COTABATO RICE FARMERS VOLUNTEER TO HELP DEVELOP TARAKA RICEFIELDS

As the town of Taraka, Lanao del Sur prepares for the operationalization this month of six Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems, a group of Muslim and Christian farmers from Cotabato has volunteered to help prepare some 600-hectares of rice fields for planting and share their deep knowledge in rice farming to Maranao farmers.

The volunteer farmers are products of the “Salam” Brotherhood Farming Program which I implemented when I was Governor of North Cotabato which involved technology transfer and sharing of farm experiences between the Muslim farmers of Pikit and the Christian farmers of M’lang and Tulunan, all municipalities of North Cotabato.

When the program was introduced, the water from the Mal-Mar Irrigation System had flowed for the first time into the ricefields of Pikit, mostly owned

by Maguindanao farmers.

The Muslim Maguindanao farmers were brought to the rice farms owned mostly by Christians in Mlang and Tulunan where they were exposed to modern rice farming.

This was followed through with an immersion program of Christian rice farmers in the Muslim rice farming communities served by the Japanese-government-funded MAL-MAR Irrigation System.

With the expected opening of the Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems in Taraka, I thought of reviving the “Salam Brotherhood Farming” Program where Muslim and Christian rice farmers from Cotabato would help Maranao rice farmers in preparing the ricefields in time for the opening of the SPIS units on July 29. Authority (MinDA) which is helping the town of Taraka develop its rice farming industry through the use of SolarPowered Irrigation Systems will present the offer of help to Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan and the rice farmers of Taraka this week.

MinDA will also assist the Taraka LGU in accessing funds for the acquisition of rice farming equipment, including a modern rice processing complex equipped with rice dryers.

The concept of Complete Value Chain in rice farming which starts with the planting, harvesting, processing and marketing of the rice produce is being introduced by MinDA to Taraka LGU.

This is aimed at helping Taraka rice farmers produce milled, packed and branded quality rice instead of selling their fresh paddy rice to traders.

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO receives multiple awards from international award-giving body

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) accepted seven prestigious awards during the 2021 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards virtual ceremony on Wednesday, July 14.

This year’s Stevie® Awards honored Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar with a “Media Hero of the Year” Award for innovations and leadership in the management of PCOO which paved the way for a more proactive daily delivery of news and information to the Filipino public.

This is the first time that the PCOO was recognized internationally for its commitment to serving the public through the dissemination of relevant information and initiatives during this global health crisis.

In his virtual message, Sec. Andanar, a veteran news anchor, emphasized that the awards and recognition bestowed to the PCOO are “proof of our commitment to fulfilling our mandate to the Filipino people, particularly that of providing timely, relevant, and life-saving information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The inspiration and motivation these recognitions have provided, not only for me but also for the rest of my team at the PCOO, will

be reflected through our continued commitment to informing the Filipino people,” he said.

Meanwhile, PCOO Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (PCOOOGMPA) Assistant Secretary JV Arcena bagged two individual Gold Stevie® Awards as “Government Hero of the Year’’ and “Media Hero of the Year”

For Asec. Arcena, a former journalist and media strategist, the PCOO has been working since day 1 of the pandemic to inform the public through the “Laging Handa” or “Always Ready” communications campaigns as well as creating top-caliber documentaries and social media content.

“Thank you very much to the Stevie® Awards for recognizing the efforts, innovations, and commitment to public information of our organization and my team who have sacrificed so much and worked tirelessly even during this difficult time,” Arcena said.

“This proves our unwavering commitment to serve the country by providing timely and relevant information amidst the pandemic,” he added.

PCOO’s awarding-winning programs

Established in 2018, ‘The Virtual Presser and Virtual Reporting Tour’ bagged a Silver Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media, Visual Communications and Entertainment and a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media Relations under the Awards for Innovation in Communications/ Public Relations Category.

In addition, the PCOOproduced Laging Handa Dokyu series, now on its 3rd season, also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Documentaries under the Awards for Innovation in Video Category.

The PCOO Laging Handa COVID-19 Communications Digital Campaign also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Best Use of Social Media-COVID-19related Information, for producing digital content such as infomercials (National Action Plan and Community Quarantine videos), explainer videos (the VAXplainer), social cards, and infographics, to keep the public informed on the government responses in this time of the pandemic.

US-based Stevie® Awards is a premier business award that recognizes innovations in the workplace since 2002. The 2021 Stevie Awards, nicknamed the Stevies or the Greek word for “crowned”, received a total of 900 nominations from different countries across the Asia-Pacific region. (PCOO/PIACaraga)

128th Malasakit Center opens in Lianga, Surigao del Sur as Bong Go urges hospitals to extend all possible medical aid to poor and indigent patients

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his warm congratulations to the people of Surigao del Sur on the launch of their first and the country’s 128th Malasakit Center at the Lianga District Hospital in Lianga town on Saturday, July 10.

The Malasakit Center is the fourth in the Caraga region, after the Siargao Island Medical Center (which opened on July 3), Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, and the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

“Masaya ako na mayroon na tayong 128 na Malasakit Center na handang tumulong sa mga Pilipino. Kakabukas lang natin last week sa Siargao Island sa Surigao del Norte. So, natutuwa ako na nadagdagan ang locations sa Mindanao at patuloy ang pagbubukas natin sa buong bansa,” Go started in his remarks.

The Malasakit Center aims to make medical assistance programs more accessible by putting together all concerned agencies under one roof, including the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health

Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Its primary task is to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering various patient services and expenses, pursuant to the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.

“Para ito sa mga poor at indigent patients. Pakiusap sa mga hospital staff at social workers, tulungan ninyo ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap. Huwag niyo silang pababayaan. Bihira naman pupunta ang mga mayayaman sa mga pampublikong ospital. Ang pupunta dito ay ‘yung mga mahihirap na walang matakbuhan,” appealed Go.

The Senator, who is Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, further urged public hospitals to use their funds wisely to provide medical care to its poor patients. He also offered his assistance to those who cannot be treated locally so they can obtain the care that they require at the larger health facilities in Metro Manila or Davao City.

“Kung kulang pa ang tulong ng mga ahensya, (may) pondo rin ang Office of the President dyan. Wala ng dahilan para hindi natin sila tulungan. Gamitin niyo ang pera ng gobyerno sa mga kapos palad natin na pasyente,” directed Go. “Ngayon, kung may hindi kayang operahan diyan, magsabi lang kayo at kami na ni Pangulong (Rodrigo Duterte) ang sasalo sa kanila. Kaya ayaw magpa-check up at lumalala ang kondisyon ng maraming Pilipino dahil wala silang pambayad. Magtutulungan tayo para masalba sila. Iyan naman ang trabaho namin, ang makatulong,” he continued.

Concluding his remarks, Go thanked and recognized the medical community for all their hard work and sacrifices during this pandemic. He assured them that the national government is fast-tracking the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program throughout the country so it can vaccinate as many Filipinos as soon as possible and minimize community transmissions of the virus.

The Senator stressed that getting vaccinated not only protects an individual but also reduces their risk of getting severe symptoms. He reminded concerned authorities to follow the vaccination priority framework in order not to jeopardize the success of the vaccine drive.

“Habang patuloy tayong nagbabakuna, ‘wag tayo maging kumpiyansa dahil delikado itong COVID-19. Target natin ma-achieve ang population protection this year at ang herd immunity by early next year para unti-unti na natin fully mabuksan ang ekonomiya. Iyan ang hiling namin palagi ni Pangulong Duterte,” said Go.

“Ang importante ay buhay tayo at

malampasan natin ang pandemyang ito. Kailangan natin magmalasakit at magbayanihan. Hindi namin kaya ng Pangulo ito kung hindi tayo magtutulungan,” he ended.

After the launch, Go’s personnel distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to 96 medical frontliners. Select frontliners were given new pairs of shoes while others received bicycles for their daily commute. Some were likewise provided computer tablets to help their children with their school activities. In addition, representatives from the DSWD also distributed financial assistance to 82 rank-and-file hospital employees. Similar assistance were also extended to 35 indigent patients.

“Nagpapasalamat kami para sa Malasakit Center dahil nakahingi kami ng tulong sa mga ahensya para sa pampagamot ng aking anak. Walang trabaho ang aking asawa ngayon at walang-wala talaga kami. Maraming salamat kay Senator Bong Go at sa mga iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para sa programang ito,” said Evelyn Cocon.

The ceremony was also attended by Secretary Michael Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Assistant Secretary Girlie Veloso of the Office of President, Governor Alexander Pimentel, Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen, Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, and Chief of Hospital Dr. Josenita Quisil.

To boost infrastructure development in the province, Go supported the funding of several projects in Surigao del Sur including the concreting or construction of roads in Barobo, Cagwait, Carmen, Madrid, Marihatag, San Agustin, Tago and Tandag City; construction of an Indigenous People’s evacuation center and multi-purpose center in Hinapoyan; construction of a public market in Lanuza; and purchase of ambulances for Lianga, Lanuza and Cortes, among others.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Duterte administration’s commitment in delivering truthful news and information directly to the public, will be showcased in the Laging Handa Dokyu series episode 7 entitled “Ang Pamana: Working PCOO .”

In 2016, Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar was appointed to lead the main communications arm of the government. Since then, the government’s platforms in providing the public with needed information and updates on current affairs and happenings in the government, has been streamlined.

According to Secretary Andanar, he applied everything that he learned about traditional radio, media, as well as new media during his term to reform the PCOO and its attached agencies.

“Tayo naman ay maswerte na meron tayong isang Pangulo na binibigyan tayo ng elbow room na makagalaw at nang mareporma ‘yung ating government media [We are very lucky that we have a President who gives us enough elbow room to take action and reform our government media],” the communications chief said. Rodrigo Roa Duterte fully supports the Mindanao Media Hub which was inaugurated last March 18. The building with its stateof-the-art facilities aims to serve as the broadcasting hub of Regions 10, 11, 12, 13 and the BARMM.

“Napabayaan ito noon e (PCOO facility). Ang sabi ko naman, kailangan best foot forward parati ang ating bansa. At gaya ng sinabi ko this is the window to the world, e kailangan maganda ‘yung bintana mo [This was neglected before (PCOO facility). What I said is we should always put our best foot forward for our country. And like the saying goes this is the window to the world, so that window needs to be pleasing],” Sec. Andanar July 10-16, 2021 | 49Caraga INFOCUS

“I am very confident na lahat ng mga nagawa ng aking mga kasamahan dito sa PCOO pwedeng ulitin ‘yung achievement na ‘yon and I think that is the biggest legacy of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the Presidential Communications Operations Office [I am very confident that everything my coworkers accomplished here in PCOO, those achievements can be repeated and I think that is the biggest legacy of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the Presidential Communications Operations Office],” Sec. Andanar added.

President Duterte’s first Executive Order was the creation of Freedom of Information (FOI), which ensures that the public has access to public documents and transactions of the government. The FOI Project Management Office is led by Atty. Michel Kristian Abalan, CESO II, an Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and FOI.

Undersecretary Ablan said that they have received around 95,000 to almost 100,000 FOI requests. “Bumuo ng Project Management Office ang PCOO sa lilalim ng pamunuan ni Sec. Martin Andanar, nag-o-oversee ng implementation ng FOI at tinutulungan natin ang libo-libo nating mga FOI officers na nagkalat sa mga ahensya para matugunan nila ang mga tanong ng ating mga kababayan [The PCOO created the Project Management Office, under the leadership of Sec. Martin Andanar, and tasked it to oversee the implementation of FOI and we also help our thousands of FOI officers scattered in various government agencies to help the public with their questions regarding the government],” said Usec. Ablan.

Moreover, the Office of the President together with the PCOO created the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), to protect the life, liberty, and security of the media workers in the country.

PTFoMS is headed by Executive Director, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, he emphasized that it was only in the time of President Duterte where the violence against media sectors were addressed. He said that the Philippines is the only country who has a task force dedicated to protect and uphold their rights and freedom in a democratic country. ‘yung sinasabing one of the most dangerous country for journalists in the world so minabuti po ng ating mahal na Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na i-address itong problema na ito. In fact, ito ‘yung kauna-unahang Administrative Order nya that makes the PTFoMS very historic, [it is] the only task force in the world of its kind [For the longest time they have been saying that our country is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in the world, so President Rodrigo Duterte made sure that we addressed this problem. In fact, this was his first Administrative Order that makes PTFoMs very historic, [it is] the only task force in the world of its kind],” Usec. Egco said.

Catch Laging Handa Dokyu 3.0 episode 7 titled “Ang Pamana: Working PCOO” on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 9:30 PM on PTV and IBC-13. It will also be livestreamed on the Presidential Communications Operations Office Facebook page, as well as other government-affiliated social media pages.

Media outlets are free to share and use our video materials and short documentaries. For inquiries, please e-mail us at pcooglobalmedia@pco. gov.ph.

Bong Go’s outreach team delivers help and hope to affected community in Muntinlupa City fire incident

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s personnel on Thursday, July 15, delivered meals and relief assistance to the two families in Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City who were forced to evacuate their homes after a fire broke out last June 10, and are facing additional challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mayroon po akong mga ipinadala para sa inyo. Kung may maitutulong pa kami, magsabi lang kayo at handa kami ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na magserbisyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” Go began in a video message.

“Pakiusap namin, magtiwala tayo sa gobyerno. Huwag muna tayong lumabas kung hindi kinakailangan at sundin natin ang mga iba pang paalala dahil delikado ang panahon. Mahirap man, kailangan natin sumunod sa gobyerno dahil para naman ito sa kapakanan ninyo,” he reminded. The Senator’s personnel provided each family with meals, financial assistance, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields at the barangay hall in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Furthermore, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided them with separate financial assistance as part of an extensive effort by the

national government to assist individuals in crisis situations.

In his message, Go also offered to help any family member who may be suffering from injuries or other medical concerns. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in the said city where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance.

The center serves as a onestop shop for the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The program has assisted over two million particularly poor and indigent patients since its launch in 2018.

The Senator went on to thank and recognize the local officials, first responders and volunteers for their quick response and support after the incident. Among those he specifically thanked were Representative Rufino Biazon, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, and Punong Barangay Rafael Sevilla. passage of a bill that seeks to establish an evacuation center in every local government unit that can support the needs of the evacuees.

Filed in 2019, Senate Bill No. 1228 provides for the construction of fullyfunctioning evacuation centers throughout the country and furnishes a minimum set of requirements, such as its accessibility, amenities and operation, among others.

“When disaster strikes, it is the poor who suffer. Kailangan natin magpatayo ng mga dedicated evacuation centers na may basic facilities at sapat na emergency supplies, gaya ng tubig, gamot at relief goods, para hindi na sila nagsisikipan sa mga covered courts o paaralan,” explained Go, who principally authored the bill.

As part of his continuing commitment to the people of Muntinlupa City, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for the construction of a new stand-alone dialysis clinic at the Bureau of Corrections. His office also organized an activity for the fire victims in Brgy. Alabang last June 5.

129th Malasakit Center launched in Tondo as Bong Go pushes for improved health care access especially in urban poor communities

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the launch of the country’s 129th Malasakit Center at the Tondo Medical Center in Tondo District on Friday, July 16, as the facility, which began operations in 1971, marked its fiftieth year of unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of the residents of Manila City.

The TMC is the 26th hospital in the National Capital Region and fifth in the city to open a Malasakit Center, in addition to the Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

The Senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged in a speech delivered during the ceremony that while health facilities and medical services are generally better in urban areas, such health

advantages are often not enjoyed by lower income groups.

He recounted his years of experience helping indigents who need medical attention. This strengthened his desire to help government agencies develop initiatives to improve access to affordable and quality health services to the poor and marginalized.

“Nung mayor pa si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ng Davao City, maraming residente o hindi residente ang pumupunta ng city hall para humingi ng tulong para sa kanilang pampagamot. Lunes, pipila ‘yan sa PhilHealth at Martes sa [Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office]. Ubos na oras nila sa biyahe, ubos pa pera nila sa pamasahe,” recounted Go.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko bakit ba natin pinapahirapan ang Pilipino? Dapat tayo, ang gobyerno, ang lumalapit sa kanila. Responsibilidad natin ibalik ang pera nila sa pamamagitan ng mas mabilis at maayos na serbisyo. Kaya nung naging Senador ako, ito ang unang batas na aking ni-file kasama ng Salary Standardization Law V na nag-increase ng mga sahod niyo,” he continued.

In 2019, Go principally authored and sponsored a measure that became Republic Act No. 11463 which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The law streamlines the provision of medical assistance from the government by bringing together the relevant agencies under one roof, namely PhilHealth, PCSO, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health.

The primary aim of the Malasakit Center is to help reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as surgeries, laboratories and medicines through existing medical assistance programs.

“Marami pang Pilipino ang hindi nakakaalam sa Malasakit Center kaya sabihan niyo ang mga kapitbahay niyo na mayroon na din kayo dito sa Tondo. Wala itong pinipili. Karapatan niyo bilang Pilipino ang makaavail ng serbisyo nito,” maintained Go. “Halimbawa, may dagdag na gastos ang pasyente na hindi covered ng PhilHealth, diyan na papasok ang mga ibang ahensya. Ngayon, kung kulang pa ang tulong, ang bawat center ay may replenishable na funds mula sa Office of the President para pangdagdag tulong. Target ng Malasakit Center na maging ‘zero balance’ ang inyong hospital bill para wala na kayong babayaran,” he clarified further.

The Senator called on the hospital administration to maximize the government’s funds in order to provide poorest patients who are most in need with affordable to free medical care. He noted the increased psychological distress experienced by patients and their families at this time and appealed for more compassion and understanding, especially for the disadvantaged.

“Isa lang ang bilin namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga doctors at social workers, ‘wag niyo pababayaan ang mga kababayan natin na helpless, hopeless at walang matakbuhan. Maraming pasyente ang takot at maikli ang pasensya sa panahong

ito but, please, extend your patience. And do not extend the number of patients,” said Go.

In the end, he reminded the medical community to stay vigilant against the spread of new and possibly more contagious variants of the coronavirus which could spark another uptick in new cases in Metro Manila. Go stressed the need for cooperation, emphasizing that one’s health and well-being is also dependent on the overall health of the community.

“Nakakabahala na recently, may na diskubre na 16 na kaso ng Delta variant… Napakaimportante na ma-contain natin ito agad. Huwag maging kumpiyansa dahil hindi natin kakayanin kung tataas muli ang bilang ng mga kaso. Marami ang maapektuhan at mawawalan ng trabaho kung magsasara tayo muli,” said Go.

“Nakakatakot talaga ito. Nagsasara na ang mga ibang bansa dahil dumadami ulit ang mga kaso nila. Sa ngayon, ginagawa namin ni Pangulo ang lahat para balansehin ang ekonomiya at public health. Ayaw namin may nahihirapan pero ang magiging pangunahing konsiderasyon namin sa bawat desisyon ng gobyerno ay ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he concluded.

After the ceremony, Go and his personnel distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,125 frontline health workers. Selected beneficiaries were given bicycles while others received new pairs of shoes. Some were also provided computer tablets which their children can use for educational purposes. Similar forms of aid were extended to 200 indigent patients. The DSWD likewise provided 579 rank-and-file hospital employees with financial assistance in a separate distribution.

“Nandito ang anak ko dahil sa (urinary track infection). Bago ko siya dalhin dito, hindi siya makakain at mataas ang lagnat niya. Pinoproblema namin ngayon kung saan kami kukuha ng pambayad sa ospital. Nawalan kasi ng trabaho ang asawa ko na isang konduktor ng bus,” said Maricel Paras, 45, a resident of Caloocan City. “Malaking bagay ang Malasakit Center sa aming mahihirap. Marami itong matutulungan na mahihirap na may sakit at mga taong nangangailangan. Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Senator Bong Go na nagkaroon siya ng ganitong programa. Nagpapasalamat din kami kay Pangulong Duterte sa tulong na pinagkaloob niya sa aming mga mahihirap,” she continued.

The ceremony was also attended by Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chair Greco Belgica, Undersecretary Jonjie Gonzales of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, DOH Usec. Roger Tong-an, Assistant Secretary Girlie Veloso of the Office of the President, Mike Lopez representing 1st District Representative Manuel Lopez, and Medical Center Director Dr. Maria Estrella, among others.

To boost the infrastructure development in Manila City, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, earlier supported the funding for the structural improvement of the public buildings and construction of evacuation centers near the Department of Justice compound, among others. July 10-16, 2021 | 55Caraga INFOCUS

Anti-corruption efforts improved during Duterte administration, says Bong Go as he calls on Filipinos to help clean government of corruption

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is optimistic that the government’s anti-corruption efforts have improved under the Duterte Administration, and he continues to encourage Filipinos to report any kind of wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities and assist in the fight against corruption.

In an ambush interview after he personally attended the launch of the 129th Malasakit Center at the Tondo Medical Center in Manila on Friday, July 16, Go stressed the determination of President Rodrigo Duterte to eradicate corruption in the government.

“Magiging biased naman po ako kay Pangulong Duterte dahil malapit po kami pero sa pagkaalam ko sa pagiging serious po ni Pangulo sa kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, kampanya laban sa katiwalian sa gobyerno, kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, tuluy-tuloy po ‘yan from Day 1 hanggang ngayon patapos na ang kanyang termino, tuluy-tuloy po ‘yan, hindi po ako naniniwalang lumala,” said Go. “Naniniwala po ako na mayroong improvement po at talagang seryoso po ang ating mahal na Pangulo na sugpuin po ‘yun dahil siya po mismo nagiging halimbawa po siya sa Pilipino. Diyan, matagal kami sa Malacanang, totoo ‘yung sinabi niya ni piso po, any government transaction, hindi po nakikialam si Pangulong Duterte at hindi po kami nakikialam,” he added.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, Go’s colleague, filed a resolution on Thursday calling for a Senate inquiry into the Department of Social Welfare and

Development’s alleged inability to distribute PhP10.4 billion in Social Amelioration Program funds.

Previously, the DSWD denied that amounts of money were missing from the delivery of financial aid to low-income households who bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown restrictions. The DSWD has stated that it is prepared to face any investigation into Pacquiao’s allegations.

Meanwhile, Go has urged all Filipinos to report any instance of government corruption to proper agencies, saying that he is also willing to listen to them in confidence and pursue appropriate actions to hold accountable those at fault.

“Gaya ng sinabi ko… you cannot easily totally eradicate corruption in government. Napakahirap po… kung hindi po kayo magsusumbong sa amin, kay Pangulong Duterte, sa PACC (Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission). Nandito naman po si Chairman Greco Belgica, mayroon po kaming grupong Truth and Justice Coalition, isumbong niyo po sa amin,” said Go.

The Truth and Justice Coalition was founded in October 2018 as a result of Go and the PACC’s initiative to assist the government in fighting corruption by assisting with fact-finding inquiries, lifestyle checks, and other investigations. It collaborates with lawyers, retired public officials, religious leaders, the private sector, and other government institutions to create platforms for citizens to report corruption and reward those who do so.

“Handa po kaming makinig sa inyo with confidentiality po, kung hindi niyo po isusumbong at hindi po kayo makikipag cooperate sa ating mga otoridad, eh wala pong mangyayari,” Go added.

Meanwhile, Go said he welcomes any investigation on alleged anomalies in order to bring out the truth. He also stressed that rather than just throwing baseless criticisms, critics should help fellow Filipinos in need while also helping the government fight corruption.

“I welcome any investigation po para lumabas po ang katotohanan. Kasama tayo diyan para labanan ang korapsyon sa gobyerno kung mayro’n man po,” said Go.

“Katulad nitong mga nasa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) natin. Nagsasakripisyo po ito. Araw-araw po itong lumalabas at pinagdududahan pa po,” he added.

That said, the Senator also affirms his and Duterte’s support for his colleagues who want to tackle government corruption.

“Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay kaisa n’yo po kami. Kahit sino pang kasamahan ko sa Senado, kaisa n’yo po kami labanan ang any form of corruption, any form of anomalies, lalabanan po namin ni Pangulong Duterte ‘yan,” assured Go.

“At hindi po kami titigil. Magkasama po tayo na sugpuin po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno,” he ended. July 10-16, 2021 | 57

Bong Go emphasizes need to fast-track vaccine rollout to reach population protection prior to allowing face-to-face classes

Echoing the sentiments of President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains firm on his stand that face-toface classes in schools must be put on hold first until more Filipinos are vaccinated to reach population protection and eventually herd immunity amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ang importante sa amin ni Pangulo ay ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Go emphasized.

Go said in an interview at the Tondo Medical Center on Friday, July 16, during the launch of the 129th Malasakit Center that the government should first focus on the vaccination program before considering the resumption of face-toface classes as the next school year nears.

“Let’s focus sa rollout sa ngayon at kapag nakamtan natin ang herd immunity, I’m sure papayag ang Pangulo at ako ay sang-ayon kay Pangulong Duterte na bawal muna ang faceto-face classes dahil delikado pa,” Go said.

Go said that amid the ongoing pandemic, he continues to favor the implementation of blended learning, emphasizing that the government cannot afford to put children’s health in danger if in case a COVID-19 outbreak happens in schools. “Imbes na nakatutok ang ating mga government personnel sa pagbabakuna, pupunta na naman sa eskwelahan, itetracing na naman saan nanggaling, busy na naman po,” he said.

“We should focus right now sa pagbabakuna. Importante po tuluytuloy ang kaalaman ng mga kabataan bagama’t distance (blended) learning tayo,” he added. He also mentioned that the government does not want to waste the progress it has made in the fight against COVID-19 by taking the

risk of conducting faceto-face classes this early.

“Importante po tuloytuloy ang kaalaman ng mga kabataan. May distance o blended learning naman tayo, importante po pumasa sila, umabot sa another level po ang mga estudyante… pasado at natuto sila,” he added.

President Duterte just approved the Department of Education’s recommendation to start the school year 2021-2022 on September 13. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, blended learning will be utilized for School Year 20212022, just as it was for the prior school year.

The DepEd is optimistic that the implementation of blended learning will improve in the coming school year, after making improvements in the previous academic year to address some problems.

Last year, Go also appealed to education authorities as well as those in government media to utilize various approaches and tools in order to lessen the burden of particularly

poorer students who cannot afford to buy computer gadgets and those residing in remote places without or with limited internet connectivity as online class is one of the approaches under the blended learning set-up.

The Senator stressed the importance of ensuring the health and safety of the students, teachers and wider community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague the nation.

Go, however, agreed that the education of the students cannot be put on a standstill. He urged DepEd and other concerned authorities to exert all efforts possible in improving further the blended learning system while face-toface classes remain prohibited.

“Kawawa naman po mga bata, napipressure po ‘yung bata, malaking epekto po iyon sa kanila. Ang importante po, walang masayang na taon. Ang importante po matuto sila,” reminded Go.

Bong Go sends aid to displaced workers in Lasam and SanchezMira in Cagayan Province

As Filipinos struggle to make a living amid the global pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, provided assistance to hundreds of beneficiaries in Lasam and SanchezMira in Cagayan on Wednesday, July 14. kaunting tiis lang po. Alam kong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ni Pangulong Duterte ay nahihirapan din po. Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin para malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” said Go in his video message.

Separate distribution activities were conducted at Allanay Multi-Purpose Hall in Lasam for 123 beneficiaries, and at Gymnasium and Evacuation Center in Sanchez-Mira for 231 recipients where necessary safety and health protocols were followed.

Go’s team, then, divided the beneficiaries into smaller batches and handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins.

As Go aims to provide indigent students access to quality education, some recipients were given computer tablets that their children could utilize for their classes under the implemented blended learning setup. Additionally, select recipients received new pairs of shoes, and bicycles that they can use.

Representatives from DSWD, then, conducted an on-site evaluation where qualified beneficiaries will be given livelihood assistance grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Salamat po sa DSWD sa programang SLP-LAG. Bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin niyo po ang inyong negosyo,” expressed Go.

One of the struggling workers, Rafael Atable conveyed his appreciation towards Senator Go, saying, “mahirap po ang buhay, nawalan ng trabaho kaya tiyaga tiyaga muna para may pangkain sa pamilya. Kaya yung nakuha ko po dito (mula DSWD) ay ipandadagdag puhunan ko po para po kahit papapano ay magkaroon ng kaunting negosyo. Maraming salamat po, President Duterte sa tulong na ito at kay at Senator Bong Go para sa kanyang serbisyo.”

Meanwhile, as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered additional assistance to those with medical needs as he encouraged the beneficiaries to visit the nearby Malasakit Center at Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City to conveniently avail of medical assistance.

Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all hospitals managed and administered by the Department of Health, and the Philippine General Hospital. To date, there are now 129 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

To put an end to the pandemic, Go encouraged residents to get inoculated as he reiterated that vaccination is the country’s key to returning to normalcy. He, then, reassured that the government continues to strive to get sufficient doses of vaccines to reach herd immunity. “Mga kababayan ko, focus muna tayo ngayon dito sa pagbabakuna. Mamaya na po ‘yung pulitika dahil baka wala na po tayong pulitikang paguusapan ‘pag hindi natin malampasan itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” said Go.

To boost the economic opportunities and further improve the delivery of public service delivery in Cagayan, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for the construction of a multi-purpose building hall in Sanchez-Mira; improvement of roads in Aparri, Amulung, Baggao, Calayan, Gonzaga, Iguig, Santa Teresita, Enrile, and in Tuao.

Concluding his message, Go gave recognition to Representative Samantha Louis Vargas-Alfonso, Governor Manuel “Manny” Mamba, Vice Governor Melvin “Boy” Vargas Jr., Lasam Mayor Dante Dexter Agatep and Vice Mayor Randy Cambe, Sanchez-Mira Mayor Asela Sacramed, and many other local leaders for spearheading their community to recovery amid the national health crisis.

President Duterte accepts World Bank’s apology, expects more accurate education assessment

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has accepted the apology of the World Bank (WB) on Monday after the financial institution prematurely published an assessment of Filipino students’ academic ability, noting, however, that he wanted to know the true assessment of the students’ performance. apologized for issuing a report revealing 80 percent of Filipino children do not have the essential math and reading skills they should have depending on their academic level.

In his public address, President Duterte said the Department of Education (DepEd) is focusing on a new set of data that will be soon presented to the financial institution so that they can amend their statistics and data inputs.

In welcoming the World Bank’s apology for its report, the President said he hoped the organization would be more cautious in the future.

to begrudge World Bank. But itong mga international whatever bodies working on the problems of the world should be very careful in their statistics,” President Duterte said.

“It is not good to, you know, commit a wrong internationally.”

The World Bank has published a study reflecting the low performance of Filipino students without giving DepEd the chance to provide inputs.

The report was based on three assessments the Philippines previously participated: the Program for International Student Assessment in 2018, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in 2019, and the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics also in 2019.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the report “insulted” and “shamed” the Philippines and she had requested the World Bank to issue an apology.

The President commended Secretary Briones for calling out the World Bank on the issue hoping that a more accurate report based on the latest data will be made.

“I am sure that the Department of Education is working on a new set of data to be submitted to them so that they can correct their figures and data inputs,” he said.

“On that note and for the sake of the transparency and policy direction, we would like to know the latest assessment matrix of student performance and achievement, as well as the latest national data and figures in terms of learning outcomes, especially during the pandemic, so we can identify which gaps need to be addressed,” he added.

The President said budgetary constraints have been preventing the country from improving on all facets of governance, promising to continue working to boost the country’s economy.

He also expressed hope that the next administration will be “more competent than us, more bright than us, and more productive than us” so that it can address the current challenges.

“Hindi ako nag-aano kung may mataas pa sa akin in performance. If it is true, well, I would encourage them, I would cheer them up, and I would be on the sidelines giving inputs of what I can provide for as an advice,” he said. PND

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Strong public-private sector collaboration behind PH’s effective immunization rollout – vaccine czar

The Philippines has breached the 13 million mark of administered coronavirus vaccine doses merely four days after administering 12 million doses, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday night, attributing the country’s aggressive vaccination to the close cooperation between the government, private sector, and multilateral agencies.

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting on government’s COVID-19 interventions, the vaccine czar said close ties with domestic and international development partners have helped the Philippines a lot in enforcing vaccination and COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

The nation’s strong collaboration with the private sector, national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and GAVI, among others, has given the country added leverage in handling the pandemic, he explained.

“We have now the massive vaccination through Focus and Expand demand, and also the Secretary of Health, together with our expert also the InterAgency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Diseases (IATF-EID), have a stronger surveillance and border control,” said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

“Isa po tayo sa model… Tayo lang po ang mayroong strong collaboration. They are

helping us a lot. So ‘yon po ang parang motto po natin: ‘United We Stand Against COVID-19,’” he added.

Citing WHO, the vaccine czar said under President Duterte’s leadership, the Philippines has received a positive rating for having done “a good job” at mitigating the health and socioeconomic crisis brought about by the pandemic.

WHO’s representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe particularly highlighted the lower rate of COVID-related deaths in the country despite not having the same capacity and resources of First World countries.

Galvez said President Duterte’s leadership and close cooperation with various sectors has made Philippines’ PDITR (Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate) “really effective” in managing the devastating impact of the pandemic.

“Despite our limitation and great challenges, we were able to respond and mitigate the damage brought about by this pandemic. And I believe with your leadership, Mr. President, we have this positive rating because we have implemented a PDITR strategy that really, really been very, very effective,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the vaccine czar said the Philippines expects to receive more than 16 million doses of vaccines this month through donations and government and private sector procurements.

Sinovac will deliver 2.5 million doses on July 14 and 17, while 1.1 million doses of AstraZeneca is set to arrive on July 18.

The US is also scheduled to donate, through the WHO-led COVAX facility, 3.2 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose Janssen vaccine on July 19.

Pfizer will deliver 562,770 doses on July 19, while Moderna will provide 250,800 doses on July 21 to 27. An additional 2.5 million doses from Sinovac will be delivered on July 24 to 25 as well as another 375,570 doses of Pfizer on July 26. Before the month ends, Sinovac is expected to deliver 2.5 million more doses.

Galvez also expressed optimism in steady supply of vaccines for the month of August, noting that China’s Sinovac has agreed to upscale its deliveries to 8.4 million. In addition to donations by the COVAX facility and government and private sector procurements, the Philippines may receive at least 16.5 million coronavirus vaccine doses next month.

The vaccine czar said they are also eyeing to inoculate teachers before the end of August for them to prepare for possible reopening of face-toface classes. Apart from teachers, uniformed personnel and other state workers are also among the priority.

At the same time, Galvez said that he, along with the country’s vaccine team, will continue to visit different surge areas across the country to personally assess the situations and “reconfigure prioritization” or reallocate vaccines to more vulnerable areas if necessary.

At present, among those who have received the first dose are: 1.5 million healthcare workers and 209,193 of their family members; 2.6 million senior citizens; 3.2 million individuals with comorbidities; 1.6 million economic frontliners; and 307,450 individuals from indigent communities. PND July 10-16, 2021 | 65Caraga INFOCUS

AFP praised for dismantling communist guerilla units

Communist insurgency will eventually be defeated in the country with the aggressive counterinsurgency campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Monday.

“I’d like to thank again, the Armed Forces of the Philippines for continuing the dismantling of so many guerilla fronts throughout the country,” President Duterte said in a public address on government interventions on COVID-19.

“I would like to say that it is a job well done and if this continues, the CPPNPA-NDF is in the throes of death. We might be able to hopefully dismantle all by the time I get out of this office.”

In his report to President Duterte, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said Central Luzon’s Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) has dismantled the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya- Sierra Madre or KLG Sierra Madre in Region III. to work the dismantling of other CTGs such as the Tarlac-Zambales KLG and the South Party Committees,” he reported.

With regard to internal peace, security, and development in Central Luzon, Nograles said the government continues to carry out its multi-pronged strategies and initiatives.

In the fight against illegal drugs, more than 50 percent of the barangays in the region have been declared free of the drug menace and the government’s campaign is continuing.

Meanwhile, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the local community and individuals who rushed to the crash site in Sulu and tried to save as many lives as they could.

“Now, these people in the vicinity or in the area were mostly Tausugs at sabi ko salamat naman sa inyong tulong. Shukran,” he said.

He also acknowledged the assistance of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to the families of those who died in crash of Philippine Air Force’s C-130 plane.

The President said Quiboloy will extend P20,000 cash assistance to the families of the soldiers and civilians who perished in the incident.

Chinese- Filipino Ivan Yao also gave P5,000 worth of gift certificates to the families of the crash victims. PND

Increase in vaccination rate eyed in succeeding weeks: Galvez

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19, is optimistic that the country will be able to increase its vaccination rate in the succeeding months, as more life-saving vaccines will be pouring in starting this month.

Galvez, also the vaccine czar, on Monday reported that the Philippines hit the 13 million mark in the vaccination program on July 10, despite some delays in the vaccine deliveries.

“We expect to increase our throughput or the administration of the jabs in the succeeding weeks and months, with the expected arrival of more than 11 million of vaccines this July,” Galvez said during the Talk to People of President Rodrigo Duterte.

More than 4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines will be delivered next week, he said, including 2.5 million doses of Sinovac, 1.17 million doses of AstraZeneca, and 3,239,400 doses from the “donation sharing” initiative of the COVAX facility and the United States of America.

In August, the Philippines is slated to receive a total of 16,570,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines – 8.4 million doses

VACCINATION RATE. National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar, Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., speaks during the Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night (July 12, 2021). Galvez said he is optimistic that the country will be able to increase its vaccination rate in the succeeding months, as more life-saving vaccines will be pouring in beginning this month. (Screengrab) of Sinovac, 1.17 million doses of AstraZeneca, 2 million doses of Pfizer, 1 million doses of Moderna, and 4 million doses from the COVAX facility, he said.

So far, the Philippines has a total of 20,779,910 doses in the stockpile, of which 9,180,310 are donated vaccines.

Meanwhile, Galvez said officials of the NTF and InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) are set to visit areas in Visayas and Mindanao that are currently experiencing a surge of Covid-19 cases. Among these areas are the Samar and Palawan provinces, as well as the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

“We will start visiting them next week. We will also discuss the updates on the variants of concerns on the region and the ongoing preparation to address this variant and also our way forward in our pandemic response and massive vaccination,” he said.

Galvez said they might visit Region 3 (Central Luzon) over the weekend. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS

43% of Filipinos now willing to get vaccinated: Palace

File photo

Malacañang is pleased with the results of a survey which showed that a “significantly higher” percentage of Filipinos are inclined to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to a Pulse Asia survey conducted from June 7 to 16, some 43 percent of respondents said they are willing to get inoculated with a Covid-19 jab if the shot is available.

Back in February 2021, the pollster noted that only 16 percent of Filipino adults said they are willing to get vaccinated once vaccines become available to the public. “With the start of the vaccination program in March 2021 and medical front liners, senior citizens, and those with underlying health problems getting the first Covid-19 jabs, the percentage of Filipino adults inclined to get vaccinated goes up to 43 percent in June 2021,” the survey released on Monday said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque welcomed these results and urged the public to get vaccinated, noting that this is the only solution to the pandemic.

“Nagagalak po tayo diyan at talaga namang pong bakuna ang magiging solusyon natin dito sa pandemya. At ito po ang tanging paraan para tayo po’y makapag balik buhay (We are happy about that and vaccines will definitely be our solution to this pandemic. And this is the only way we can come continue to earn a living),” Roque said in a press briefing in San Juan City on Monday.

Results of the Pulse Asia survey showed that 43 percent of the 2,400 adult respondents said they willing to get vaccinated against Covid-19, 36 percent are not inclined, 16 percent are undecided, and 5 percent were already vaccinated.

96% worried about contracting Covid-19

The survey also showed that 96 percent of the adult population in the country expressed concern that they or any member of their household will get sick with Covid-19, with 69

percent very much worried about the possibility.

Only 1 percent of Filipino adults are not concerned while 2 percent are undecided on the matter, it added.

The Pulse Asia survey also said 75 percent of the general adult population expressed the sentiment that members of their community should get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Concern about vaccine safety is the leading reason why some Filipino adults are not inclined to get vaccinated while others said they are concern about the vaccine’s efficacy, the survey said.

However, the poll also showed that “seeing that those they know who have been vaccinated are safe would convince pluralities of those who are disinclined to get vaccinated (35 percent) and those ambivalent about vaccination (44 percent) to get a Covid-19 jab.”

The Department of Health on Monday said a total of 13,196,282 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the Philippines, including 3.5 million who have been fully inoculated as of July 11.

No booster shot initiative yet

Meanwhile, Roque said there is no such initiative being done by the country’s pandemic task force to study efforts to give “booster shots” to Filipino medical workers administered with China’s Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine.

Thai senior health official Sopon Iamsirithawon last week said an expert panel has recommended a third dose to trigger immunity for healthcare workers who are at risk of contracting the virus.

Citing infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña, Roque said the Reuters report that more than 600 medical workers who received China’s Sinovac have been infected with Covid-19 seems to “undermine” the effectiveness of vaccines.

“No such initiative so far. What I do know is a post of Dr. Edsel Salvaña and you know he actually condemned the headline that ‘Hundreds of Thai medical workers infected despite Sinovac vaccinations’ because the report actually said that only 618 out of 677,348 who received two doses of Sinovac were afflicted with the disease,” Roque said.

In a Facebook post, Salvaña slammed the Reuters report, stressing that they should have done a “better job” of objective reporting.

He explained that Reuters failed to highlight data from April to July which showed that of the 677,348 medical personnel who received two doses of Sinovac, only 618 became infected with Covid-19.

“Come on Reuters. Do a better job of objective reporting. You guys are killing vaccine confidence-that will cost lives. What’s the vaccine effectiveness for those numbers? What’s the infection rate and death rate among unvaccinated? You guys can do better than that. We expect better. The vaccines are working very well,” Salvaña said. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

Delta, Lambda Covid-19 variants cause of concern: PRRD

New Covid-19 strains like the Delta and Lambda variants are a cause of concern and the government is closely monitoring the country’s border to prevent local transmission.

President Rodrigo Duterte made the assurance after health authorities worldwide raised alarm over Lambda, a Covid-19 variant that has spread rapidly through parts of South America.

Delta variant, first detected in India, has already been found in some 100 countries. Local health authorities, however, said there is no local case yet of the Delta variant in the Philippines.

Duterte renewed his call for the public to get vaccinated against Covid-19, noting that it is the best form of protection against respiratory disease.

“Our best defense is still to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said in a pre-recorded meeting Talk to the People. “I reiterate my appeal: Please get vaccinated as soon as possible. The life you’ll be saving is not only your own, but of your loved ones and the people around you.” He also lauded the pace of the country’s Covid-19 vaccination drive. “I am pleased to know that as of July 11, more than 3 million Filipinos have received the second dose and with the total of more than 13 million doses so far administered in the country,” he said.

Duterte reminded the public to continue observing minimum public health standards such as wearing face masks, face shields, hand-washing, and physical distancing.

In the same meeting, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo assured that even if the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines is reduced due to the emergence of more infectious variants, they remain effective against these new strains.

The Covid-19 vaccine brands that are currently part of the Philippines’ inventory and have been cleared for emergency use are Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sputnik V, and Moderna.

“Ang mga variant po, nababawasan ng konti yung effifacy ng vaccine pero hindi naman po siya nawawala. Nagiging very useful pa rin po (The variants have reduced the efficacy of vaccines but they are still very useful),” Domingo said.

Duterte, in response, said it is “consoling” to hear that the vaccines still have a “fighting chance” in preventing deaths and severe illness due to Covid-19.

“It seems that we are a little bit safe. Not really totally safe, but I said it is very consoling to hear from you that the present vaccine[s] we are using are as effective although not to its full degree, but rather could give us a minimum of comfort that there is available vaccine and it can be used against the variants,” he said. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

Executive Editor ABNER M. CAGA

Associate Editor FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors JENNIFER P. GAITANO

Agusan del Sur NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN

Surigao del Sur SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES

Regional Office

RHEA C. ABAO RAYMOND SAMSON APLAYA AURELIUS P. ARAIS JOHN CUADRASAL LADE JEAN KABAGANI 2LT. ROSELYN M. MATULAC AZER PARROCHA CPT JONALD D ROMOROSA VANESSA P. SANCHEZ 2LT. ANGEL GRACE M. SEBELINA DBP, DSWD-CARAGA DA13-RAFIS CMO OFFICER, 23IB PA, 402ND BDE, 29IB PA, 75IB DA-CARAGA, OWWA-CARAGA RP1 TANDAG, DXJS-RP TANDAG DTI-SURIGAO DEL NORTE PCOO, PND, PNA

Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO

Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

Information Centers

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 815-1991 pia.northagusan@gmail.com PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR

Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur 0917-723-3455 pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph PIA Agusan del Sur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS

Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City (086) 826-9450 piasurigao@gmail.com PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur