with the UN, regional and bilateral partners on the issue of human rights. “The UNJP is not an end to itself, but a pathway among many, in the dynamic and spirited national process to address gaps and further elevate institutional processes and mechanisms for human rights, rule of law, and accountability up to par with the highest standards,” he added. Andanar said the government’s resolve is to pursue the “best conditions” to ensure the success of the joint program on human rights. “The government endeavors

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to create the best conditions for the UNJP to flourish, so that it can meaningfully support the good governance agenda and the goals to uplift the welfare, promote the dignity, and protect the rights of the Filipino people,” he said. Citing President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks before the UN General Assembly on Sept. 22, 2020, Andanar said the Philippines sought an open dialogue and constructive engagement in human rights. ‘Sincere, constructive’ partnership Andanar said active and inclusive collaboration between and among government agencies, the UNRC, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and relevant civil society organizations has made the “shape and substance of UNJP become clearer over the last months.” “The government is strongly committed to pursue an open, sincere, and constructive partnership with the UN on the UNJP, which is welcomed as a new model for positive multilateralism that bears witness to the new energy of the reformed UN development system,” he said. Andanar ensured that the government, together with the UNRC, would provide regular updates on the UNJP. He gave the assurance following the joint endorsement of key areas, projects, outputs, and outcomes of the joint program made on Nov. 27, 2020 by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, UNRC Gustavo Gonzalez, CHR Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon, and other representatives of public agencies. (PNA)

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STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY AND CORDSX MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE CONFERMENT OF THE UNEP ASIA ENVIRONMENT ENFORCEMENT AWARD TO BUREAU OF CUSTOMS’ DISTRICT CUSTOMS COLLECTOR JOHN SIMON We applaud Bureau of Customs’ Cagayan de Oro (BOC-CDO) District Customs Collector John Simon for being conferred the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) 2020 Asia Environment Enforcement Award. Environmental degradation continues to be a pressing global issue, and Mr. Simon and the agency’s commitment to upending smuggling operations in the country, particularly of illegal waste, and upholding environmental justice in the Philippines is truly commendable. Moreover, it reflects the overall sentiment and the policies of the Duterte administration in addressing the said issue. Mr. Simon and BOC-CDO’s dedication also contributes to the overall campaign of UNEP in promoting environmental justice. As the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDSX), this outstanding recognition supports our whole-of-society programs in Region 10 for the advancement of its progress. May Mr. Simon and the agency’s contribution to our nation, to the international community, and to our environment be an inspiration to us all to preserve, protect, and promote the welfare of our environment for generations to come. February 20-26, 2021 |

GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH NATIONAL ANTI-HUNGER INITIATIVE PILIPINAS KONTRA GUTOM

Lahat kasali, lahat kasalo.

This is the rallying call of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG), a national, multisectoral anti-hunger movement that was formally launched on Monday by government and private sector partners that will work together on various programs with a common goal: one million fewer hungry Filipinos by 2022. With the support of private sector, non-government organizations, and civil society groups, and spearheaded by the government’s Task Force

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Zero Hunger (TFZH) chaired by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, PKG is adopting a whole-of-nation approach to achieve its immediate and long-term goals of addressing involuntary hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines––an urgent concern given the millions of families that grapple with hunger in the country.

Speaking at the PKG virtual launch program, Nograles thanked all the groups and organizations “that recognize the importance of battling hunger and have committed to work for a hunger-free Philippines.”

“Hunger is a silent enemy that can no longer be ignored; maraming apektado, at maraming kailangan tulungan. In our campaign against hunger, we should be all in, all out–– anyone who can pitch in should help, and those who can help should go all out.” Government partners present during the event include Mr. Mat Maderazo representing the Agriculture Secretary, Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Encabo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Director Lope Santos of the Department of Caraga INFOCUS

Education, Undersecretary Jim Sampulna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Nutrition Council Executive Director Azucena Dayanghirang, Undersecretary Marlo Iringan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Undersecretary Ruth Castelo of the Department of Trade and Industry, Dr. Milflor Gonzales of the Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute(DOST-FNRI) Assistant Secretary Florentino Loyola of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Assistant Director Cynthia Villena of the National Economic and Development Authority, Director Mary Anne Dela Veqa of the Department of Budget and Management, Director Karen Trayvilla of the Department of Labor and Employment, Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago of the Department of Health, PCOO Bureau of Communication Services Dir. Ma. Florinda Princess E. Duque and Undersecretary Emily Padilla of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

private companies, nonprofit groups and various organizations.

Since being organized in November last year, PKG has grown into a movement that involves around 70 partners from

Non-government organizations and foundations that have also joined are ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation,

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The private companies include Aboitiz, AXA, Bayer, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Cargill, Century Pacific Food, Inc., CocaCola, East West Seed, Dole Philippines, Harbest, JG Summit Holdings Inc., Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Kraft Heinz, McDonald’s Philippines, Mega Global Corp. Metrobank, Mondelez, Nestlé Philippines, NutriAsia, Pilmico Foods Corporation, RFM Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, SM Supermalls, Unilever Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), Unilab, and Vitarich. Organizations and industry associations include: AGREA, Go Negosyo, League of Corporation Foundations, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Philippine Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA), Scaling Up Nutrition, Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), and UN Global Compact.

Aboitiz Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Caritas, Gawad Kalinga, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Jollibee Group Foundation, Kabisig ng Kalahi, Manila Water Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Project PEARLS, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. PKG’s digital and media partners, on the other hand, include Cobena Business Analytics and Strategy, Inc. Grab Philippines, GCash, PayMaya, Lazada, Shopee, Facebook, Google, TikTok, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Business World, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and IKOT.PH. Battling hunger, one project at a time PKG plans to focus on key result areas of concern in order to organize sustainable initiatives for targeted beneficiaries that will address challenges with regard to food availability and accessibility, adequate nutrition, and crises assistance. These are consistent with the Zero Hunger roadmap outlined in the National Food Policy unveiled by TFZH last month. PKG’s initial projects include February 20-26, 2021 |

the following: • Farmer assistance: With the end in view of elevating farming as a dignified and sustainable profession, these projects aims to increase farmer income by as much as 20% within the year, and to double farmer productivity by 2025 via the expansion of value chain projects and logistics improvements. • Sustainable nutrition programs: Projects that will collectively work to achieve zero undernourished Filipino children across all households by 2030 via

| February 20-26, 2021

a strategy that involves campaigns to promote proper breastfeeding, to address malnutrition, and to roll out nutritious meals for Filipino households. • Disaster response: Private sector companies will work to revolutionize their disaster response in close partnership and coordination with the attached national agencies and local government units in order to streamline the private sector’s efforts to facilitate a prepared, synchronized, and targeted action flow for food security when crises strike.

• Food banking: This effort involves the initiation of food surplus assessments among food manufacturers, restaurants, supermarkets, and public markets in Metro Manila, with the food surplus from donors eventually allocated for distribution to those in need. In order to promote these projects, to raise awareness regarding hunger, and to invite companies and organizations to join PKG programs, PKG is set to launch a public information campaign, the details of which will be accessible at pilipinaskontragutom.com. Caraga INFOCUS

GORDON WANTS DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL’S LAST COVID-19 TEST INCLUDED IN VACCINE PASSPORT Stressing the importance of testing in stemming the further spread of COVID-19, especially with the new and more highly transmissible variant already in the country, Senator Richard J. Gordon on Monday proposed to include the details of a patient’s last COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase reaction test in the vaccine passport. During the period of amendment for Senate Bill No 2057 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, Gordon proposed Caraga INFOCUS

to amend Section 11 to include the date of the last RT-PCR testing and the name of the laboratory that conducted the last RTPCR testing in the vaccine passport, which will contain the vaccinations received by the individual. “Kahit na-inoculate ka na, pwede ka pa ding maging carrier at manghawa ng COVID. Kaya napakahalaga pa din ng testing para mapigiil ang lalong paglaganap ng sakit. Para makabalik na sa trabaho at sumiglang muli ang ekonomiya ng

bansa, kailangan nating magtesting,” Medical experts said studies have shown that the COVID vaccine inhibits progression to a severe case of the disease for an inoculated individual. However, there is no evidence that it could inhibit transmission to another individual. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, sponsor of the bill, accepted the proposed amendment but asked for the phrase “if applicable” to be included. February 20-26, 2021 |

PRC PARTNERS WITH ANGKAS TO EXTEND ITS HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS NATIONWIDE The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) partners with Angkas, the first and largest app-based professional motorcycle taxi service in the country to assist in the delivery of humanitarian interventions such as blood needs, first aid and other responses in relation to the fight against COVID-19. “Our partnership with Angkas is a game-changer because this will further strengthen our reach and capacity to provide service to the most vulnerable – wherever and whenever it is needed. Every minute matters in lifesaving and having quick access through the use of motorcycles and a network of trained volunteers will make a great difference,” Chairman Gordon said. A ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement will be held at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC) on February 24, 2021. The event will be attended by PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon, Secretary General Ms. Elizabeth Zavalla, Assistant Secretary General

| February 20-26, 2021

for Programs and Services Ms. Christie Nalupta, and representatives from Angkas, Chief Transport Advocate and Co-founder Mr. George Royeca, and the Head of Operations Mr. David Medrana. “We are greatly honored about our new partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), which will enable us to contribute even more to our country’s nation-building in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is congruent with our commitment to always be of support to the country and to be of service to the Filipinos,” Angkas Chief Transport Advocate and Cofounder, Mr. George Royeca emphasized. The partnership includes PRC membership program enrolment of all Angkas riders, employees, and family members. In line with this, Angkas riders will also become volunteers under the Red Cross 143 program. The Angkas riders will receive first aid and CPR trainings, which will enable them to respond to road accidents

and give immediate help, becoming emergency responders on the road even during disasters. As PRC expands its sample collection sites in different malls, Angkas riders will be trained to do home service for saliva testing, making COVID-19 testing faster, more convenient, and accessible to those who are unable to leave their homes. Angkas Exec Royeca further expressed that, “this development underscores the importance that we put in safeguarding the health, welfare, and safety of our partner bikers and the riding public. We are proud to partner with the premier global humanitarian organization that is the PRC for their proven quality lifesaving services that protect the wellbeing, life, and dignity of every person, most especially in times of national disasters and medical emergencies such as this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Handa na pong tumulong ang ating mga kagulong!”

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GORDON, PROUD OF CARDINAL TAGLE’S ADDITIONAL POST Senator Richard J. Gordon on Wednesday joined the country in hailing Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle over his additional role in the Roman Curia, adding that he is proud that Pope Francis reposes so much confidence in him.

prelate from Imus, Cavite, also commended the latter’s parents for raising children that they can really be proud of, adding that the prelate, with his place in the country’s history, is one of the most notable members of the Tagle clan.

“I’m very proud, not only as a Senator, but as a cousin… Kayo ay may taglay na talino at galing at malasakit para sa ating kapwa, di lang sa mga Kristyano kungdi sa sanglibutan. Napakalaking responsibility niyan at napakalaking hamon bilang Kardinal at bilang Pilipino at kahit na sino ay mahihirapan diyan. Pero alam kong kayang-kaya ni Cardinal Chito yan sapagkat alam naman natin na nananalig siya palagi,” he said.

“Natutuwa ako para sa mga magulang ni Cardinal dahil talagang maipagmamalaki nila ang kanilang mga anak, especially si Cardinal Chito at ngayon ay siya pa ang mangangasiwa ng lahat ng mga patrimonial property ng buong Simbahang Katoliko… I’m very proud dahil ang ating angkan, ay meron na ngayong di makakailang kontribusyon,” he said.

Gordon, a cousin of the

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Pope Francis on Monday appointed the Cardinal, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of

Peoples, as a member of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), which operates like the Vatican’s central bank. Tagle has been in the Vatican since February 2020 when he formally assumed his post as head of Propaganda Fide. In May 2020, the pontiff elevated him to the order of “cardinal bishops,” the highest rank within the College of Cardinals. In July 2020, he was also named member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. At present, Tagle has been serving his second and last term as president of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of Catholic charities around the world.

February 20-26, 2021 |

PRESIDENT DUTERTE: FILIPINOS MUST REMAIN CAUTIOUS AS COUNTRY AWAITS COVID-19 VACCINE President Duterte: Filipinos must remain cautious as country awaits COVID-19 vaccine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has expressed dismay Wednesday over the inability of poor and developing countries get equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, asking the public not to lower its guard against the coronavirus. President Duterte, in his previous pronouncements in global fora, called for fair access to COVID-19 vaccines as countries race to inoculate their populations against the highly contagious coronavirus. For instance, during his virtual address to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit last year, he urged member economies to ensure the unimpeded flow of medical supplies and technologies, especially COVID-19 vaccines. To defeat the coronavirus, member economies must strengthen partnerships to

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on February 24, 2021. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

make vaccines a global public good, he said. “Seventy-five, sitenta’y singko porsyento, nandiyan lang sa sampu na… Ang iba, tayo, pati nga tayo wala,” the President said in a public address Wednesday, expressing dismay over the disparity in supply. While the Philippines awaits vaccine deliveries, the President said the country must fortify its defenses. He wants local government units (LGUs) to play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 particularly through wide use of face masks. President Duterte hopes governors, mayors, and barangay officials to carry out strict mask mandate, appealing to them to shell out money to give masks for free especially to the poor. “The provincial government and the municipal governments and the city governments, I require you to buy and give it for free,” he said.

The government expects to receive 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by the Chinese government. It plans to begin mass inoculation as soon as it gets the initial vaccine deliveries. Aside from the Chinese donation, the government is also awaiting the delivery of 3.5 million doses of vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Pfizer. It was arranged through the COVAX Facility, a global alliance that seeks to help poor countries vaccinate their populations. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the country’s vaccine czar and chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, reported that the Philippines will receive a total of 5.1 million vaccine doses in the first quarter of this year. Some 24.1 million doses, coming from COVAX and government procurements, will also be delivered to the Philippines in the second quarter, he said. PND

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TOP OFFICIALS VOUCH FOR SINOVAC’S EFFICACY, SAFETY Sinovac Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, said the country’s health secretary and vaccine czar Wednesday night, citing assurances from the medical community. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting in Malacañang on government’s COVID-19 interventions, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Sinovac’s vaccine has 100-percent efficacy rate in preventing severe infections. Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine has been clinically proven to reduce symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, prevent hospitalization and severe cases, thereby reducing deaths, Duque explained. “Sinovac belongs to that group that offers or provides 100-percent efficacy or effectiveness,” he told President Duterte, noting other countries inoculated their healthcare workers with Sinovac despite other

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indications in Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government.

For his part, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. also vouched for Sinovac’s safety and efficacy noting the jab has received an approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It is also awaiting the delivery of 3.5 million doses of vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Pfizer, through the COVAX Facility, a global alliance that seeks to help poor countries vaccinate their populations.

Galvez also cited world leaders getting Sinovac shot such as Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. To allay fears and build public confidence, the vaccine czar said he, along with other top government officials, will also take the jab. The Philippines and China are finalizing documentary requirements such as export permit and deed of acceptance to fast-track the delivery of the vaccines, Galvez noted. The country expects to receive the first delivery of 600,000 doses of Sinovac

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, reported that for the first quarter, the Philippines will receive a total of 5.1 million vaccine doses. In the second quarter, a total of 24.1 million doses is expected to be delivered to the Philippines, which will come from COVAX and government procurements. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 1,557 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, February 24, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 566,420 with 523,321 recoveries and 12,129 deaths. PND

February 20-26, 2021 |

enforcement na kung sino ‘yong napatanggal kasi may suspetsa ako, hindi lang suspetsa, sigurado ako na gagawa ito ng milagro para to continue with this nefarious activity,” he said.

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 Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on February 24, 2021. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS UNSCRUPULOUS LAW ENFORCERS HAVE NO PLACE IN GOV’T SERVICE Law enforcers involved in the drug trade, extortion and other misdeeds have no place in government and must be removed from service immediately, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Wednesday. “If you are bribing or you are in the take that you can be bribed, you should not be there in the service at all. Hindi ako puwede akong magsabi niyang i-suspend lang kasi gagawa ito nang gagawa nang gagawa,” President Duterte said in a public address Wednesday. “Those policemen, PNP, na ang mga kasalanan itong

| February 20-26, 2021

related sa drugs pati itong pera, malversation, there’s only one penalty there. They should not be in government. They should be out in the streets.” The President made the pronouncement as he publicly named Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel involved in anomalies resulting in their dismissal. President Duterte wants the PDEA to come up with a list of dismissed employees so that the government can monitor their activities. “Lalo na ‘yang law

“These guys are really --lalo na ‘yong tumanggap ng pera na sanay sa corruption, alam na nila ang laro. Gagawa ito ng mga paraan mabubuhay. And the easiest way to earn money is to practice the trade of bribery and in the releases at alam na kung paano --- sinong lapitan,” he stressed. He ordered the drug enforcement agency to organize a team that will solely focus on tracking and monitoring dismissed personnel to know if they continue their criminal activity after being removed from service. Among the PDEA personnel dismissed from service for grave misconduct and other offenses were Julius R. Navales, Director III; Erwin S. Ogario, Director III; Sherwin Herbert M. Manuel, Intelligence Officer IV; Reagan B. Silverio, Intelligence Officer I; and Hassan S. Muharam, Administrative Staff. PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte convenes with members of his Cabinet and local government officials of Surigao del Sur to assess the extent of the damage of Tropical Storm Auring that recently hit the Caraga region as well as discuss the response and relief efforts being given to affected areas at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on February 23, 2021. The meeting was held after the President conducted an aerial inspection of affected areas in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GOV’T AGENCIES ASSURES PRESIDENT DUTERTE OF SWIFT DISASTER RESPONSE IN CARAGA Government agencies spearheading relief efforts have assured President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday that they have enough resources to address the damage brought by Tropical Storm Auring in the CARAGA Region.

have ample funds that could be tapped from their Quick Response Fund (QRF) to respond to the calamity.

Avisado reported that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has P1 billion; Department of the Interior and Local GovernmentDuring the situation briefing Bureau of Fire Protection in Tandag City, Surigao (DILG-BFP), P50 million; del Sur, Budget Secretary DILG-PNP, P50 million; Wendel Avisado told Department of National President Duterte that Defense-Office of Civil different departments still Defense (DND-OCD), P500 Caraga INFOCUS

million; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) P1 billion; and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), P1.2 billion. He said other departments have programs that enable them to provide immediate assistance such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and February 20-26, 2021 |

Department of Energy (DOE). “As a whole, it’s really the whole-of-government approach that we are adopting so that we can respond immediately to situations,” Avisado said. “Despite that, even if there will be additional damages, the situation here is not comparable to the extent of the damage caused by Typhoons Quinto, Rolly and Ulysses. The damages then were massive,” he added. Based on the report of the Office of Civil Defense and DSWD, the Office of the President was able to give additional funds directly to the local government units (LGUs) to augment their calamity funds, according to Avisado. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista also reported that the department has already provided family food packs to the survivors. A total of 15,000 family food packs was prepositioned in Surigao del Sur and some 8,000 packs were brought to CARAGA field office for distribution. An additional 7,000 family food packs will

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be arriving Wednesday. Bautista told the President that the department has allotted P22.09 million for its standby fund and for the department’s stockpiles that include both food and non-food items. He said that the DSWD also has P459.8 million QRF that could be used in case there is fund shortage. Some 3,658 families affected by the storm will receive P3,000 each. Families whose houses were totally damaged will get P30,000 each. For the partially damaged, they will be given 15,000 each, according to the social welfare chief. In addition, DOLE will provide 30 motorized fiberglass bancas for every municipality in Surigao del Sur. At the same time, the labor department will spearhead an emergency employment program for 10 days to 250 workers who will be receiving minimum wage rate, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. Every municipality in the province could avail DOLE’s emergency employment scheme. Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that livelihood support funds such as loans would

be provided to 1,000 small businesses affected by the storm. “So doon naman ho may assessment tayo para babalikan natin ‘yan after one week kung anong tulong ang kailangan. Usually pautang o kaya ‘yong outright livelihood support fund. Puhunan ho ito. Iyong mga gamit na puwede nang paninda. So ‘yon ibibigay ho natin,” Lopez explained. Also on Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar handed over P217.9 million worth of agricultural interventions to the provincial government of Surigao del Sur. The weather disturbance, which inundated most of the CARAGA Region, affected a total of 29,000 families or 112,734 individuals, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported. A six-year-old child was reported to have drowned in Claver, Surigao del Norte, and authorities said there were four missing and two injuries. Three of those who remain unaccounted for were fishermen who ventured at sea in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. PND Caraga INFOCUS

IMPROVING CARAGA’S ROAD NETWORK, VITAL TO DEFEATING COMMUNIST INSURGENCY – PRESIDENT DUTERTE President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday vowed to help Surigao del Sur improve its infrastructures particularly barangay roads to defeat communist insurgency in the region. During a situation briefing in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel asked President Duterte to provide them with equipment to rehabilitate the province’s barangay roads, which were affected by the previous typhoon. The President said he backed Surigao del Sur’s initiative to improve its barangay roads, noting it is vital in the administration’s counterinsurgency campaign. “I need the barangay roads to improve the insurgency problem sa lahat. Dito lalo na sa Mindanao,” President Duterte said. “The pinakamalakas is sa CARAGA, sa Eastern Visayas.

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Ang CARAGA ang pinakasakit sa ulo.” The President noted that he is paying special attention to the region’s insurgency problem and has requested the agrarian reform department to speed up land distribution to qualified beneficiaries particularly idle state-owned lands. “Kaya si Castriciones, sabi ko, ang land reform kasi niya it covers only the --- iyong mga hindi nga agricultural eh. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Ibigay na ninyo ‘yong lupa. Lahat nang makita mo sa gobyerno, ibigay ninyo sa tao,’” he said. “Wala naman ‘yang... Nakaano lang ‘yan diyan, hindi naman nagagamit. It’s not being utilized for productivity.” A local public works official, who was present during the situation briefing, assured the President that the DPWH would

coordinate with Surigao del Sur government to rehabilitate its road network. For his part, the President has assuref that there are enough resources from the national government to address the request of the local officials. “So hindi naman masyadong mahirap talaga ang gobyerno. Sabi lang ng iba. It’s just a matter of communication. At saka kung may pera, I can buy one, two,” the President said. “Hindi naman masyadong mahal ‘yan. It would not make us poor. I can buy one, two, three equipment.” The President, however, told the officials that once the national government has provided them with equipment, these must remain in the province and should not be used or transferred to other locations. PND

February 20-26, 2021 |

EXPERTS RECOMMEND SINOVAC FOR HEALTH WORKERS: DOH By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

Experts from the government and the private sector have recommended the use of the Sinovac vaccine, known commercially as CoronaVac, for health care workers, noting its “100 percent efficacy” in preventing moderate to severe symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a virtual presser on Friday, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the vaccine was “thoroughly reviewed” by the department, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), and the DOH Technical Advisory Group (TAG). “The EUA (Emergency Use Authority) of FDA establishes the safety and efficacy of Sinovac and our experts have ruled that Sinovac’s 100 percent efficacy rate in preventing moderate and severe cases is indeed sufficient to meet the goal of reducing deaths – protections that we want to afford foremost to our health care workers,” Vergeire

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said.

59 years.

The vaccine, she said, was found to be 50 percent effective in preventing mild symptoms and was recommended for “clinically healthy individuals ages 18 to 59.”

Lim said the vaccine would not be administered to senior citizens.

Dr. Maria Consorcia Quizon, a member of NITAG, said health care workers who wish to skip Sinovac and wait for a different brand of vaccine may do so, noting that they will remain a priority for the next batch of vaccines. “Even if we roll out ito, talagang may consent kasi it’s up to the person to receive or not (Even if we roll out these vaccines, we will ask for consent and it’s up to the person to receive it or not),” Quizon said. Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, a member of TAG, said the 600,000 doses of vaccines that the country is set to receive would first be offered to health care workers, currently estimated at 1.2 million, and would then be made available to other frontline workers aged 18 years to

“Hindi pwede ang elderly. So bababa ito down the line for the group na pwedeng sakupin ng EUA, which is 18 to 59 clinically healthy adults. So, malamang, maaaring makababa ito dun sa essential workers kung may matitira pa po (The elderly are not allowed. So, this will go down to the group covered by the EUA, which is 18- to 59-yearold clinically healthy adults. So, most likely, this will reach essential workers if any remain),” she said. On Monday, the FDA granted the EUA for the vaccine made by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech and earlier recommended it to be administered to economic front-line workers and military personnel, instead of health care workers, due to its 50 percent efficacy in avoiding mild symptoms. (PNA)

February 20-26, 2021 |

GOV’T WORKING DOUBLE TIME TO HASTEN DELIVERY OF COVID-19 VAX

National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and the country’s vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. (file photo)

By Lade Jean Kabagani and Marita Moaje

While the government is struggling with the delays on the arrival of coronavirus vaccines due to limited global supply, National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. assured they are doubling efforts to get early delivery of vaccines by the first quarter this year. “So ito po ang medyo talagang malaking problema po natin dahil po talaga ‘yong sa global demand, napakababa po ng ano ng ating supply sa first quarter (This is the biggest challenge to us because the global demand is high but the supply for the first quarter is limited),” Galvez, who is also the country’s vaccine czar, told President Rodrigo Duterte in a virtual public briefing aired on Wednesday night. Galvez said they are currently negotiating with the governments of Britain, China, India, and Russia for the delivery of additional doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country for the first quarter.

| February 20-26, 2021

He cited the need to vaccinate around 1.7 million healthcare workers, the indigent population, and senior citizens. He said the country might offer to pay “a little higher” to ensure the early delivery of Covid-19 vaccines within the first quarter. “That’s why iyong ongoing negotiation po natin sa mga ibang vaccine ay kailangan po na ina-ano po namin na kung puwede silang magkaroon ng early delivery (That’s why we are negotiating with the vaccine manufacturers to make an early delivery),” he said. “At nagne-negotiate din po tayo kahit mapamahal nang kaunti basta ma-early delivery lang po sila ng second quarter at saka po ng first quarter (And we are also negotiating to even pay a little higher just to ensure the early delivery of the vaccines by the first and second quarters this year).” Galvez said they are expecting to receive about 161 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of 2021.

“Iyon po ang ginagawa po nating technique, ino-offset po natin ng price -- prices na ano ‘yong kanilang price, dadagdagan po ‘yong prices para mapaano po mapaaga po kasi mas maganda po ‘yong mas maaga siya ma-ooffset natin ‘yong ano iyong increase ng price (It’s part of our strategy to offset their prices, we will increase the prices so that it would come early),” he said. Updates on vaccine procurement Meanwhile, Galvez said the LGUs and the private sector that have signed a tripartite agreement with the AstraZeneca vaccines have already provided advance payment. The government is now polishing the supply agreements for some 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, he said. The vaccine czar added that the government had “marathon negotiations

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finalizing the language of the supply agreement” for Moderna vaccines. He said they are now polishing the terms for the three agreements which include the terms for indemnification and supply delivery. Galvez said the long process of negotiations for vaccine procurement involves ensuring that “malpractices and willful neglect” could be covered by the agreements. “Dapat malaman po ng mamamayan at saka ng mga manufacturer na the state cannot waive iyong tinatawag na blanket immunity na ang ano po natin ay iyong (The public and the manufacturers should know that the state cannot waive the blanket immunity for) malpractices at saka (and) willful neglect,” said Galvez. Though the country is working on the indemnity fund to cover the possible adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccine, Galvez noted that the negotiations “must be fair and square.” He said the vaccine manufacturers should maintain the negotiated specifications of Covid-19 jabs to be delivered and ensure that these vaccines are safe and effective for public use. Galvez emphasized the importance of legislating the Senate Bill 2057, the substitute bill for vaccine-related measures that proposed a much-needed indemnification clause required for Covid-19 vaccines. “They really intend to protect

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not only the manufacturers but also the vaccinee considering that mayroong allocated tayo na ano sir na indemnification fund kung just in case na maospital or mayroong tinatawag tayong adverse effect (that we have allocated indemnification fund just in case vaccine recipients may hospitalize due to adverse effects). So lahat po protektado nito po (everyone is protected by this),” he said. Galvez added the bill will provide full protection for vaccine manufacturers: “While we are doing everything in good faith to serve the humanity and save our people from this pandemic.” On Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the first batch of China’s Sinovac Biotech vaccines consisting of 600,000 doses will arrive in the country on Feb. 28. Meanwhile, the city government of Manila will offer to vaccinate the city’s essential workers that include jeepney and other public utility vehicle drivers, vendors, and mall workers using the Sinovac vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19), in case it arrives first in the country. “I will offer it to the general public particularly to the economic drivers, halimbawa jeepney driver, traysikel driver, market vendors, mga nasa planta, sa tindahan o sa restaurants (for example to the tricycle drivers, market vendors, those working in the plants, in stores or restaurants), they can avail,” Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said in an interview. He said vaccinating these

workers who deal directly with consumers every day may restore consumer confidence which would help contribute to economic recovery. However, Domagoso stressed that receiving the vaccine will still be voluntary. Domagoso said it is important that these types of workers are vaccinated as soon as possible because they interact with more people daily. In case that there are still remaining vaccines, Domagoso said that he will open it then to the general public, especially those who have pre-registered under the manilacovid19vaccine. com. Those who will give their consent will immediately receive the vaccine while those who will decline may wait for the next brand to arrive. “Tatanungin natin sila, ano gusto nila Pfizer, AstraZeneca o Sinovac. Eto dumating Sinovac ito ino-offer namin. Kung ayaw pwede maghintay, pero (We will ask them what do they prefer, Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinovac. The Sinovac has arrived and this is what we offer for now. Those who do not want them may wait, but) I will keep on reminding you that you are always at risk without the vaccine,” said Domagoso. Domagoso said if the vaccines that are certified by the government to be safe and may give 50 percent, 70 percent, or 90 percent protection, he will accept and grab them the opportunity and encourages the public to do the same. (PNA)

February 20-26, 2021 |

SINOVAC VACCINES TO ARRIVE IN PH FEB. 28: PALACE Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

The first batch of China’s Sinovac Biotech vaccines will arrive in the Philippines on Sunday (Feb. 28), Malacañang said on Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said a total of 600,000 vaccine doses donated by the Chinese government to the country will be delivered on Sunday. “Tatlong tulog nalang po parating na po ang bakuna. Inaasahan na darating sa araw ng Linggo ang Sinovac, kaya excited po na tayong lahat (Just three more nights until the vaccine arrives. We expect Sinovac to arrive this Sunday that’s why we’re all excited),” he said in a press briefing from Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Roque said government

| February 20-26, 2021

By Azer Parrocha and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

officials will personally witness the arrival of the China-made vaccines. “Inaasahan po, at least, ang pinapalano natin, ay sasalubungin ng mga opisyal ang pagdating ng mga bakuna. Maraming salamat muli sa Sinovac at Tsina dahil sa parating na paunang bakuna para sa mga Pilipino (We expect or plan to have officials welcome the arrival of vaccines. Thank you again Sinovac and China for sending us Filipinos the first batch of vaccines),” he said. He said the immunization drive can start on March 1 should the Chinamade vaccines arrive as scheduled. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently cleared the

Sinovac vaccine for emergency use. However, Sinovac is not recommended for healthcare workers and senior citizens due to its 50 percent efficacy rate. Sinovac is the third vaccine brand to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) after Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. Priority list Frontline healthcare workers, particularly employees from the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), are supposed to be the first in line to be inoculated with vaccines. However, since the FDA has not recommended its use for medical front-liners, Roque said he would still have to coordinate with Caraga INFOCUS

officials of the UP-PGH, one Roque also assured that of the Covid-19 referral medical front-liners will not hospitals in Metro Manila. be forced into receiving jabs from Sinovac and still UP-PGH Director Dr. have the option to wait for Gerardo Legaspi, for his the vaccine brand they part, reiterated that 94 prefer. percent of healthcare workers and non-medical “Wala pong pilitan. Yung personnel have signed up gusto mag-antay nga po to be inoculated but with ng ibang brand siguro, ang a Pfizer vaccine. concession na maibibgay sa kanila is puwede sila He said the initial survey humindi at puwede sila conducted by UP-PGH mag-antay without losing last January showed a 75 their priority kasi ‘yan percent acceptance rate naman ang nakasulat for receiving vaccines sa EUA. Pero masusunod regardless of brand. naman po yung order of priority (We won’t force “We are trying to manage them. For those who want the understanding of the to wait for another brand, EUA given for Sinovac. the concession we can Over the next few days, give them is they can kailangan natin i-thresh decline and can wait for a out ang ibig sabihin ng brand they prefer without statement ng FDA na mas losing their priority because magiging very useful for that’s written in the EUA. our healthcare workers But we will still follow our to make their decision order of priority),” he (we need to thresh out added. the meaning of FDA’s statement that it will be Meanwhile, Chinese useful for healthcare Ambassador to Manila workers to make their Huang Xilian said both the decision),” he said. Chinese and Philippine governments are “working Earlier, Legaspi said that round the clock” to UP-PGH spokesperson and facilitate an on-time Covid-19 survivor Dr. Jonas delivery on Sunday. del Rosario will be among the first medical front-liners “It is a fine tradition to be inoculated once between China and the a vaccine arrives in the Philippines to help each country. other in trying times. A friend in need is a friend Caraga INFOCUS

indeed,” he said. He said this serves as a testament to the “solidarity as well as profound friendship and partnership” between the two nations. “I want to thank all those who have worked so hard in order to make this happen! I hope the vaccines will help kick off the Philippines’ mass inoculation campaign to curb the pandemic and allow Filipinos’ life to return to normal at the earliest,” he said. “Our friendship and partnership amid this pandemic will continue to grow and prosper as we fight against the pandemic hand in hand,” he added. The donation is part of the commitment made by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to support Manila’s pandemic response when he visited the country in January 2020. The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier assured that Manila’s vaccine transactions with China and other foreign partners are not tied to any consideration and are at best a sign of goodwill. (PNA) February 20-26, 2021 |

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