Caraga InFocus – January 16-22, 2021

Volume V, No. 4 January 16-22, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS PIA CHIEF URGES PUBLIC TO DISSEMINATE ONLY FACTS, TRUTH ON GOVERNMENT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM PH GOV’T ASSURES FILIPINOS OF SAFE, EFFECTIVE VACCINE IN THE COMING MONTHS

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CASH, FOOD DISTRIBUTION CONTINUES IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE DBP GRANTS P150M CREDIT LINE FOR MODERN PUVS MANUFACTURER RTWPB ORIENTS EMPLOYEES IN BUTUAN CITY MGA MAGSASAKA SA CARAGA REGION, TUMAAS ANG ANI DAHIL SA PROGRAMA NG PHILRICE

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POPCOM, GIPONDOHAN ANG PROGRAMA SA MGA LOKAL NGA KAGAMHANAN ALANG SA MGA KABATAN-ONAN

PROVINCIAL NEWS NORTE SK PUSHES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL 20 SURIGAO PROJECTS AMID PANDEMIC GYUD’ LENDS AID TO SURIGAO CITY FIRE 23 ‘BISAYA VICTIMS

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ARMY INITIATES FORUM FOR BUSINESS SECTOR VS NPA EXTORTION ARMY RETRIEVES ABANDONED NPA CADAVER IN BUTUAN CITY ARMY TURNS OVER NPA CADAVER TO FAMILY PEACE AND ORDER SA PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE MAS PAYAPA AT KONTROLADO

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LGU CABADBARAN GI-USBAWAN ANG HONORARIUM SA DEPUTIZED FISH WARDENS, CARETAKER SA FISH SANTUARY P1M ALANG RELOCATION SITE SA BRGY TAGBONGABONG APROBADO NA FOREST NURSERY, CHAIR FACTORY PLANONG ITATAYO SA SURIGAO DEL SUR ARMY ENGINEERS, PHILSAGA TURN-OVER ONE SCHOOL-BUILDING TO DEPED

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NATIONAL NEWS

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE PASSAGE OF THE MEDIA WORKERS WELFARE BILL ON ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GOVERNMENT ASSURES EQUITABLE ACCESS TO COVID VACCINE - SECRETARY ANDANAR

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PCOO EYES MORE INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS, GOV’T MEDIA FACILITIES FOR 2021

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PCOO, PIA LAUNCH COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN TO RESTORE PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE IN COVID-19 VACCINE GOV’T INFO DRIVE ON COVID-19 VACCINE GETS BACKING FROM YOUTH SECTOR

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ANDANAR: EDSA DECONGESTION PROGRAM SEEN TO CREATE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH

ANDANAR HOPES ‘MORAL GOVERNANCE’ IN BARMM TO FLOURISH

CONTENTS

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COVER

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NOGRALES, MCDONALD’S KINDNESS KITCHEN DISTRIBUTE 2,000 FREE MEALS IN CAVITE MOTORCYCLE CRIME PREVENTION LAW WILL PROTECT PUBLIC FROM MOTORCYCLE-RELATED CRIMES – GORDON GORDON’S BILL THAT SEEKS TO DE-CLOG DOCKETS IN REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS DISCUSSED IN SENATE GORDON FILES BILL PROPOSING TRAINING OF ADDITIONAL VACCINATORS GORDON CONDEMNS PEACE AND ORDER PERIL BROUGHT BY BRAZEN KILLINGS GORDON PROPOSES TRAINING MORE FILIPINOS TO ADMINISTER VACCINATION AS PH PREPARES FOR COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION DRIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF UHC LAW, TO FACILITATE COVID VACCINATION ROLL OUT - GORDON ZUBIRI: SENATE WILLING TO HELP SPEARHEAD AFP AIRCRAFT MODERNIZATION DUTERTE GOV’T PROMISES CONTINUED BARMM BACKING PRESIDENT DUTERTE CONDOLES WITH FAMILIES OF BUKIDNON CRASH VICTIMS PRESIDENT DUTERTE: GOVERNMENT DEALS ON VACCINE PROCUREMENT ARE ABOVE BOARD

COVID-19 NEWS

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ASSURES ENOUGH FUNDS FOR VACCINE PROCUREMENT – PALACE PALACE URGES PUBLIC TO LISTEN TO VACCINE EXPERTS

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary and CORDS for Northern Mindanao (CORDS X) Martin Andanar on PAF helicopter crash in Bukidnon We are saddened by the helicopter crash involving our Philippine Air Force personnel while resupplying troops to counteract communist rebels in Bukidnon, January 16, 2021.

With this, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of our fallen heroes.

Their stark bravery, courage, and patriotism never waived until their last hours while serving our beloved country.

May their love for our country inspire many soldiers and Filipinos to uphold peace among each other to attain development and security while respecting differences.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families in this time of grief.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

PRC CHAIR RECOGNIZES ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF CARAGANON VOLUNTEERS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano/ Venus L. Garcia In time with his visit in Caraga region as guest of honor during the blessing and inauguration of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Molecular Laboratory in Surigao City, Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon recognized the Caraganon volunteers who continue to help others amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The senator who is also the current PRC chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) also emphasized how Caraganons unite and work together in achieving common goals.

With the completion and anticipated operation of the newly-built molecular laboratory, Gordon highlighted the active involvement and contribution of the private sector particularly the mining companies.

“With your dedication to provide better services to the

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people in Caraga, many will also experience better opportunities and development in the region,” cited Gordon.

First District of Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II expressed his thanks on behalf of the residents of the city to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and partners from the private sector such as the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation for their generosity, which resulted in the establishment of a PRC Molecular Laboratory in

Surigao City.

“Despite the many disasters that your agency needed to attend to, you chose to make us your priority to which we are truly grateful for,” the

Caraga INFOCUS

official said. He added that the opening of the testing facility is a timely development, as the entire province opens its borders to local tourists.

His gratitude was also extended to the medical staff and volunteers who will be manning the laboratory operations.

Vice Governor Eddie Geed Gokiangkee, Jr. also bared that the facility is a manifestation of the continued commitment of the stakeholders to fight COVID-19 and to assist in the gradual recovery of the economic activities.

M e a n w h i l e , Caraga INFOCUS

Jose Bayani Baylon of the Nickel Asia Corporation said that the establishment of the facility is a result of the “performance, trust, and leadership� among the institutions involved in the said initiative, such as the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation and the Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT).

He added that the project was also a way for the company to lend help in more relevant ways, as the entire country grapples with the effects of the pandemic. (JPG/VLG/ PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs The Land Tenure Improvement Division of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) conducted the three-day (Jan. 19-21) problem solving workshop and cascading of the latest guidelines to all field implementers in order to harmonize the interpretation of law. xx

The creation of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCACs) is anchored on the Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2018 which mandates a “WholeOf-Nation� Approach in resolving the communist rebellion.

Under EO 70, LGUs shall take the lead in the conduct of local peace dialogues as a way of peacefully engaging the rebels and convincing them to return to the folds of the law.

Through the Hakot Serbisyo sa Barangay (HASEBA) 2021, all taxpayers and business owners of Mainit municipality may conveniently transact at the one-stop-shop for tax payments, business permits and licences renewal.

Some 300 farmers of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte received an indemnity check from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, as support to their damaged plants/crops during disasters.

REGIONAL NEWS

PIA CHIEF URGES PUBLIC TO DISSEMINATE ONLY FACTS, TRUTH ON GOVERNMENT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM

By Jennifer P. Gaitano “I need your help to explain about the vaccine to all Filipinos because they deserve such explanation, and they deserve the truth. We would like to assure everyone that this government, your government under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is working really hard in planning the rollout and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and communicating the facts to the people.”

This was the statement of DirectorGeneral Ramon Cualoping III of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) during the recent virtual town hall meeting on Vaccine Deployment Plan, as he called on all sectors to help spread the right and accurate information

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Cualoping

about the vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help combat fake news.

“We in the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Philippine Information Agency under the leadership of Secretary Martin Andanar, and the vaccine cluster under the leadership of Secretary Carlito Galvez, and Secretary Vince Dizon, and the vaccine panel of experts are here to communicate these valuable, timely and relevant information to everyone. Everyone is working hard to implement this roadmap,” underscored Cualoping.

Cualoping added that the aim of the government is to save

lives, revive hopes and shape the future of Filipinos. “And now in the midst of the pandemic, it is our goal to have available vaccines for all Filipinos for a healthy Pilipinas,” he said.

The official further assured that the agency will discuss everything and #ExplainExplainExplain the vaccine basics, roadmap, and latest updates. And with fake news becoming viral among the public, Cualoping also sought the support of everyone as responsible citizens to help explain everything about the vaccines to all Filipinos.

“Because they deserve such explanation, they deserve the truth,” he emphasized. (JPG/ VLG/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PH GOV’T ASSURES FILIPINOS OF SAFE, EFFECTIVE VACCINE IN THE COMING MONTHS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

As the government continues to increase the level of awareness among Filipino people on the vaccination program, it also assured that the vaccines to end the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which will soon become available in the country are safe and effective.

COVID-19 policy chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Caraga INFOCUS

Galvez Jr. emphasized the sincerity of the government to secure and deliver a safe and effective vaccine for all Filipino. He added that the whole-of-nation approach will ensure the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines at the soonest possible time.

Director-General Ramon Cualoping III of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) stressed

the need for all Filipinos to unite and cooperate in the campaign against fake news particularly on the effort of the government in ending the pandemic. He further called on all sectors to only spread the right and accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I need your help to explain about the vaccine to all Filipinos January 16-22, 2021 |

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because they deserve such an explanation, and they deserve the truth. We would like to assure everyone that this government, your government under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is working really hard in planning the roll-out and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and communicating the facts to the people,” said Cualoping.

Dr. Nina Gloriani, head of Vaccine Development Expert Panel from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also revealed that the ideal vaccine should be safe, immunogenic, long-lasting immunity (memory cells), protect against disease, stable in field conditions, preferably single dose, and affordable and accessible for those who need them.

Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, MD of the Department of Health (DOH)-Public Health Service Team explained the vaccine deployment.

She reiterated that the DOH’s mission is to establish a sustainable immunization program against COVID-19. “The

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government’s goal is to protect the public and reduce morbidity and mortality rates due to COVID-19,” she remarked.

Also, Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the DOSTPCHRD, said that the Philippines will participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Vaccine Trials as approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) through its Resolution No. 47.

“The WHO will facilitate the conduct of the Solidarity Trial for Vaccines with the primary

goal of evaluating the promptly, efficiently, and reliably the safety and efficacy of candidate vaccine/s,” Montoya said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho of DOH called on the public to get and avail the vaccine and motivate others to get the same for everyone’s protection.

She further reminded all to share only accurate information, take active steps to be informed, organize sessions or fora to engage others constructively, and join the DOH organized or DOH supported webinars/ trainings. (JPG/VLG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

A total of 161 corn and coconut farmers from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte received the cash and food assistance under the Cash and Food Subsidy to Marginal Farmers and Fisherfolk (CFSMFF) Program, held recently at Cabadbaran City Gymnasium.

Breaking down, 41 farmers were present under the Corn Program, 112 farmers under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and eight farmers under the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

For this leg, food subsidy was provided by the DA- Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) recognized partners from Sto. Nino MultiPurpose Cooperative for the 25-kilogram sack of Rice, Ocampo Farm for Caraga INFOCUS

CASH, FOOD DISTRIBUTION CONTINUES IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE the Eggs, and One-Stop Convenience for the dressed chicken.

AMAD Chief Lyn Pareñas said that food providers of the CFSMFF program are those who are already Kadiwa suppliers.

“Since March until today, the DA through the AMAD, has a program called Kadiwa-on-wheels.

These associations and cooperatives produced crops, eggs, and other commodities in which their local produce are sold directly to the

consumers near their respective vicinities. This is the reason why we have the list of suppliers arranged to facilitate and supply this program,” Pareñas said.

Cabadbaran City Vice Mayor Rey Jamboy and Committee Chair on Agriculture City Councilor Celson Sanchez also graced the distribution of assistance.

Moreover, farmers with one hectare and below land ownership and registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture January 16-22, 2021 |

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(RSBSA) are eligible for the scheme. They should also be located in the 5th to 6th income class cities and 4th to 6th income class municipalities. Qualified beneficiaries should also not be covered by any other social amelioration programs from the government.

Helen Mahumot Martinez, member of Cabadbaran City Swine Raiser’s Association who also engaged into diversified farming expressed her sentiments as one of the beneficiaries of CFSMFF program.

“I’m thankful that I was chosen to be part of this program. This will at least help my family especially with our everyday consumables.

Knowing the challenges that the agriculture sector faced today, from pandemic to typhoons, this will be a great help,” she said.

Furthermore, for the province of Agusan del Sur, distribution of assistance is on-going for the whole duration of January in selected municipalities. For the province of Surigao del Sur, distribution of cash and food aid began last January 13 in Bislig City.

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Moreover, in the province of Agusan del Norte, a food distribution is set to happen in the municipality of Kitcharao on January 21, 2020.

For the province of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, the schedule of distribution has yet to be finalized as validation for the list

of beneficiaries and suppliers is underway.

Together with the DA – Caraga through the Corn Program, implementing agencies from the PCA and BFAR were also present to distribute the assistance to their constituent. (DA Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DBP GRANTS P150M CREDIT LINE FOR MODERN PUVS MANUFACTURER

S t a t e - o w n e d Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has granted a P150-million revolving credit line for Hino Motors Philippines Corporation (HMPC) to augment the working capital requirements of the company in the manufacturing and distribution of its commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and modern public utility vehicles (PUVs), a top official said.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said that the bank’s funding support to HMPC Caraga INFOCUS

will help the company cater to the increasing demand for modern PUVs nationwide, especially with the surge of approvals under DBP’s Program Assistance to Support Alternative Driving Approaches (PASADA) during the first half of last year.

“As of end June 2020, DBP has already approved approximately 1,800 units of modern PUVs to be produced

by HMPC which will be distributed to around 50 transport cooperatives nationwide,” Herbosa said.

DBP is the seventh

largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development.

HMPC, formerly known as Pilipinas Hino Inc., is one of the pioneers in the development of prototypes for modern PUVs in support of the National Government’s PUV Modernization Program.

The company is one of the top players in the January 16-22, 2021 |

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truck and bus segment in the country, with 20 dealers nationwide with its Class 2 and Class 3 modern PUVs meeting Philippine National Standards (PNS) 2126:2017 as certified by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

Herbosa added that DBP continues to work closely with DoTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to continually expand financial interventions that would help the transportation and other affected sectors recover from the impact of the pandemic.

He said the bank recognizes the essential role of the transport sector in the country’s overall economic recovery as it caters mostly to workers belonging to the MSME sector, which is considered the backbone of the local economy.

“With this, it is imperative for DBP to support initiatives that would not only benefit our local drivers but other small businesses as well,” Herbosa said. (DBP/PIA Caraga)

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RTWPB ORIENTS EMPLOYEES IN BUTUAN CITY

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) of Caraga region recently provided a Productivity Toolbox Orientation to the 27 private employees here.

According to RTWPB Board Secretary VI Earl Dela Victoria, the Productivity Toolbox features the different productivity training programs and technical assistance to improve the capability and motivation of employees and enterprises to adopt productivity technologies for continuous improvement toward enterprise development and growth.

During the orientation Board Secretary Dela Victoria shared the advocacy of “Productivity Toolbox.” He also introduced the RTWPB basic programs and services to the participants.

He emphasized the importance and concepts of “Productivity” and how it will motivate to business owners and its workers to be more competitive and have always a positive values to keep.

He also challenged and encouraged the participants to take advantage to avail the free of charge programs and services from the agency. (NCLM/ RTWPB Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

MGA MAGSASAKA SA CARAGA REGION, TUMAAS ANG ANI DAHIL SA PROGRAMA NG PHILRICE Habang patuloy ang kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa pagkalat at pagtaas ng kaso ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa rehiyon, patuloy din ang tulong na ibinibigay nito sa mga apektadong sektor lalo na sa mga magsasaka.

Isa ang magsasakang si Edwin Aluag, chairman ng Barangay Baan Integrated Farmers Association sa mga nakakuha ng benepisyo sa programang Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) ng Philippine Rice (PhilRice) Research Institute na layong masiguro ang food security ng bansa at matugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan para mapaunlad ang sektor ng agrikultura.

“Sa ngayon, malaking tulong ang naibigay ng ating gobyerno dahil dito Caraga INFOCUS

sa RCEF. Marami kaming nabenepisyo na mga mechanism/ mechanization, punla at ibat-ibang variety ng seeds,” ani ni Aluag.

Tiniyak naman ni PhilRice Agusan branch director Caesar Joventino Tado, na libre ang RCEF seeds na nakalaan sa mga magsasaka sa rehiyon.

Nanawagan din ang opisyal sa mga local government units na bigyang prayoridad ang kapakanan ng sektor at ibigay sa kanila ang kanilang mga benepisyo, at tumulong din sa agarang paghatid ng mga binhi at punla para sa kanilang sakahan.

“Gusto po naming ipanawagan sa mga partner local government units kasi mahalaga po ang kanilang tungkulin lalo na sa pagsiguro sa distribusyon ng ating binhi na pinapadala po

sa kanila, at tulungan po ang PhilRice at ating national government na maiparating po agad sa mga magsasaka ang mga serbisyo at benepisyo para sa kanila,” banggit ni Tado.

Samantala, mas lumaki man ang kanilang ani dahil sa programang ito ng PhilRice, hiniling naman ng mga magsasaka na matugunan din ang mababang presyo ng palay.

“Umaasa ako na sa susunod na cropping o pagtatanim, tataas na rin ang presyo ng palay,” pahayag ni Aluag.

Ang PhilRice ang siyang nangunguna sa implementasyon ng RCEFSeed Program sa ilalim ng Republic Act 11203 o ang Rice Tarrification Law, na may P10-billion kada taon para sa mga rice farmers.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga) January 16-22, 2021 |

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POPCOM, GIPONDOHAN ANG PROGRAMA SA MGA LOKAL NGA KAGAMHANAN ALANG SA MGA KABATAN-ONAN

Regional Director Alexander Makinano

Ang Commission on Population and Development – Caraga nagpagawas sa reimbursements sa mga Barangay Population Workers and Volunteers sa managlaing probinsya ug syudad sa Caraga human napaabot nila ang programa sa ahensya ngadto sa mga kabatan-unan, ginikanan ug magtutudlo.

Ang mga musunod nga mga probinsya ang maong makadawat sa reimbursement katugbang ang bulan sa ilang gipahigayong profiling and enumeration alang sa Adolescent Health and Development Program.

Mukabat sa 3,884 pesos sa probinsya sa Surigao del Sur ngadtong bulan sa Marso, 7,236 sa probinsya sa Surigao del Norte ug 6,438 pesos sa Probinsya sa Dinagat Islands kaniadtong buwan sa Abril, 14,927

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pesos alang sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte kaniadtong buwan sa Mayo, 2,280 pesos sa probinsya sa Surigao del Norte, ug 10,035 pesos sa probinsya sa Surigao del Sur kaniadtong bulan sa Agosto, ug 2,130 pesos sa Probinsya sa Dinagat Islands alang sa buwan sa Disyembre.

Samtang, ang mga musunod nga syudad ang maong makadawat sa ilahang reimbursement human sa pagpakaylap sa program sa ahensya kaniadto tuig 2020.

Mukabat sa 1,035 pesos sa Bislig alang sa buwan sa Pebrero, 1,487 pesos sa Tandag alang sa buwan sa Marso, 4,125 pesos sa Bislig alang sa buwan sa Mayo, 1,230 pesos sa Tandag alang buwan sa Hunyo, 21,120 pesos sa Tandag alanag sa buwan sa Hulyo, 16,515 pesos sa Tandag alang sa buwan sa Septembre, 4,220 pesos sa Tandag alang

sa buwan sa Nobyembre ug 5,390 pesos sa Tandag alang sa buwan sa Disyembre.

Ang maong reimbursement, lakang sa ahensya aron mahatagan ug supporta ang mga population offices sa manag laing munisipyo, syudad ug probinsya human sa ilang gihimong pagpaningkamot aron maabot ngadto sa lokal nga komunidad ang programa.

Gisigurado usab ni POPCOM Caraga Regional Director, Alexander Makinano nga pahugtan sa Ahensya ang inisyatibo niini kauban ang supporta sa lokal nga kagamhan aron mapalapdan ang programa alang sa maayong panglawas, pag-uswag ug gahom sa mga kabatanunan ngadto sa mga komunidad. (POPCOMCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO NORTE SK PUSHES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS AMID PANDEMIC

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Bad-as, Placer town, Surigao del Norte eyes tree planting activities and backyard gardening for the village youth as part of their proposed projects for the FY 2021.

SK Chairperson Jestoni Polistico Balaba said during the 11th episode of the Bisaya Gyud on Saturday, January 16, with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar that

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the proposed project is part of the recreational activities they plan on launching while the whole nation battles with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Instead of wasting their time using their gadgets, we encourage them na magtanom kay para pud atong makompetensyahan ang presyo sa [mga paliton] sa market.

[Instead of wasting their time using their gadgets, we encourage them to plant

in order to compete with the prices of goods in the market],� he said.

The said project will be launched in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay (SB).

As for the projects launched by the youth council in response to the pandemic, the youth leader said they distributed various forms of assistance such as cash and food packs for the residents despite the limited funding they had.

Caraga INFOCUS

On the onset of the community-wide lockdown in March, they distributed alcohol and face masks to frontline

workers, barangay health workers, and barangay tanods as well as small business establishments in

Caraga INFOCUS

the village.

In April, the first wave of assistance was distributed where each resident was given a kilo of rice. The same form of assistance was given on the second wave of assistance distributed in the succeeding month.

“No exemptions [ang distribution sa goods], either buntis man o waya pa nipanaw na bata para pantay tanan [We exempted no one from the distribution of goods, be it a pregnant resident or … so that it’s equal for everyone],” the SK chair said.

During the holiday season, the SK once again distributed food packs containing four kilos of rice, ten packs of milk, and ten pieces of eggs to every household in the village.

The village youth council also provided support for the implementation of distance learning, where SK Chair Balaba personally donated reams of bond papers to a private high school on behalf of the SK.

“Naghatag mi ug bond paper sa private institution which is hamo silay macater na mga estudyante na waya magsalig sa gobyerno para mafeel nila the barangay council, the Sangguniang Kabataan are supporting them despite the pandemic [We provided bond papers to a private institution to cater the needs of students who are not receiving aid from the government to make them feel that the barangay council and the

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Sangguniang Kabataan are supporting them during the pandemic],” he added.

As his message to his fellow youth in the village, he emphasizes the need to continue abiding by health protocols, more so now that the new strain of the virus has been detected in the country. Despite this, he also urged the youth to continue succeeding in their personal endeavors despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“Don’t lose hope.

Continue to strive for success and do what is necessary for the good of our community,” he said.

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and

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entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ bisayagyudph, every Saturday.

The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019

(COVID-19) pandemic.

Its ‘Operation Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials.

The program also explores Bisaya music and artists and features Bisaya success stories.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

‘BISAYA GYUD’ LENDS AID TO SURIGAO CITY FIRE VICTIMS

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales Over 300 residents of disease 2019 (COVID-19) their own way, the team Baybay Magallanes in pandemic, delivering provided food packs Washington village in grassroots information on containing rice and Surigao City who were the efforts of local and instant food products and victims of a recent fire national governments clothes to fire victims. received aid from the to address the people’s As they each Bisaya Gyud team needs during the health receive their share of through its Operation crisis whilst launching their the assistance, the Tabang. own initiatives through victims expressed their

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a the ‘Operation Tabang’. huge thanks to the weekly public service and During the team’s team, adding that their entertainment program visit to the area, the victims generosity provided them hosted by the Presidential expressed great concern relief and hope.

C o m m u n i c a t i o n s on the challenge of On the morning of Operations Office rebuilding their lives and January 9, residents of (PCOO) Secretary finding a new home.

Baybay Magallanes in Martin Andanar. Initially “Hantod karon, iniya Brgy. Washington awoke launched to help pa kami sa [pagpangita to a fire, resulting in the underprivileged Bisaya ug] kweba, asa kami destruction of houses Overseas Filipino Workers matulog [Until now, we and properties of more (OFWs), the program’s are still looking for a place than 80 households. The scope has progressed to stay permanently],” fire was allegedly caused to serving Bisaya Filipinos says resident Michael by a butane gas stove nationwide since the Coñado. left unattended. (DMNR/ onset of the coronavirus Lending help in PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

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ARMY INITIATES FORUM FOR BUSINESS SECTOR VS NPA EXTORTION By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang Business owners and members of the Rotary Club of North Butuan joined the one-day information drive initiated by the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army which was aimed to bring education and enlightenment on the different schemes of extortion activities of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) upon the business sector in the area.

The forum which held on January 14, 2020 at the unit’s headquarters at Jamboree Site, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte was also designed

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to win the support of the business sector to finally put an end to the extortion activities of the CNTs in the areas of operation (AORs) of the 23IB. The Rotary Club Butuan North which is a non-profit organization is a long-time partner of the 23IB and other government agencies especially in the efforts to bring the needed assistance and social development of communities in Butuan City and parts of Agusan del Norte. The partnership between the said organizations and government agencies promote

different strategies to ensure better services for communities as part of the state’s efforts to realize sustainable development and inclusive peace.

During the forum, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of 23IB, presented an overview of the unit, including its mission and objectives and the accomplished goals that considerably weakened the foremost enemy of the people of Butuan and Agusan del Norte – the guerrilla front (GF) 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA. He also stressed the harmonious Caraga INFOCUS

implementation of government programs through the convergence of different line agencies that brought positive impacts among the lives of residents in different communities in the AOR of 23IB.

During the forum, the business owners expressed their gratitude to the unit for the shared knowledge and information about the NPA activities. They also assured their commitment to help the government, particularly the 23IB in its goal of ending the extortion activities of the CNTs in the area.

Lt. Col. Paulo expressed gladness upon the show of support of the business community towards the mission of the unit. He thanked the business owners and members of the Rotary Club of North Butuan for the time they spent with the 23IB, especially during the presentations and discussions in the said forum.

“As partners of the unit in peace and development, your unmeasured support to promote sustainable and long-lasting peace of the government for Caraga INFOCUS

the community is highly appreciated. I urge you all to stop paying the revolutionary taxes being demanded by the NPA,” Paulo said.

Paulo also emphasized that winning peace and development, especially in communities, cannot be done solely by the government.

“There must be a harmonious partnership between the government and private sectors to bring peace and development in communities. This kind of convergence is very much needed now as the government successfully weakened the GF-4A

and the remnants of their members are now on the run. Let us grab this situation and together let us go down to our people in communities to facilitate various development initiatives,” Paulo said.

He also emphasized that under the whole-ofnation approach of the government, the private sector can join and share their expertise in addressing development gaps in communities.

“The ultimate solution to the insurgency is the convergence of all efforts from the government and private sector,” Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA) January 16-22, 2021 |

25

ARMY RETRIEVES ABANDONED NPA CADAVER IN BUTUAN CITY By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang The troopers of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army retrieved and formally handed over to the barangay council of Tungao, Butuan City the cadaver of a New People’s Army (NPA) member on Sunday evening, January 10, 2021.

The discovery of the cadaver was made possible through the report of a concerned citizen, stating that they found a dead body in KM 6, Purok 26, Lawaan, Brgy Tungao, Butuan City.

The unit immediately responded to the report

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| January 16-22, 2021

of the citizen together with the Butuan City Mobile Force Company (BCMFC) personnel of Station 5, Tungao, Butuan City.

The cadaver was confirmed as a member and a remnant of the weakened Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) led

by Junjun Makaundag @ KITKIT, the former Squad Leader of SDG CAOCAO. The dead NPA was among the NPA remnants who clashed with the 23IB troopers in the area last December 30, 2020. The cadaver was identified as

Victoriano S Tanghinan, alias “Bebot,” 46 years old and a resident of Purok 10, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City.

During the retrieval of the cadaver, the 23IB troopers also recovered one 3516 Pistol (Improvised); five live ammunition of 3516 Pistol; two cellular phones; one charger; and one bag.

Based on the information provided by the concerned citizens, the said NPA member was seriously wounded during the December 30 encounter and was abandoned by his comrades.

With the Caraga INFOCUS

absence of mass support, the said NPA was left unattended and eventually died due to his wounds.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Commanding Officer of 23IB, said that the fate of the NPA member whose cadaver was recently discovered manifested the complete disregard of the NPA on the value of life.

“The CPP-NPA Terrorists don’t care and value life.

That is why we encourage everyone to be vigilant from the deceit of the CPP-NPA. We conduct programs and information drive to awaken the populace on the lies and deceptive strategies of CNTs in order to recruit their members,” Paulo said.

He also conveyed his deepest gratitude to the concerned citizens in the area who provided the 23IB troopers with positive and

Caraga INFOCUS

timely information.

“This is a clear indication that the residents of the said barangay were tired of the extortion and violent activities of the CPP-NPA group in their area. Your soldier will always do its best to perform its mandate in serving and protecting the people,” Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

January 16-22, 2021 |

27

ARMY TURNS OVER NPA CADAVER TO FAMILY By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang The troopers of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army formally handed over the cadaver of the slain New People’s Army (NPA) member to his immediate family on January 4, 2021.

The turnover was also supported by the city government of Butuan City and the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO).

It can be recalled that a member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), identified as Rommie Gumansil Mansilyohan alias Alas/ Alon, a resident of Sitio Pinikalan, Barangay San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Norte was killed in an encounter with the troops of 23rd IB on December 30, 2020, in KM 5, Purok 26, Lawaan, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City.

The cadaver was painstakingly carried by the government troops from the encounter site then brought to the funeral

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| January 16-22, 2021

parlor in Butuan City for proper documentation and disposition.

Thereafter, it was brought to the covered court of Barangay Tungao for burial thinking that the said remains will no longer be claimed by his loved ones.

Moments before the said internment, the family of the late Alias Alas/Alon finally arrived in Tungao to claim his remains.

Liza Gumansil Mansilyohan, the mother of Alias Alas/Alon said that her son was already missing for one year.

Despite the loss, the family expressed their gratitude to the government for the assistance they have given to them.

Lt. Col Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB once again expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Alias Alas/Alon.

“Another family cried for the loss of their

loved one because of the deception and lies brought by the CTG’s,” Paulo said.

He also reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA in the area to consider the offer of the government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and surrender.

“May this serve as a lesson to the remnants of CPP-NPA Terrorist Groups.

The government is eager to finish this 52 years of insurgency. Your Army will always be the protector of our land and is ready to use its force against CTGs who will go against the government. Nevertheless, we are willing to accept anyone who would want to go back to the folds of the law. The government troops will assist you to avail the ECLIP as you embrace your new life,” Paulo added. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PEACE AND ORDER SA PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE MAS PAYAPA AT KONTROLADO

By Nora C. Lanuza

Naging mas payapa at kontrolado ang peace and order sa probinsya ng agusan del norte dahil sa puspusang kampanya ng lokal na pamahalaan laban sa insurhensiya, base na rin sa datus ng mga sumukong rebelde na naitala ng militar at pulisya.

Naging epektibo ang kampanya ng pamahalaan laban sa mga communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists dahil lubos na naramdaman ng Caraga INFOCUS

mga mamamayan ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan hanggang sa malalayo at liblib na lugar.

Ayon kay Gob. Dale Corvera ang insurhensya ay hindi lamang problema ng military at pulisya, kung tulongtulong ang iba’t ibang sektor ng pamahalaan upang tapusin ito, makakamit ng walang alinlangan.

Nanawagan din si BGen. Maurito Licudine, commanding officer ng 402nd brigade, sa

mga negosyante na tigil na ang pagbibigay suporta sa mga NPAs at iulat sa mga otoridad ang kanilang extortion activties

Hiling din ni Gob. Corvera na sana sa taong ito ay patuloy ang mga ginagawang aktibidad ng iba’t ibang cluster ng NTF-ELCAC upang tuluyan ng masugpo ang insurhensya at maging payapa na ang bansa.

(NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) January 16-22, 2021 |

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LGU CABADBARAN GI-USBAWAN ANG HONORARIUM SA DEPUTIZED FISH WARDENS, CARETAKER SA FISH SANTUARY

By Jessica O. Mellejor

Gi-usbawan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang honorarium sa Deputized Fish Wardens (DFWs) ug Caretaker sa Fish Sanctuary gikan 1,000.00 ngadto na sa P2,000.00 pinasikad sa City Ordinance No. 2020040.

Ang maong ordinansa, sa pagpangamahan ni Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Celson A. Sanchez, gi-aprobahan ug gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on

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| January 16-22, 2021

Environment and Natural Resources pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 604-2021 atol sa ika 70th sesyon regular.

Tumong sa ordinansa sa syudad sa Cabadbaran nga maila ang mga serbisyo sa mga Deputized Fish Wardens (DFWs) ug tig-atiman sa santuwaryo sa mga isda sa LGU ug nahimo nila sa komunidad pinaagi sa paghatag kanila usbaw sa ilang honorarium nga P2,000 sa matag bulan.

Ang pag-aproba base sa gahum nga gihatag pinaagi sa Local Government Code of 1991. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

P1M ALANG RELOCATION SITE SA BRGY TAGBONGABONG APROBADO NA Aprobado na sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang pagbalhin sa kantidad nga P1,000,000.00 gikan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ngadto sa lungsod sa Remedios T. Romualdez kun RTR alang sa pagpalit og yuta nga himoon og relocation site nga maghatag og permanenting yutang kapuy-an sa mga residenteng kabos sa Barangay Tagbongabong.

Ang tuyo nga mahatagag luna ang mga pamilyang hangtod karon nagapuyo lang gihapon sa mga lugar sa lungsod nga dilikado tungod sa kawad-on nga Caraga INFOCUS

mupalit ug kaugalingong yutang kapuy-an.

G i h a t a g a n sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan og otoridad si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa pagpirma sa Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) tali sa LGU sa RTR alang sa pagbalhin sa maong pundo.

Gilatid sa maong MOA kinsa lamang kadtong pwede moavail ug ang mga gikinahanglang rekesitos.

Sa pag-usisa sa SP pinaagi sa Committee on Finance and Appropriation, diin tsirman si Bise Gobernador Ramon A G. Bungabong ang local government sa lungsod sa RTR,

gihatagan prioridad sa tinuig nga programa sa pagpamuhunan ang pag-angkon sa yuta nga gituyo alang sa pagtukod sa usa ka relocation site nga naa sa barangay Tagbongabong nga adunay gilapdon nga kapin o kulang sa upat ka ektarya.

Ang maong lakang gi-aprobahan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 574-2020 sa pagpanguna ni Bise Gob. Bungabong inubanan nila Bokal Elizabeth Marie R. Calo ug si Bokal Virgilio R. EscasiĂąas, Jr., isip mga co-authors. (By Jessica O. Mellejor/LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) January 16-22, 2021 |

31

FOREST NURSERY, CHAIR FACTORY PLANONG ITATAYO SA SURIGAO DEL SUR

By Raymond Aplaya

Kasado na ang itatayo na Permanent Forest Nursery at isang Chair Factory Building dito sa lalawigan ng Surigao del Sur.

Sa isang panayam, kinumpirma ni Thelma Alcoberes, hepe ng Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) nitong lalawigan, na kasalukuyan ngayong isinasagawa ang redesign at re–computation para sa itatayong Forest Nursery sa Brgy.

Balibadon, Bayan ng Cortes, Surigao del Sur. Ayon pa kay Alcoberes, natapos na sila

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| January 16-22, 2021

sa kanilang coordination meeting kasama ang mga barangay officials sa nasabing barangay pati na ang joint ocular verification survey at reconnaissance survey sa lugar na tatayuan ng nabanggit na mga proyekto .

Dahil dito, aasahan na hindi tatagal at maisasagawa na ang bidding at MOA signing para sa itatayong proyekto.

S a m a n t a l a idinagdag naman ni Alcoberes na ang itatayong chair factory ay isang joint project ng

Provincial Government ng Surigao del Sur at ng Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Ang lalawigan ay siyang magpapatayo ng building, magbibigay ng manpower at lugar na tatayuan ng nasabing proyekto habang ang EMB naman ang siyang magbibigay ng mga kagamitan.

Ang nasabing mga proyekto ay isa lamang umano sa mga naaprubahang mga panukalang proyekto para sa taon na ito.

(DXJS-RP Tandag/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

ARMY ENGINEERS, PHILSAGA TURN-OVER ONE SCHOOLBUILDING TO DEPED The Army Engineers and Philsaga Mining Company finally turned-over to the Department of Education (DepEd) the newly constructed school-building in Wasian Integrated School, Rosario, Agusan del Sur on January 18, 2021.

The 544th Engineer Construction Battalion (544ECBn), 52nd Engineer Brigade Philippine Army led by Lt. Colonel Rodel V Pangilinan, constructed one school-building with two classrooms of DepEd which was funded by the Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation (Philsaga Company). The project started last June 15, 2020 and was completed on January 18, 2021.

The establishment of these schoolbuilding project becomes successful through the collaborative efforts of the Army Engineers, Philsaga Mining Company, Local Government Unit of Rosario, Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (ASSATTESDA) and DepEd. Caraga INFOCUS

Engr. Rupert Joseph D. Tortal, representative from Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation; Hon. Eduardo E. De Paz, Barangay Captain of Wasian, Rosario, Agusan del Sur; Nilo B. Montaño, Division Supervisor; Faculty members headed by Renante P. Probo, School Principal and parents attended the said event.

“We are very happy to have been given this opportunity to assist in the implementation of this school-building project. We have worked hand in hand with our counterpart agencies and stakeholders for the success of this project,” underscored Pangilinan.

“This effort is in consonance of the Executive Order No. 70 or the Wholeof-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

We assure you that we will continue to bring our services to areas in dire need,” Pangilinan ended. (544th Engineer Construction Battalion/PIA-Agusan del Sur) January 16-22, 2021 |

33

NATIONAL NEWS

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE PASSAGE OF THE MEDIA WORKERS WELFARE BILL ON ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We welcome the passage of the Media Workers Welfare Bill on its third and final reading at the House of Representatives, as this brings us a step closer to realizing a law that provides protection and additional benefits for members of the media.

We laud ACT- CIS Representative Niña Taduran who authored the bill as well as the 218 congressmen who voted in favor of House Bill 8140 or the proposed Media Workers Welfare Act.

The PCOO sees the HOR’s passage of this bill as a positive development, our office being among Caraga INFOCUS

those who have been pushing for its swift passage.

Through this bill, media workers will be covered by enhanced protection, security, and benefits. It will also guarantee media workers security of tenure after the probationary work period of six months of continuous service.

The bill includes proposed wages, allowances, and benefits to be given to media workers along with their mandatory subscription to the Social Security System, the Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance

Corp. upon employment.

Our continued endeavor to help push for the bill’s passage is another testament to the Duterte administration’s desire to protect and uphold the rights, welfare, and safety of media workers.

Through the support of this administration, we hope that the bill serves as another mechanism, much like the Freedom of Information and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, that will help further achieve President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s goal of protecting and promoting the welfare of media workers.

January 16-22, 2021 |

35

GOVERNMENT ASSURES EQUITABLE ACCESS TO COVID VACCINE SECRETARY ANDANAR Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday said the national government is committed to providing equitable access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine for the vulnerable sectors.

During the Pagdu-aw sa Dumaguete: Explain Explain, Explain Town Hall Meeting, Secretary Andanar underscored that the year 2021 will be a notable year, saying that the Filipino people will witness one of the biggest roll-out of vaccines in the country.

“As we move forward this 2021, the government is set to roll out the National COVID-19 vaccination program by the 3rd or 4th week of February,” he said, as he bared that high-risk metropolitan areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu, and Davao will be the

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pilot area for the vaccine inoculation.

He assured that priority will be given to frontline healthcare workers, senior citizens, and the indigents.

He clarified that the government has a “menu of vaccines” under negotiations to be able to meet the targeted 70 million Filipinos to be immunized. With this, two million Filipinos are expected to be vaccinated already

by April 2021.

“The government does not have any policy which favors a specific vaccine brand or country from which it originates. With our current negotiations, we have ensured that we will receive at least 137 million doses and this may expand to 172 million doses by next year,” he said.

Together with key agencies, Office of the Presidential Assistant for Caraga INFOCUS

the Visayas (OPAV), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and various local government units, the town hall meeting aims to increase the level of confidence and acceptance of Filipinos on the vaccines eyed to be procured by the national government starting this February.

In press conference, Secretary Andanar also reiterated that local government units are allowed to purchase doses of vaccines from their local appropriations given that they are coordinated with the National Task Force against COVID-19.

The PCOO chief clarified this in line with the Dumaguete LGU’s announcement on allocating Caraga INFOCUS

P30 million for the purchase of COVID vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA). Its inoculation process will also be aligned with the national government’s vaccination roadmap priority list.

“It depends on the LGU whether they would want to purchase their own vaccines. But rest assured that the government has the budget to implement the vaccination program nationwide,” he said.

January 16-22, 2021 |

37

PCOO EYES MORE INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS, GOV’T MEDIA FACILITIES FOR 2021 The public can expect more information dissemination campaigns from the government as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), along with its attached agencies, maintains its commitment to keep Filipinos informed, especially this pandemic, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said Thursday.

Secretary Andanar assured that PCOO will continue to give priority to its Laging Handa Information and Communications Campaign, which has been proven vital in collating facts and addressing the information gaps through conducting virtual pressers and connecting the public directly to concerned agencies and government offices.

“Para sa taong 2021, patuloy na bibigyan ng prayoridad ng PCOO ang ating Laging Handa Information

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and Communications Campaign.

Ito ay upang tuluy-tuloy nating masiguro sa publiko na maayos at epektibong napapangasiwaan ng ating gobyerno ang sitwasyon ng COVID-19, pati na rin ang vaccination program sa ating bansa [For 2021, the PCOO continues to prioritize our Laging Handa Information and Communications Campaign. This is so we can continue in assuring the public that the government is on top of the COVID-19 situation and of the vaccination program in our country],” he said.

He noted that part of the campaign is also disseminating and reiterating the need to observe health protocols and precautionary measures, dispelling false information, advocating for preparedness and vigilance, and harnessing solidarity through participatory

governance, among others.

Secretary Andanar committed that the agency will also continue producing more short films and documentaries depicting how Filipinos and frontline workers have adapted to the new normal.

“Ang mandato sa amin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ay mas lalo pang paigtingin ang aming pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon sa publiko tungkol sa mga programa at proyekto ng ating gobyerno, lalo na sa pagsisimula natin ng COVID-19 vaccination program sa bansa [We are mandated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to further intensify our communication and information dissemination to the Filipino public of the government’s programs and projects, especially as we roll out the COVID-19 vaccination program in the country],” Caraga INFOCUS

he said.

“Ito ay bahagi pa rin ng pag-adapt sa tinatawag na ‘new normal,’ habang tinutupad natin ang naipangakong tunay na pagbabago sa bawat Pilipino [This is also as we further adapt to the new normal, while delivering true and real change promised to every Filipino],” he added.

He also bared plans of the agency to establish more government media facilities that would allow public information officers from local and national government to be more equipped in addressing information gaps in their respective communities.

The project to construct a Government Strategic Communications Academy in Bukidnon is expected to commence this year. This will serve as an avenue for communications and leadership trainings, not only for government and media workers, but also youth leaders.

With the Mindanao Media Hub in place and already operational, the PCOO is now eyeing to establish the Visayas Media Hub. Caraga INFOCUS

“Sa pag-adapt natin sa new normal, kami sa PCOO ay magpapatuloy sa pagbibigay ng mga mahahalagang impormasyon sa ating mga kababayan tungkol sa mga programa at polisiya ng ating gobyerno, sa pamamagitan ng lahat ng aming mga platform [As we adapt to the new normal, we in the PCOO will continue to inform and communicate all programs and policies of the government, through all of our platforms, for the benefit of all Filipinos],” he said.

“Sa ngalan ng buong administrasyong Duterte, nais naming ipaalam sa publiko na walang tigil sa pagsisikap ang ating

gobyerno upang mas lalo pang mapaganda ang mga serbisyo para sa mga mamamayan at mapabuti ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng tuluytuloy na mga reporma sa imprastraktura, socioeconomic programs, at kapayapaan at seguridad [On behalf of the whole administration, we want the public to know that the government is hard at work to further improve all social services and the people’s standard of living through continued reforms on infrastructure, socio-economic programs, and peace and security],” he added.

January 16-22, 2021 |

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ANDANAR: EDSA DECONGESTION PROGRAM SEEN TO CREATE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar emphasized that on top of the national government’s proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Decongestion Program continues.

The program aims to ease traffic along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare to spur economic growth and create more opportunities for the Filipino people.

“Habang tayo’y nananatili sa ilalim ng pandemya, ang isang inaasahan ay ang pagpapatuloy ng

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| January 16-22, 2021

infrastructure projects. At bakit nga naman hindi?

Bukod sa kanilang dulot na benepisyo, ang bawat daan, tulay at gusali na gagawin ngayon ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga mamamayan at tutulong sa pagpapasigla ng ating ekonomiya [While we are dealing with the pandemic, the infrastructure projects are expected to continue for the benefit of the Filipino people.

Every road, bridge, or building we build will provide jobs for our people, and help our economy to recover],” said Sec. Andanar during the Cabinet Report sa Teleradyo on Friday, January 15, 2021.

“ N a k i k i t a

natin ngayon ang kahalagahan ng infrastructure projects sa decongestion ng EDSA, pati na rin sa paghahanda laban sa mga natural disasters natin. Kaya nga isa sa mga pangunahing pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng pamahalaan ay ang Build Build Build at kita ang benepisyo nito sa EDSA decongestion [We can now see the importance of these infrastructure projects in the decongestion of EDSA, as well as in preparing for natural disasters. That is why one of the main priorities of the national government is the Build Build Build Program, and we can see its benefits in decongesting EDSA],” he Caraga INFOCUS

added.

According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, the Duterte administration’s infrastructure projects under its Build Build Build Program generated over 1.6 million constructionrelated jobs.

“The economy is about connectivity. If you cannot move products and goods, hindi rin sisigla ang ekonomiya. ‘Yun ang naging problema natin. Bumabagal ang economic development dahil parang may bara.

So ‘yun ang ginagawa natin ngayon. We’re bypassing all these blockages so in effect the economy...mas freeflowing, mas malaki ‘yung growth [The economy is about connectivity. If you cannot move products and goods, there will be no economic growth.

That’s the problem. The economic development is slow because there are blockages. So that’s what we are doing now.

We’re bypassing all these blockages so in effect, we can have a freeflowing economy, with a much bigger growth,” Sec. Villar said.

Caraga INFOCUS

Sec. Villar said that while the capacity of EDSA is only for 280,000 cars per day, there were more than 400,000 cars passing through it every day before the EDSA Decongestion Program.

Now, around 120,000 cars per day are expected to be rerouted, bringing EDSA back to its original capacity.

“Nung pumasok kami, nakita namin na napakalaki ng losses natin dahil sa traffic sa EDSA. Isa ito sa mga problema na tinarget ni President Duterte na tapusin sa administrasyon niya [When we came in, we saw the huge (economic) losses because of the traffic in EDSA. This is one of the problems that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte aimed to end under his administration,” said Sec. Villar.

“Gumawa na kami ng masterplan.

At ngayon, years later, makikita na natin ‘yung resulta ng plano dahil ito pong EDSA kapag nadecongest siya, lalaki po ‘yung opportunities ng ating mga kababayan para magkatrabaho, at economically mas sisigla ang ating bansa. Kapag sumigla ang ating bansa,

siyempre mas dadami ang opportunities and siyempre giginhawa din ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan [We created a masterplan. And now, years later, we can already see the result of this plan because when EDSA is decongested, there will be more job opportunities for the people and there will be economic growth. When the country’s economy grows, there will be a lot of opportunities and, of course, it will make life more comfortable for the people,” he added.

Furthermore, Sec. Villar said that they have already completed three major infrastructure projects that are part of the EDSA decongestion program. These are the Laguna Lake Highway from Bicutan to Taytay, the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, which allows trucks from the port to go to NLEX without passing through the streets of Metro Manila, and the 18.30-km Metro Manila SkyWay Stage 3, an elevated expressway that connects Buendia, Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway in Balintawak, Quezon City.

January 16-22, 2021 |

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PCOO, PIA LA CAMPAIGN CONFIDENC

With the anticipated roll out of the national COVID-19 vaccination program, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and its attached agency, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), have started incorporating in its communications platforms the information and education campaign on the said program.

PCOO has kicked off its communications plan with the town hall meeting dubbed “Explain, Explain, Explain”

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| January 16-22, 2021

in Mandaue City, Cebu on Tuesday. In his message, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar stressed that equipping the public with the right information will reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

“As the lead communications arm of the government, the PCOO continues to operate its Laging Handa Information and Communications Campaign to assure the public that the Duterte administration is on top of the COVID-19 situation in

the country,” he said.

“This includes our strides to disseminate and reiterate the need to observe health protocols and precautionary measures, to dispel false information, and to advocate for preparedness and vigilance and harnessing solidarity through participatory governance,” he added.

The PCOO Chief assured that the vaccine roadmap of the country is taking careful execution of the stages that the National Task Force against COVID-19 has outlined, to ensure that the allocated budget will not go to waste.

“The road ahead of the COVID-19 roadmap will not be easy. As we have seen in reports from other countries, difficulties will always be present.

There were shortcomings in policies implemented and we should learn from these,” Caraga INFOCUS

AUNCH COMMUNICATIONS N TO RESTORE PUBLIC’S CE IN COVID-19 VACCINE

he added.

He also bared that the metropolitan areas of Manila, Cebu, and Davao will be among the first to receive the vaccines, since they are identified as COVID-19 high-risk areas.

The series of engagements that the PCOO will be undertaking together with its attached agencies is founded on saving lives, reviving

Secretary Martin Andanar joined the Explain, Explain, Explain town hall meeting with the local government units of Cebu City and Mandaue City on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, which aimed at informing the Filipino people about the government’s COVID-19 immunization program.

he said, as he cited some countries that have struggled to manage the implementation of their own vaccine program.

He stressed that the government cannot afford to be greatly blindsided when there are already real lessons to learn from other countries.

“All of us here are part of the government that will solve this problem and the COVID-19 Caraga INFOCUS

vaccine is our hope. But if we cannot manage it well, it can also be our pitfall,” he said.

“For example, logistically the US is having a problem. Some of its states do not have the right facilities to store their vaccines. If you cannot store the vaccines properly, then there’s spoilage. Now, we cannot afford to spoil the vaccines because it will cost a lot of money,”

hope, and shaping the future. There will also be separate town hall meetings in Siquijor and Dumaguete this week.

The event was attended by officials from the local government of Cebu City and Mandaue City, and national government agencies, including the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

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GOV’T INFO DRIVE ON COVID-19 VACCINE GETS BACKING FROM YOUTH SECTOR P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday sought the help of youth leaders from the province of Siquijor in disseminating information to allay fears over the COVID-19 vaccine.

During a media literacy discussion with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation leaders of the province, Secretary Andanar said that it is timely for the government to amplify media literacy to the youth, considering that they are the majority of the country’s population.

“You are very

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fortunate that you have grown in this time where you can openly express yourself and take part in making a difference in this world,” he said.

He is confident that by investing in the youth today, it would lead the way to providing solutions to pressing societal concerns.

“I see our country in better hands, and in a better situation because 25 years from now, our country’s fate will rest on your shoulders,” he said.

“Dako akong pagsalig nga mas maabot pa nato ang gipangandoy ni President Digong nga comfortable life para sa tanan [I am

confident that with you, we will be able to achieve President Digong’s goal of providing a comfortable life for all],” he added.

Siquijor SK President Brylle Deeiah Tumarong on the said event vowed to help the government in sharing the correct information.

“I know this is a difficult time to tell people which information is true and otherwise. But we, the Sangguniang Kabataan, and the rest of the youth leaders in our province, we are ready to help you,” she said.

M e a n w h i l e Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Ramon Caraga INFOCUS

Cualoping III expressed his support on partnering with the youth to further the spread of accurate and relevant news.

“We need your help to combat fake news.

I think fake news and disinformation begin in the platforms that we are always on, the social media,” he said.

He also announced that the PIA is already working on the information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to help the people understand the specification of the COVID-19 vaccines that will be procured by the

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national government.

“The materials would depend on which brand will arrive first in our country,” he said.

These materials will be translated to different Philippine languages such as Filipino, Cebuano, and Ilocano and distributed through PIA regional offices in the next two weeks.

The media literacy discussion with youth leaders was a simultaneous event with the Pagduaw sa Siquijor: Explain, Explain, Explain town hall meeting.

Sec. Andanar was in Siquijor along

with the officials and representatives from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the regional counterpart of the Department of Health (DOH) to impart the recently launched communications campaign for the national COVID-19 vaccination program.

A ceremonial turnover of food packs and BIDA Solution hygiene kits was also conducted during the town hall meeting.

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ANDANAR HOPES ‘MORAL GOVERNANCE’ IN BARMM TO FLOURISH

By Azer Parrocha As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set to observe Bangsamoro Foundation Day on Jan. 21, a Palace official on Sunday expressed hope that the region will continue pursuing moral governance.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar made this remark ahead of Bangsamoro Foundation Day, a nonworking holiday in celebration of the establishment of the BARMM.

“We are one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating the Bangsamoro Foundation Day, with this year’s theme ‘Moral Governance: Building Strong Foundations for a Better Bangsamoro,’” he said in a statement.

Andanar emphasized the importance of having moral governance to address graft and corruption.

“As we celebrate its Foundation Day, may we continue to successfully pursue the moral governance it seeks to realize, governance that is for the Filipino people and by the Filipino people, regardless of religious beliefs. And may our integrity and accountability further translate into ending graft and corruption so that we can faithfully and fully serve the Filipino people and equitably benefit everyone,” he added.

He also expressed hope that the administrative transition in the region would improve the peace and security in BARMM to promote its economic

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activities and harness its full socioeconomic potential.

This way, Andanar said it would help contribute to the overall development and inclusive growth of the country, “especially as we recover as one nation from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.”

The BARMM was created through the President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of Republic Act 11054, also known as Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2018.

On January 21, 2019, the first of the two-part plebiscite for the ratification of the BOL was held. The second plebiscite was held on February 6, 2019.

Currently, the BARMM is under transition.

Late last year, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority urged Congress to extend the Bangsamoro transition period from 2022 to 2025.

BARMM Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim said an extension of the transition period would allow them sufficient time to accomplish its tasks and commitments under the BOL and for the national government to deliver the pending programs under the normalization process. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

NOGRALES, MCDONALD’S KINDNESS KITCHEN DISTRIBUTE 2,000 FREE MEALS IN CAVITE Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles joined officials of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in giving 2,000 free meals in Imus, Cavite last Thursday, January 21, 2020 in what the official described as “a continuing partnership with key private sector partners that addresses the need to provide nutrition and hope to people.”

Nograles heads the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force.

The event, held at the Maliksing Kabataan Building Children and Youth Development Caraga INFOCUS

Center, was a key highlight for the start of 2021 for Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG), a multisectoral coalition aimed at addressing the problem of involuntary hunger in the country under the Duterte administration’s National Food Policy.

“Food expenses make up a large chunk of a Filipino family’s income. We want to ease the burden of our kababayans by providing free food through partnerships with nongovernment stakeholders and LGUs. We all share the goal of achieving

zero hunger and boosting the nutritional needs especially of our children,” the Malacañang official explained.

The Cab Sec was joined by Imus City Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi in distributing hot meal packs prepared by McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen which included crispy chicken fillet, rice and bottled water.

They were accompanied by Margot Torres, McDonald’s Managing Director and RMHC Vice President, Ronald Atanacio, Public Affairs Manager, Mildred January 16-22, 2021 |

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Tungala, Operations Manager, Paritz Corpuz and Christian Billones, both Operations Consultants.

Aside from Ronald McDonald House Charities, the event was made possible through the assistance of Coca-Cola Philippines, Metrobank, San Miguel Corporation and Dole Philippines.

Mayor Maliksi thanked Nograles and the private sector donors, saying that “our welfare and nutrition partners are always welcome here in Cavite. Count us in as active supporters of the Task Force Zero Hunger and Pilipinas Kontra Gutom.”

For his part, Nograles reiterated the administration’s effort to address food and poverty concerns, emphasizing that the food distribution activity was but a component of a larger and more comprehensive government program to stabilize food supply, achieve food security, address hunger and poverty, and improve the lives of Filipinos.

“Food is an everyday concern, that’s why our assistance in that regard should be an everyday priority,” the former legislator stressed.

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| January 16-22, 2021

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MOTORCYCLE CRIME PREVENTION LAW WILL PROTECT PUBLIC FROM MOTORCYCLERELATED CRIMES – GORDON Senator Richard J. Gordon reiterated Monday that the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law will protect the public from crimes committed using motorcycles and will help secure the motorcycle owners and riders from being victimized and used by criminals for illegal and brutal acts.

Gordon, author of Republic Act No. 11235, pointed out that the number of people being killed by riding-in-tandem assassins in the Philippines continues to rise, hence, there is an urgent need for the implementation of the measure.

Based on the monitoring of his office, he said, there have been 147 victims of motorcycleriding gunmen reported in the news from January 1 to December 31, 2020, while there have been eight (8) victims from January 1 to 16 of the current year.

“These assassins continue to terrorize the country and people Caraga INFOCUS

are being murdered just like that even at this time of a pandemic.

The continuous and unabated killings is increasingly alarming.

Masyado nang talamak ang mga patayan,” said Gordon.

R.A. 11235 mandates the use of bigger, readable and color-coded plates so that motorcycles used in crimes can be easily identified and the use of stolen number plates can be prevented, as well.

The old plate measures 200mm x 225mm, while the new plate measures 235mm in width and 135mm in height.

The law also requires the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to maintain a registry of motorcycles to facilitate information retrieval for official investigation and law enforcement purposes.

“Pakikiusapan natin ang LTO para lumabas na ‘yung kanilang mga computer at ma-

implement kaagad ‘yung bagong plaka. Hindi naman malaki ‘yung plaka; pinagkumpara ko ‘yung dati sa bago para makita ang sukat,” Gordon said while presenting a photo of the old plate alongside the new plate to show that the new one is not as big as how it is misleadingly described by some individuals.

On November 20, 2020, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante said in a letter addressed to the Senate President that their target for the full delivery of the 13-million backlog in motorcycle plates is

by May 2022, while the LTO Central Command Center (C3) is targeted to be operational by April this year.

However, during the budget hearing last November, Gordon told the LTO to commit for the completion of the operations center by February 2021.

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Contributed photo

GORDON’S BILL THAT SEEKS TO DE-CLOG DOCKETS IN REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS DISCUSSED IN SENATE Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, stressed at the Plenary on Wednesday that Senate Bill No. 1886, which he sponsored, targets to help de-clog the dockets of the second level courts or the Regional Trial Courts and to speed up the disposition of cases.

During the interpellation for SBN 1886, Gordon said that

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this objective can be attained by expanding the jurisdictional threshold of the first level courts or the Municipal Trial Courts as there are a higher number of pending cases at the second level courts.

“The congestion of our courts’ dockets deprives the courts of time. Judges need time to study, analyze and research to come up with good, reasonable

decisions. The quality of justice is therefore adversely affected by the congestion of our courts’ dockets. There are not enough courts or judges to meet the demands of our countrymen,” he said.

According to the Office of the Court Administrator of the Supreme Court, there are 21,269 pending civil cases at the first level courts, while there are 108,484 Caraga INFOCUS

pending civil cases at the second level courts as of December 2018.

“The data shows that our first level courts have a lower number of pending cases at the end of the year compared to that of our second level courts. To help declog the dockets of our second level courts and to equalize the burden between the first level courts and the second level courts, we are proposing to raise the jurisdictional threshold of our second level and first level courts,” Gordon explained.

SBN 1886 will also address the delay in the disposition cases due to overloading of cases assigned per judge. As Gordon pointed out, there are so many cases to be heard but very few judges are deciding on the cases.

To help advance the country’s justice system, Gordon previously passed the Judges-atLarge Act of 2018 or R.A. 11459 that would address the increasing number of pending trials in courts and to solve the congestion of court dockets through the creation of 100 regional Caraga INFOCUS

trial court judges-at-large positions and 50 municipal trial court positions.

These Judges-atLarge shall have no permanent salas and may be assigned by the Supreme Court (SC) as acting or assisting judges to any Regional Trial Court or First Level Court in the Philippines as public interest may require.

The Community Service Act or R.A. 11362 that will allow the courts to impose community service in lieu of imprisonment for minor offenses,

which will promote restorative justice and jail decongestion, was likewise passed in 2019.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Article 3 of Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution provides that all persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases,” said Gordon.

SBN 1886 is a consolidated measure of SBN 1359 filed by Gordon on February 18, 2020 and SBN 1353 filed by Senator Manuel M. Lapid on February 17, 2020.

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GORDON FILES BILL PROPOSING TRAINING OF ADDITIONAL VACCINATORS Senator Richard J. Gordon filed on Monday a bill that seeks to expand the country’s pool of vaccinators for the implementation of the government’s national program for immunization in times of epidemics, pandemics and national health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic that was declared as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Since we have limited number of doctors, nurses and midwives that will aid in the COVID-19 vaccination program, we filed a bill that expands the pool of vaccinators of the DOH by training other professionals such as dentists, veterinarians, medical technologists and even those without medical background to be vaccinators,” said

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Gordon.

Section 1 of Senate Bill No. 1987 states that non-medical practitioners that will be part of the training will be allowed provided that that they will be given the appropriate training, certification and authority by the Department of Health (DOH), and that they will perform their duties under the supervision of a duly registered physician and for a limited period only contingent upon the existence of the national health emergency for which it is called.

According to DOH, there are only 617,239 health care workers, coming from both public and private health institutions, that will help in administering the COVID-19 vaccines.

“If we expand

the manpower for the vaccination program, the government’s target of inoculating 50 to 70 million Filipinos to be able to achieve herd immunity or population immunity can be attained. Our proposed bill also aims to improve our Expanded Program on Immunization and achieve the government’s target of vaccinating 95% of the country’s total child population,” Gordon explained.

SB 1987 gives the Secretary of Health the authority to order for the training and certification of additional vaccinators in times of epidemic, pandemic and national health emergencies or when the government is in danger of not meeting its target in its yearly immunization due to lack of vaccinators.

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GORDON CONDEMNS PEACE AND ORDER PERIL BROUGHT BY BRAZEN KILLINGS With the country already shocked and enraged with the dastardly killing by a policeman at the end of 2020 and by several killings in the New Year, Senator Richard J. Gordon on Monday called for an end to the brazen killings as he strongly condemned the peril they bring to the country’s peace and order.

Gordon, who has always stood up in outrage against these killings and proposed measures against them, pointed out that the killings, perpetrated by riding-intandem shooters or other criminals with impunity, no regard for sex, race, position, are engendering hopelessness and fear in the people.

For the past years, gunmen have been targeting addicts, suspected criminals, then they moved on to doctors, priests, lawyers, judges, politicians, journalists, farmers, indigenous people, LGBT community members, government Caraga INFOCUS

officials, senior citizens, and young people.

“What a sordid way to start the year.

We ended 2020 with a killing that shocked and enraged the nation.

Today, we’re starting the year with more killings.

One killing is one too many. Alas, there are too many. They have no qualms shooting people in front of their family.

They are not even afraid to shoot them in front of their children,” the senator said in a privilege speech on Monday.

In renewing his call for an end to these killings with impunity, Gordon said that because of these, the people are already desensitized to the horror of violence and hopelessness in getting justice could drive them into taking matters into their own hands.

“Ang mga tao, natatakot magsalita – ‘Wala akong laban.

Maliit lang ako.’

Nawawalan sila ng pagasa. Namamanhid na ang tao. Kapag manhid

na ang tao, lalakas ang loob ng pulis at ng mga kriminal, magkakaroon pa ng mas maraming abuses at pagpatay.

Pwede ding mag-alsa ang mga tao at maging vigilante. For how much longer, will our citizens be abused and put in peril?” he said.

“Whenever men take the law into their own hands, the loser is the law.

And when the law loses, freedom languishes.” he also stressed, paraphrasing a quote by Robert Kennedy.

As a solution to the resulting breakdown of peace and order, Gordon called for the operationalization of disciplinary mechanisms, such as the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB). He also called for the passage of his proposed bills, which includes Senate Bill No. 1828, or the Police Courts of 2020 and SBN 1055 or the Separate Heinous Crimes Facility, among others.

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GORDON PROPOSES TRAINING MORE FILIPINOS TO ADMINISTER VACCINATION AS PH PREPARES FOR COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION DRIVE As the Senate resumed deliberation on the national government’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program on Friday, Senator Richard J. Gordon proposed to train more Filipinos to administer vaccines as the Philippines looks to start rolling out its immunization plan in February.

“I will file a bill on Monday that during times of emergency or even there is no crisis, dapat mag-train ng vaccinators gaya ng mga dentista, veterinarians, medical technologists, at kahit

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| January 16-22, 2021

iyong walang medical background. We can put to bear millions of our young people who may want to become doctors someday and can practice with bakuna, provided it’s under clinical supervision,” he said.

During the hearing, Gordon questioned the Department of Health’s (DOH) capability to conduct the vaccination program with only 617,239 health care workers to participate in the campaign based on the department’s data.

Of the 617,239, 73,836 are from private

health institutions, 64,998 from public health facilities, 29,000 are DOH-employed, 30,629 are hired by the local government units (LGU), 194,269 are contact tracers, 207,320 are barangay health workers, while 17,034 are social workers.

“Nagdududa ako dito sa 617,239 to vaccinate 70 million Filipinos although, of course, hindi naman sabay-sabay ‘yan.

Habang dumarating ang vaccine, paunti-unti, nagbabakuna tayo. Alam naman natin, mababa ang vaccination natin,” Caraga INFOCUS

Gordon said emphasizing the low performance rate of the country’s National Immunization Program.

“Ang actual performance natin in 2016 ay 70%, 67% in 2017, 66% in 2018, 69% in 2019. So, hindi pa tayo masyadong bihasa sa pagbabakuna,” he added.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III agreed on Gordon’s proposal, which aims to help the government step up its immunization program, not only for COVID-19, but for other diseases, as well.

Philippine vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said

that the government aims to vaccinate 60 to 70 percent of Filipinos in three to five years.

About 82.5 billion pesos was allocated by the government for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines this year, of which, 70 billion pesos will be sourced from foreign loans.

IMPLEMENTATION OF UHC LAW, TO FACILITATE COVID VACCINATION ROLL OUT - GORDON As the Senate continues its hearing on the national COVID-19 vaccination program, Senator Richard J. Gordon on Friday pointed out that implementing the Universal Health Care Law would ensure speedy and organized roll out of the vaccination program, .

Gordon said that the UHC mandates that every Filipino shall register with a public or private primary care provider of choice, adding that it would be easier to distribute the vaccine if they are registered with their primary care providers.

“Nakalagay dyan (UHC law) na every Filipino shall register with public or private primary Caraga INFOCUS

care provider of choice.

May duty ang bawat Pilipino na magregister siya. We must implement it because that is what the law provides and if we do it hindi tayo mahihirapan,” he said.

The senator said the Department of Health should endeavour to contact private, province-wide and city-wide health care systems for the delivery of population-based health services, as mandated by the UHC law,.

“Kung may primary health care provider magawa ‘yan. Madali nating malalaman kung sinong may sakit sa primary health care provider na ‘yan, tama

po ba yan?

Kung mayroon siyang sakit na COVID malalaman natin. Kung hindi pa siya nababakunahan, malalaman natin.

Samakatuwid, pairalin lang natin itong Universal Health Care law. Hindi na tayo mahihirapan hindi po ba?” he said.

“Yan ang sistemang ginawa ng inyong Senate, para magawa lahat itong mga hinaharap nating problema ngayon. ‘Yan ang sinasabi ko lang po dahil kung minsan nasa harap na natin ang solusyon di pa natin nagagawa. Everybody wants to reinvent the wheel but the solution is right in front of us,” Gordon further noted.

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ZUBIRI: SENATE WILLING TO HELP SPEARHEAD AFP AIRCRAFT MODERNIZATION Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri FB page photo

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri took to the Senate floor on Tuesday to raise the issue around the recent series of accidents involving dated military aircraft, resulting in numerous deaths and casualties.

This speech comes at the heels of a 16 January 2021 helicopter crash in Impasugong, Bukidnon. A Philippine Airforce Huey helicopter nosedived onto a field, killing all seven passengers and crew. Smoke was reportedly seen coming from its engine before the accident.

Zubiri further enumerated similar incidents from the past year, identifying accidents involving another Huey last

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November, an Air Force Sikorski air ambulance last September, and yet another Huey last July. Collectively, these accidents resulted in nine deaths, plus more injured.

“What happened in Bukidnon recently, and all the other military aircraft crashes which resulted in deaths of our military and civilian personnel, were senseless deaths,” Zubiri said. “Avoidable accidents, if only we were serious about modernizing our military.”

He further pointed out that the Huey helicopter is old, and no longer fit to serve the military: “Huey helicopters are in the range of 40 to 50-year-old air assets . . . we need to modernize

our military hardware and equipment, including our aircrafts.”

“The Senate is prepared to listen to our military for what they need—what comfortable level of budget they need for 2022 and in the succeeding years to sustain their efforts in modernizing our military.”

“Modernizing our military is giving our soldiers, who are among the best and bravest in the world, a fighting chance in the battlefield.

It is the least we can do to our men and women in uniform who have sworn to protect the state and lay down their lives for it if necessary, and as proven in their many heroic feats.”

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao held at the Malacañang Palace on January 21, 2021. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DUTERTE GOV’T PROMISES CONTINUED BARMM BACKING Duterte gov’t promises continued BARMM backing The government will remain committed in supporting the development of Bangsamoro region particularly as the nation grapples with the ill effects of the coronavirus pandemic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Thursday.

President Duterte joined the Bangsamoro people in celebrating the second anniversary of the ratification of the Caraga INFOCUS

Organic Law establishing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Be assured that this administration will remain determined in its commitment to support self-determination, uphold human rights, and advance social welfare in the Bangsamoro region,” President Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang.

“Today, like the rest of the nation, the BARMM is faced with many daunting challenges

aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is why I have given marching orders to all relevant government agencies to give full support to the BARMM through continued assistance in the region.”

The President said his government remains as enthusiastic as ever for what the future holds for the region.

Rallying support from the country’s Muslim population, he asked for continued collaboration to find a common ground January 16-22, 2021 |

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in achieving the shared aspirations for economic self-sufficiency, genuine development and lasting peace in Mindanao.

The chief executive also expressed elation noting that in the past two years, both the government and BARMM have strengthened their collaboration, which he said, is a significant step in achieving meaningful and lasting peace in the south.

He thanked Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim for showing exemplary leadership and for his efforts in ensuring that BARMM achieves meaningful self-governance within the framework of the country’s Constitution and the Bangsamoro Organic Law. At the same time, President Duterte congratulated the Intergovernmental Relations Body under the leadership of BARMM Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III for instituting much needed reforms and mechanisms aimed at fostering growth in the BARMM.

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These accomplishments include the participation of the BARMM in the national planning process; the transfer of the management of existing nature reserves and protected areas from the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the BARMM; and the creation of the Bangsamoro Electoral

Office and the Regional Offices of several national government agencies.

He also recognized the assistance given to BARMM by the Department of Finance (DOF), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) as well as other national government agencies.

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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 January 18, 2021. SIMEON CELI/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT DUTERTE CONDOLES WITH FAMILIES OF BUKIDNON CRASH VICTIMS President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday extended his condolences to the families of the members of the security forces who perished in a helicopter crash in Bukidnon over the weekend and vowed to give them due recognition.

“Let me express my deepest condolences sa mga asawa ninyo. And I share your grief. Alam ko kung gaano na lang ganoon ang sakripisyo ng sundalo para sa bayan nila,” President Duterte said during a public address on government response to COVID-19.

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“They died heroes.

And we are giving them the one of the highest awards sa Presidente is the Order of Lapu-Lapu.”

The Order of LapuLapu is given to persons in government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign or advocacy.

The Philippine Air Force UH-1H helicopter, which was on a supply mission from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon to a patrol base, crashed Saturday, killing all seven persons

aboard.

The Philippine Army said the chopper encountered engine trouble and tried to make an emergency landing but later went down in Barangay Bulonay, Impasugong town.

Killed were Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, the pilot; 2nd Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Sgt. Mervin Bersabe; Airman 1st Class Stephen Agarrado; Sgt. Julius Salvado; and Jerry Ayocdo and Jhamel Sugalang, both members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit. PND January 16-22, 2021 |

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE: GOVERNMENT DEALS ON VACCINE PROCUREMENT ARE ABOVE BOARD President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, January 18 assured the public that government transactions to purchase coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines are free from corruption.

In his public address on government’s COVID-19 interventions, President Duterte vouched for the public service record of vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr, explaining his negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to procure vaccines involve no personal or direct control of money but are purely paperwork.

“All that Galvez can do is just to come to an agreement as representative or agent of the Republic of the Philippines. He has no say sa bayaran kung saan because it is purely papel,” the President said

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of Galvez.

“Kunin ng manufacturer ‘yan doon sa mga bangko kasi doon tayo naghiram at diretso ang bayad galing bangko to the manufacturer. Hindi na tayo makialam diyan.

And the pricing and the paper will not be final until it is reviewed by the Secretary of Finance kasi siya ‘yung magbayad pati ako,” he added.

President Duterte also brushed off allegations that the government is controlling the prices of the COVID-19 vaccine, saying manufacturers set their prices based on the law of supply and demand.

Galvez, for his part, said the financial institutions that will procure vaccines for the Philippines have very stringent transparency and anti-

corruption regulation that leave no room for disadvantageous deals.

For instance, Galvez said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) can easily spot disadvantageous transactions considering its diverse structure.

“Malalaman at malalaman po nila dahil kasi ‘yung deal po ng vaccine, lahat po ng deals ng mga vaccine loans sa different countries malalaman po nila kung disadvantaged po tayo,” Galvez said.

“Wala po tayong hinahawakan na pera. Ang pera po, ang magbabayad po bangko. Alam po natin ang transaction ng bangko talagang malinis po ‘yan.

Kumbaga sa ano, hindi po tayo makaka --makaka ano, magkakaroon ng tinatawag nating Caraga INFOCUS

corruption because of the World Bank integrity at saka po ‘yung Asian Development Bank,” he further said.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi made an agreement with pharmaceutical companies supplying COVID-19 vaccines to maintain a “no profit, no loss principle” despite embarking on an investment risk.

Pharmaceutical companies have then offered discounts and cheaper alternatives to countries who wish to purchase the vaccines, Galvez said.

“Katulad po ng Sinovac, in-offer-an po tayo ng filling station.

Pagka filling station po, kalahati dapat ang babayaran lang natin dahil tayo po ang magfifinish.

Raw materials dadalhin dito, tayo na po ang magfi-filling station,” he explained.

“Pangalawa po, pagka ‘yung product kukunin mo sa manufacturer, mas mura po ‘yon kaysa ‘yung China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).Iyong tinatawag na CIF ‘yon pong doon Caraga INFOCUS

po magkakaroon ng ano, ng turnover doon sa airport na po natin.

So ibig sabihin, mura po pagka tayo pa ang kukuha kasi ‘yung freight po is 2.5 (dollars) at saka ‘yung storages. Malaki rin po iyan,” he added.

Taking into account all the COVID-19 vaccine brands to be purchased, Galvez said the Philippines has saved $700 million through government deals, noting that the negotiations made by the country have been deliberate and very good.

“In fact po, maipapangako ko po sa ating mga mahal na kababayan na ang lahat ng mga negosasyon at cost, meaning almost no profit,” he said.

Galvez also noted that government’s negotiations to acquire the COVID-19 vaccines are three-tiered involving the following: a confidentiality disclosure agreement (CDA), term sheet, and supply agreement.

The CDA is a legal part of the contract between negotiating parties that define knowledge or information

including medical trade secrets, special prices given to a particular country, and other arrangements that shall be kept confidential. A breach in this agreement may lead to the cancellation of vaccine delivery.

Despite the criticism on government’s procurement deals, President Duterte has instructed Galvez to strictly comply with the terms agreed upon with the pharmaceutical companies to ensure the continuity of vaccine supplies.

The Philippines expects to receive the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines in February this year. Sinovac, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Gamaleya are among the pharmaceutical companies that the government is negotiating with.

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 2,163 new COVID-19 infections on January 18, bringing the total number of cases in the Philippines to 502,736 with 465,988 recoveries and 9,909 deaths. PND January 16-22, 2021 |

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NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ASSURES ENOUGH FUNDS FOR VACCINE PROCUREMENT – PALACE The Palace assured that there is enough funds for the procurement of 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Filipinos, and that the procurement of these vaccines will undergo rigorous audit mechanisms.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on January 19, 2020, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr said that the national government has earmarked funds for vaccine procurement, which will come from Caraga INFOCUS

loans, the 2021 General Appropriations Act, and from Bayanihan 2.

A d d r e s s i n g concerns on corruption with the procurement of the vaccines, the Palace official reiterated President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s message of zero tolerance against corruption.

“Siniguro ng Pangulo na walang katiwalian sa national COVID-19 vaccination plan ng pamahalaan,” said Secretary Roque.

The Palace

spokesperson also underscored Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.’s position on vaccine procurement that all agreements on the purchase of the vaccines will follow stringent policies and procedures.

“Sabi pa nga po ni Vaccine Czar, dahil sa kanilang pakikipagnegosasyon sa mga vaccine manufacturer, nakatipid ang pamahalaan ng pitong-daang milyong January 16-22, 2021 |

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dolyar ($700-M) sa pagbili ng ating mga bakuna,” said Secretary Roque.

In the said press briefing, Secretary Galvez, who is also Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, explained that after midway agreements with vaccine manufacturers, they found that there are still available funds to allocate for more vaccine doses given the budget for the procurement of vaccines.

This is why the allotted vaccine doses was raised from the initial target of 70 million doses to 148 million vaccine doses, said the Vaccine Czar. The cost of buying these vaccine doses already covers costs for freight, storage, needles, and syringes, said Secretary Galvez.

Sec. Galvez also reiterated President Duterte’s directive that the national government’s vaccination program should not be tainted with corruption. Galvez assured that with the strict credibility, transparency, and anti-corruption policy of the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, Filipinos

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| January 16-22, 2021

can be assured that the funding scheme for the procurement of the vaccines will be efficient and corruption-free.

Aside from the stringent policies of the national government’s bilateral partners, Galvez assured that vaccine procurement will also pass various levels of stricter government accounting, especially since the contracts will be evaluated by Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Also in the same press briefing, Testing Czar and NTF Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon assured that preparations for the vaccine roll-out are on-going with a scheduled inspection of facilities for vaccine rollout, as well as discussions with cold chain facilities.

Secretary Dizon said that the national government is closely coordinating with vaccine companies on the logistical needs to preserve the vaccines once it arrives in the country to avoid losses and wastes. He added that the NTF and the Vaccine Cluster are also closely coordinating with various companies in the private sector that have experience in handling such sensitive medicines and vaccines.

Dizon also assured that the cold chain providers, that the national government is in talks with, have the pharmagrade capacity to store the vaccines. He added that the government is also in close contact with pharmaceutical companies on the proper transport and handling of the vaccines. OPS-PCOO Caraga INFOCUS

PALACE URGES PUBLIC TO LISTEN TO VACCINE EXPERTS Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr, in his January 18 press briefing, encouraged Filipinos to listen to true vaccine experts instead of those claiming to be experts with regard to vaccines.

“Pag-ingatan natin kung sino pakikinggan natin. Uulitin ko po, ang proseso para maging expert, kinakailangan ipakita kung meron ka bang specialized Caraga INFOCUS

na pinag-aralan para maging expert.

Kung meron ka bang karanasan sa specialized field na iyon. … ‘Wag po tayong maniwala doon sa mga lima-singkong eksperto,” said Secretary Roque.

The Palace official stressed this point in view of the varying opinions of so-called experts with regard to a vaccine’s efficacy and safety.

Likening the process to

that of establishing the credibility of an expert witness in trial, Secretary Roque said that the same process should be applied when listening to experts with regard to COVID-19 vaccines.

“Tingnan hindi lang dapat doktor, meron ba silang specialized training as vaccinologist or as infectious [disease] specialist … At bukod diyan, is gaano na katagal January 16-22, 2021 |

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silang nagprapractice, nagtuturo ba sila, mayroon na ba silang mga sinulat na artikulo, bago po natin sila paniwalaan bilang experts,” stressed Secretary Roque.

In the said press briefing, Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease specialist from San Lazaro Hospital, explained that a vaccine’s efficacy rate is not consistent with any population. Dr. Solante said that a vaccine’s efficacy will also vary depending on the target population that will be vaccinated.

Solante, who is also a member of the government’s Vaccine Expert Panel, said that a higher immune response is expected among the younger population, while a 50 to 60 percent efficacy rate is acceptable in older age groups.

On the threshold of efficacy, Dr. Solante explained that it was the World Health Organization that sets the minimum vaccine efficacy to 50 percent based on a percentage

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| January 16-22, 2021

of individuals who will be vaccinated to control a particular pandemic.

Solante said that in establishing efficacy threshold, a mathematical modeling is used, which shows that a vaccine with at least 50 percent efficacy when used in 60 to 70 percent of the population, will be enough to control an ongoing pandemic in a particular country.

Solante also underscored that any vaccine that was granted approval to proceed to Phase 3 trial is considered safe as it has undergone Phase 2 trial wherein a vaccine was able to establish that is able to produce an antibody against the virus.

The infectious disease specialist also cautioned against associating an adverse effect with a vaccine as these reports have to be investigated carefully. Solante said that a severe adverse event can only be seen within two months after getting inoculated with a vaccine. That is why it is best to roll out a

vaccine after at least 60 days to see whether the vaccine is associated with any adverse effects, said Solante.

On another matter, Roque announced the signing of Executive Order No. 123 “Modifying the Rates of Import Duty on Certain Agricultural Products Under Section 1611 of Republic Act No. 10863, Otherwise Known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.”

“Ito ay ayon na rin po sa rekomendasyon ng National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA Board kung saan nagrerekomenda po sila [ng] pag-maintain ng tariff rates para sa mechanically deboned meat of chicken and mechanically deboned meat of turkey,” said Sec. Roque.

Added Roque, “Ang alinlangan po ng iba kapag hindi po naextend itong mababang five percent tariff rates sa mga produktong ito, baka tumaas po ang presyo ng mga delata na gumagamit po ng deboned meat.” OPSPCOO Caraga INFOCUS

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