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PPA implements preventive measures vs. COVID-19 By Jennifer P. Gaitano Regional News

This is part of the preventive measures undertaken by the authorities against the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. given clearance, they were then allowed to sail heading to their main destination in Tubay, Agusan del Norte. BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has strictly implemented the 14-day quarantine anchorage of a vessel in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

According to Mildred Padilla, port manager of the Port Management Office of Agusan, the said vessel docked near the Nasipit Port has been anchored since February 7 and right after the 22 crew of the said ship were “We observe the 14-day quarantine period, so when the boarding team headed primarily by the Bureau of Quarantine did not see any manifestation, they will then issue the clearance,” bared Padilla.

PPA is also constantly monitoring the passengers coming in and out of the Nasipit Port through the use of noncontact thermometers with the help and assistance of the Rural Health Unit of Nasipit.

Meanwhile, the Emerging And ReEmerging Infectious Disease Task Force led by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga was also strengthened to combat the spread of false information or fake news regarding the COVID-19. Department of Health - Center for Health and Development (DOHCHD) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. appealed to the public to only get updates on COVID-19 from their office, and assess carefully any information they see and read on social media before sharing it to others.

“I also urged all Caraganons to continuously listen to the health advisories of the Department of Health. The DOH will issue only official messages concerning COVID-19 for public order and safety,” said Dr. Llacuna.

At present, the 14-day quarantine to a patient under investigation in the region has been complied with and showed a negative result of Coronavirus. Of the 36, 24 persons under monitoring have already undergone the 14-day monitoring period.

Dr. Llacuna thanked the local government units particularly the surveillance officers for ensuring that the monitoring of the persons under monitoring (PUMs) is strictly implemented.

He further encouraged the Caraganons to maintain personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle for a strong immune system. (JPG/NCLM/ PIA-Caraga)

PCOO chief calls for hog raisers’ cooperation against ASF Regional News By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar calls for the cooperation of hog raisers in Mindanao to curb the spread the African swine fever (ASF) in the island.

With the ASF spreading over Davao provinces and the declaration of an outbreak in Davao Occidental, entry points for hog shipping in Mindanao have implemented stricter inspection, especially in areas near the said affected provinces.

In Caraga, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has activated the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Animal Disease Task Force to create interventions and preventive measures for the issue regionwide.

In addition, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte has established a task force to counter the spread of ASF and has implemented additional quarantine measures by establishing quarantine stations in the municipalities of RTR and Carmen.

The local government in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has also prohibited backyard hog raisers from practicing swill feeding, or feeding hogs with a mixture of leftover food.

Andanar also emphasized that independent hog raisers make up a significant portion of the hog industry in the country but are usually left unmonitored. Their commitment to abide by the necessary protocol and procedures will greatly contribute to the eradication of ASF in the country. (DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga) February 22-28, 2020 Caraga Infocus