41 minute read
IPS WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND AMID COVID-19 VAX DRIVE: ANDANAR
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured the indigenous peoples (IPs) that they would not be cast out amid the national government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) immunization drive.
During the Cabinet Report on “The New Normal” on Friday, Andanar said President Rodrigo Duterte has a clear policy that no one will be left behind, as the government intends to vaccinate Filipinos against Covid-19.
Advertisement
“Tama si Presidente, dapat walang maiiwan, dapat walang iwanan. Kasama na diyan ang ating kapwa Pilipinong palabas ng bansa upang maghanapbuhay, ang ating mga kapwa Pilipinong nasa indigenous cultural communities at ang ating mga kapwa Pilipinong nasa Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (The President is right that no one should be left behind. Filipinos who are leaving the country for work, members of the indigenous cultural communities and living in geographically-isolated and -disadvantaged areas should also be given priority),” Andanar said.
File photo
Andanar said members of IP communities, as well as those residing in geographically-isolated and -disadvantaged areas, should grab the opportunity to get inoculated with Covid-19 vaccine shots.
“Kung hindi protektado ang nakakarami sa atin, patuloy din na mananatili ang banta nito sa nakakarami (If many of us are not protected, [Covid-19] will remain a threat to us),” he said. “Kaya ang muling paalala po natin: Kapag pagkakataon na ninyo, kapag turn na ninyo magpabakuna na (That’s why our reminder is, if it’s your turn then get vaccinated).”
Dr. Angelica Cachola, medical officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), said some IPs were initially hesitant to receive the Covid-19 vaccine jabs.
Despite this, there are still members of the indigenous community who want to avail of the vaccine, Cachola said. Covid-19 vaccine apprehension, Cachola said community service centers are ensuring the smooth delivery of basic health services to indigenous cultural community amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Doon sa service center, doon sa ating parang opisina sa baba, doon po nagtitipun-tipon para po magkaroon ng mga pagpapaliwanag regarding sa Covid at saka sa vaccination (Health workers in service centers are holding a meeting on how they could explain the threat posed by Covid-19 and the importance of vaccination),” she said.
Cachola said the NCIP is also coordinating with local government units for the possible establishment of a “halfway house” to accommodate IP members who want to get vaccinated but are far from health centers.
“Kung hindi kaya na puntahan o magawan ng mga paraan ang mga ganito, may mga ginagawa din tayo tulad ng halimbawa, may mga bahay na tutuluyan nila kapag bumababa mula sa kanilang ancestral domain (For those who are far from health centers, we are making a way to reach them by establishing a temporary house for those leaving their ancestral domain),” she said.
The Philippine government’s goal is to inoculate up to 70 million this year to achieve population protection.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said around 10 percent of the target population for the country to achieve population protection have already been vaccinated against Covid-19.
On June 2, National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed confidence that the government’s population protection target is still achievable by the end of the year. (PNA/Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos)
PCOO-FOI joins 12th int’l meet for info execs
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), through its Freedom of Information–Project Management Office (FOI-PMO), participated and presented in the two-day closed session of the 12th International Conference for Information Commissioners (ICIC) held virtually last June 23-24, 2021.
PCOO Undersecretary Kristian Ablan represented the Philippines as head of the authority of the Freedom of Information-Project Management Office (FOIPMO) in the country.
The ICIC Governance Working Group and Secretariat under the United Kingdom Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) led the two-day closed session, which was held virtually via MS Teams.
The ICIC member countries approved and adopted two resolutions during the closed session. Regional updates from other FOI counterparts were also showcased to recognize the best practices and innovations in the field of access to information.
Ablan presented the Philippines’ progress and accomplishments, highlighting the extensive efforts of the FOI-PMO in its communication and capacity-building endeavors.
“Over the past years, our team has increasingly focused on the need to meaningfully engage with our primary clients and other stakeholders as we implement the FOI Program,” Ablan said during the regional update session.
“We strive to build the capacities of FOI Officers of various government agencies, local chief executives and staff of local government units, librarians, and representatives from civil society organizations and other institutions; we try to bring the FOI Program closer to the public for maximum engagement,” Ablan added.
He said the ICIC’s accreditation of FOI-PMO as a member in February 2020 is significant since it allows the FOI-PMO to engage in promoting access to information in a global community.
(Photo courtesy of PCOO)
There are now 64 accredited ICIC members globally. The Philippines, represented by the Presidential Communications Operations Office’s FOI-PMO, is one of the six Asian nations certified by the ICIC and the only Southeast Asian country member thus far.
ICIC is a permanent and worldwide network of information commissioners, ombudspersons, and proponents of access to information. (PR)
Displaced workers in Caloocan City receive aid from Bong Go as he assures them of gov’t support to overcome pandemic, urges them to get vaccinated
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed to help more Filipino workers who lost their jobs or whose livelihoods have been adversely affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In coordination with concerned agencies, his team extended additional aid to hundreds of displaced young workers in Caloocan City on Tuesday, June 23.
With necessary safety and health protocols in place, 612 beneficiaries received meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins in an activity held at the Caloocan City High School. Beneficiaries were divided into smaller batches to ensure a well-coordinated and efficient distribution.
Some recipients were also given new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use. Furthermore, others also received computer tablets to give their children convenient access to educational materials amid the ongoing crisis.
given by Senator Go, the Department of Social of Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. Likewise, the Department of Labor and Employment extended aid through their Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers program.
Rolando Sugui, one of the TUPAD beneficiaries, shared how he lost his source of income due to the pandemic and conveyed his appreciation towards Senator Go for bringing assistance to their community.
“Kahit maliit na biyaya, malaking tulong para sa aming mahihirap na maliit lang ‘yung kinikita. At sa mga food packs, napakalaking tulong para sa amin, para sa mga anak ko. Maraming, maraming salamat na kahit papaano naaalala kami,” Sugui said.
Meanwhile, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reiterated his appeal to the beneficiaries and the general public to support and trust the national vaccination program and get inoculated as soon as possible to protect them from COVID-19.
“Kapag nandiriyan na po kayo sa priority list, magpabakuna na po kaagad kayo. Ang bakuna po ang susi o solusyon upang unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, huwag ho kayong matakot sa
bakuna. Matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19,” he emphasized.
Go, then, reminded them to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities in implementing the necessary health preventive measures even after vaccination, such as observing proper hygiene, wearing of masks and face shields when in public, maintaining social distance, and avoiding unnecessary travels, to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Go also offered additional assistance to the beneficiaries in need of medical attention. He reminded them that they may conveniently seek medical assistance at Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital where there is a Malasakit Center ready to assist them with their hospital and other medical related expenses.
Established in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to provide poor and indigent patients with access to medical assistance programs.
“Mayroon na ho tayong 120 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa mga poor and indigent patients, zero balance po ang target po ng Malasakit Center,” said Go.
To help the city boost economic opportunities and improve public service delivery, Go also extended his support for several infrastructure projects such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Brgy. 171 and Brgy. 175.
He, then, concluded his message as he expressed his gratitude towards Representative Along Malapitan, Undersecretary and Executive Director of the Council for the Welfare of Children Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, Vice Mayor Maca Asistio, and many others, for their continued service to help their constituents recover from the challenges due to the global pandemic.
The team of Senator Go conducted similar distribution activities for 200 recipients on June 2, and for 357 beneficiaries on June 14 in North and South Caloocan.
Statement of Sen. Bong Go
RE: Healthworkers’ Allowances
Bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Health, umaapela ako sa concerned agencies na siguraduhing walang pending pa na allowance at iba pang mga benepisyo para sa ating mga health workers. Huwag na dapat patagalin at ibigay na ang nararapat sa kanila.
Dahil ang effectivity ng funding provisions ng Bayanihan 2 Law ay inaasahang mag-e-expire ngayong Hunyo 30, siguraduhin dapat ng mga ahensya na ma-release ang pondo, maimplementa ang mga programang nakasaad sa batas, at hindi masayang ang oportunidad na may makabenepisyo rito.
Pinaghirapan namin sa Kongreso na maipasa ang batas na ito kasama ang mga benepisyong dapat matanggap ng mga health workers. Walang katumbas ang sakripisyo nila at ang iba ay nagbubuwis pa ng buhay upang proteksyunan at makapagserbisyo sa kapwa. Bilang mambabatas, hindi po tayo papayag na may kapabayaang mangyayari lalo na pagdating sa dapat na maayos na pag-implementa ng mga batas.
Nasa gitna pa tayo ng pandemya at hindi pwede ang papatay-patay sa gobyerno. Ni piso at ni isang minuto ay hindi dapat masayang dahil buhay ang kapalit nito. Magtulungan tayo at huwag patulugin ang trabaho. Walang tigil dapat ang serbisyo lalo na sa panahon ngayon na nangangailangan ang mga Pilipino.
SEN. BONG GO
Bong Go continues to extend assistance to underprivileged communities as his team distributes relief to hundreds of indigents in Calumpit, Bulacan
On Tuesday, June 22, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to distribute assistance to hundreds of disadvantaged recipients in Calumpit, Bulacan as part of the Senator’s dedication to help in the recovery of communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To safeguard the 750 beneficiaries who were in attendance during the distribution activity at Calumpit Sports Complex, Go’s team strictly enforced the necessary health protocol and grouped the recipients into smaller batches as they handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to each indigent recipient.
Go sent new pairs of shoes and bicycles to selected recipients that would help them for a more hasslefree commute amid the limited public transportation options.
The Senator, in his video message, acknowledged the challenges faced by particularly poor students. Some beneficiaries, then, received computer tablets that are intended to aid their children so that they can participate
better during their classes under the blended learning set-up.
Furthermore, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended additional support to the recipients as they granted them with financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
In an interview, Melissa Sangil, a 45-year-old beneficiary, shared her hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed her gratitude towards Senator Go for his continuous efforts to support poverty-stricken communities at times of crisis.
“Isang napakalaking pasasalamat po mula po sa may sektor ng kapansanan sa ating mahal na Senador Bong Go at sa ating mahal na Presidente. Napakalaking tulong po ang inyong ipinagkaloob sa amin sa ngayong panahong ito ng pandemic. Ito ay makakatulong ng malaki, hindi lamang po sa aming mga sarili, kundi sa buong pamilya po ng bawat isa sa amin,” Sangil said.
As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded the beneficiaries to continue adhering to the health preventive measures forwarded by government, such as frequent washing of hands, wearing of mask and face shield when in public, observing social distancing, and avoiding non-essential travels, to further prevent the spread of the virus.
“Ang bakuna po ang susi at solusyon para untiunti na nga po tayong
makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay katulad po noon kung saan po mayakap natin ang ating kapwa Pilipino.
At napakaimportante po ma-attain natin ‘yung herd immunity sa community para po hindi na kumalat ang sakit na COVID-19,” Go expressed.
The Senator extended additional assistance to beneficiaries with medical concerns as he also advised them to visit Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City or Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria town where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist them with their hospital bills. The Malasakit Center program, an initiative of Go, is a one-stop shop wherein particularly poor and indigent patients may seek medical assistance from various government agencies, namely the Department of Health, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go, then, mentioned numerous infrastructure projects that aim to support the economic advancement of Calumpit, such as the construction of slope concrete river walls along Meysulao, Meyto, Bulusan, Sta. Lucia, and many others.
The Senator concluded his message by recognizing Representative Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Governor Daniel Fernando, Vice Governor Willy Sy-Alvarado, Mayor Jessie De Jesus, Vice Mayor Victor de Belen, and other local government officials for their massive contribution to their community amid the global pandemic.
TODA members and market vendors in Caibiran, Biliran receive aid from Bong Go in support of essential sectors amid ongoing pandemic; urges them to avail of vaccines
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued his pledge to help more sectors greatly affected by the national health crisis as he sent aid to hundreds of market vendors and Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members in Caibiran, Biliran.
Go also renewed his appeal to Filipinos, particularly those in the priority list of the national vaccination program such as essential sectors belonging in the A4 category which includes transport and market workers, to get vaccinated at their nearest vaccination sites so they can be protected against COVID-19.
“Paigtingin pa natin ang vaccine rollout at suyurin natin ang mga pamamahay ng mga kababayan nating hindi makapunta sa vaccination sites upang masigurong mabigyan sila ng proteksyon laban sa sakit at walang maiiwan tungo sa muling pagbangon ng ating bansa,” he earlier said.
The team of Senator Go conducted a twoday distribution activity at Brgy. Manlabang Covered Court on June 20 and 21, and grouped the 758 beneficiaries into smaller batches to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation.
meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the recipients while they strictly enforced the necessary safety and health protocols to prevent the further spread of the virus.
A few recipients received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use to help ease their commute situation considering that access to public transportation is very limited.
Furthermore, some beneficiaries were given computer tablets that aid their children in conveniently accessing educational materials for their classes under the blended learning set-up. acknowledged several government agencies for supporting the vulnerable sector and helping them recover amid crisis situations.
Each beneficiary was given financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development as part of their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. More so, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted an assessment for qualified individuals who can benefit from their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.
Jessa Estrada, a 31-yearold beneficiary, shared the challenges that they are experiencing because of the global pandemic as she gratefully expressed how the assistance given by Senator Go and his team will very much help their community.
“Maraming salamat po sa assistance na binigay niyo po sa amin, Senator. Malaking tulong na po sa amin ito sa aming pang araw-araw na pagkain. At para po kay President Duterte, maraming salamat po at ginagabayan niyo po kaming mahihirap,” said Estrada.
Aside from the aid distributed, the Senator offered additional assistance to the beneficiaries with health concerns as he advised them to visit
the Malasakit Center in Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval capital town if they may need medical attention.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, work hand-in-hand to help poor and indigent patients to reduce their hospital bills to lowest amount possible.
“Mga kababayan ko, mayro’n na po tayong 120 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo. Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa Biliran Provincial Hospital sa Naval, Biliran,” Go said.
As the Senator is dedicated to accelerating the economic progress in various regions, Go extended his support for various infrastructure projects, such as the construction of an evacuation center in Brgy. Binohangan, and construction of a multipurpose building in Brgy. Kawayanon. Brigido Caneja, Mayor Rhodessa Evita, Vice Mayor Linda Baleyos, and many others.
“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung hindi tayo lang po kapwa nating mga Pilipino? Magbayanihan po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” Go ended.
He, then, recognized the local government officials for their immeasurable service to their community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the officials were Representative Gerardo Espina, Governor Rogelio Espina, Vice Governor
Bong Go congratulates Manileños on 450th anniversary of Manila City’s founding; vows continued support and untiring service from Duterte administration
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his warm congratulations on the 450th anniversary of the founding of the City of Manila during the unveiling ceremony of two commemorative stamps launched by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) to mark the event.
The ceremony he personally attended was held at the Manila Central Post Office, also home to PHLPost, at Liwasang Bonifacio on Thursday, June 24.
In a speech, Go spoke of the city’s legacy and the indelible mark it has made on the history, culture and society of the Philippines. He praised the resilience of its people in times of crisis, saying that it is a testament to their character and the quality of their leaders.
“Throughout its long, rich and colorful history, the City of Manila has not only been a center of trade, commerce and learning but also an enduring beacon of cosmopolitanism in the country, a place where all people are welcomed and diversity is both celebrated and encouraged,” began Go.
despite all the difficulties and challenges it had to endure from wars, occupations and even pandemics, the people and the City of Manila itself continue to thrive and grow both in number and significance,” he said. The first of the stamps features the iconic clock tower of the Manila City Hall, the “seat of power of the local government and the epicenter of the day-today undertaking of the city administration”.
The second stamp features the rehabilitated William A. Jones Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the Jones Bridge, in Binondo which symbolizes the “emergence of the old city to meet the challenges of (the) modern-day and keep up with the changing times”.
During the ceremony, Senator Go and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also turned over the Conservation Management Plan manuscript for the historic postal building to the local government, as represented by Mayor Francisco Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey LacunaPangan.
Go reiterated his commitment to support efforts to protect the welfare and push for a more prosperous and comfortable life for Manileños.
“I am very excited at the direction that Manila is heading towards, 450 years since its establishment, as well as the myriad possibilities it has opened for both its residents and the entire nation,” he continued.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and recognize the people and local officials of Manila, led by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, for his leadership in transforming and equipping the city to take on the future. May the launching of this commemorative stamp be the start of even greater things for the city … and the rest of the country,” he added. his firm confidence in the present leadership of the city and their ability to steer Manila to greater heights.
“Mayor Isko Moreno, pare maraming salamat ha at basta tayo, sa pagseserbisyo sa ating kapwa Pilipino, magkasama tayo. Magkasama naman tayo noon, bago ka pa naging mayor magkasama tayo sa mga patay, sa mga nasunugan… basta sa pagseserbisyo at sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa Pilipino — magkasama tayo diyan,” Go told Mayor Domagoso in his speech.
“Nakaka-proud po ‘yung ginagawa mo sa siyudad ng Maynila… gaya nga ng sinabi ko kanina, magtulungan tayo. Huwag muna pag-usapan ‘yung pulitika sa ngayon. Ang importante malampasan muna natin itong pandemyang ito. At tama ‘yung sinabi mo kanina, na June 19-25, 2021 | 73
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reiterated his appeal for the public to trust and support the national vaccine program in order to overcome the pandemic.
“Kaya po nakikiusap kami sa inyo ni Mayor Isko, huwag niyo pong sayangin ‘yung oportunidad na magpabakuna ‘pag nasa priority list na po kayo… huwag niyo pong sayangin dahil pinaghirapan po ito ng gobyerno natin… Kung ano pong bakuna ‘yung nandidiyan sa harap niyo, magpabakuna na ho kayo,” he appealed.
Ending his remarks, Go once more encouraged the nation to put aside politics as the country continues to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He called on its leaders to work together to find solutions to the country’s problems and ensure a better future for its children.
“Bukas ang tanggapan namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para magserbisyo sa inyo. Kung mayroon kayong kailangang tulong, magsabi lang kayo. Gagawin namin ang lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Makakaasa kayo na hindi kami mangangako ng “Kung may natutunan man ako sa kanya (Duterte) ito ay mahalin mo iyong kapwa, unahin mo ang interes nila at hinding-hindi ka magkakamali. Seventysix years old na si Pangulo at wala siyang ibang hangarin kundi ang kabutihan ng bawat Pilipino. Asahan niyo na hanggang sa huling araw ng aming termino, magseserbisyo kami sa abot ng aming makakaya,” he ended.
The ceremony was also attended by the Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Chair Greco Belgica of the Presidential AntiCorruption Commission, President Vince Dizon of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, PAGCOR President Fred Lim, GSIS President Rolando Macasaet, PNR General Manager Junn Magno, and Chair Angelito Banayo of Manila Economic and Cultural Office, among others.
Meanwhile, Go also assured Filipinos that the Duterte administration continues to intensify its fight against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs in order to provide future generations a better and safer Philippines.
“Ulitin ko lang po, itong kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, laban sa kriminalidad, at sa korapsyon ipagpapatuloy po namin ito hanggang sa huling araw po ng aming termino... Tulungan n’yo rin po ang ating gobyerno. Hindi namin kayang gawin itong mag-isa,” Go said.
“Kailangan rin huwag kayong matakot. Magsumbong kayo, pwede n’yong isumbong kay Mayor, isumbong n’yo (sa PACC), o sa amin po, makakarating ‘yan kay Pangulong Duterte. Kawawa po ang ating bayan kung mapupunta lang po sa nakaw...,” he added.
Go also commended the efforts of law enforcers in the efforts to further protect lives of Filipinos especially amid the ongoing pandemic.
“Hindi ko po nakakalimutan ang ating mga kapulisan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa panahong ito. Ang pulis ngayon iginagalang, nirerespeto... Tanungin n’yo na lang po ang inyong mga anak kung nakakalakad ho ba sila sa gabi, nakakauwi ho ba sila, at mayro’n ba kayong peace of mind na nakakauwi silang hindi po nababastos,” he shared.
COVID-19 Field Hospital in Manila City opens as Bong Go vows to push for enhancement of health facilities nationwide
In line with the government’s efforts to enhance, capacitate, and build more health facilities nationwide in order to cope with the increasing demands for medical care caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended the inauguration of the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital on Thursday, June 24 which he personally attended together with key national and local officials.
Located at Burnham Green in Rizal Park, the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital has a 344-bed capacity and was built to help decongest the city’s six district hospitals as it will cater to mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.
The 4,402-square-meter hospital was allotted PhP154 million for construction and was completed after 52 days, eight days ahead of its 60-day target, since it broke ground on April 20.
remarks personally delivered during the ceremony, conveyed his gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Manila City government, headed by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagosa and Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” LacunaPangan, for their hard work and dedication to establish the facility.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by private and public hospitals in addressing the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senator consistently pushed for the national government to construct and build more similar modular hospitals and health facilities to overcome the national health crisis.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic struck our country, our hospitals and healthcare facilities were caught off-guard due to years and years of oversight and neglect. Dahil dito, marami po sa ating mga pasyente ang napilitang pumila ng ilang oras sa ating mga health facilities,” expressed Go.
“Kaya naman natutuwa po ako ngayon dahil ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ay patuloy na nag-aambag sa panawagan nating ito. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa kontribusyong ito ng Lungsod ng Maynila,” Go added. that the construction of the COVID-19 Field Hospital is just one of the many efforts of the government in coordination with LGUs to strengthen the health system and access to healthcare in the country.
As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reassured that he will continue to push for more measures that would provide convenient access to healthcare particularly for poor and indigent patients.
Go, then, cited the recent passage of the 13 local hospital bills he sponsored, which seek to boost the capabilities of various local health
facilities. The Senator vowed to pursue similar measures that will improve the delivery of health services, especially in remote areas.
“Nakaka-inspire po ang inyong ginagawa at natutuwa po ako sa direksyon na tinatahak ng Maynila at ng ating bayan ngayong may mga opisyal po tayong tulad ninyo na, tulad ko, ay handang magbigay ng serbisyong ora-mismo para sa taumbayan,” said Go.
“The more that we are grappling with this pandemic situation, the more we should invest in health. This is the right time and the best time to do it. Bawat minuto na dumadaan, buhay po ang nakataya,” he added.
As the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital aims to ease the burden of medical frontliners, Senator Go recognized their hard work while they continue to risk their lives in ending the national health crisis. government officials to continue working handin-hand to achieve herd immunity and to build a more resilient nation against emerging threats to the health of Filipinos.
“Sa panahon ng pandemya, mahalaga po talaga ang patuloy na pagtutulungan para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 at maalagaan ang ating mga kababayang may sakit,” said Go.
“Kaya sana ngayon huwag po muna tayong mag-usap ng pulitika at intriga. May panahon po para diyan. Sa ngayon, magkaisa at magbayanihan po muna tayong lahat para malagpasan natin ang pandemyang ito,” Go ended. the ceremony were Department of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., National Task Force Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio B. Dizon, National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Cecile Lorenzana-Romero, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., and MMDA General Manager and Undersecretary Jose Arturo S. Garcia Jr.
Earlier that day, Senator Go also attended the Stamp Launch and Ceremonial Hand Over of Conservation Management Program Manuscript at Manila Central Post Office.
Nograles shares anti-hunger program successes during 8th Regional Pre-SONA event
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led participants in the 8th leg of the Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series in San Fernando, Pampanga last June 22, 2021, together with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, CORDS for Central Luzon and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., PIA Director General and PCOO Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, as well as DOH -Region III Regional Director Dr. Corazon Flores who all served as speakers during the event.
The Pre-SONA gathering was being conducted in various regions as part of preparations for the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte this coming July 2021.
Its main objective is to inform constitutents of the various achievements of the administration, including plans for the remainder of the President’s term. The event also serves as an opportunity to report measures being undertaken to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic under the National Vaccination Deployment Plan (NVDP).
In his speech, the Malacañang official enumerated the successes of Task Force Hunger, which he heads, particularly in Central Luzon where malnutrition was being prioritized as part of a comprehensive “whole-of-government approach” through the
“We launched the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program to solve hunger and malnutrition, to ensure food security, and to reduce poverty incidence in cities and in rural areas. Through EPAHP, we’ve been able to link farmers to institutional buyers from LGUS and government offices which use the products for their feeding programs,” the Cab Sec explained.
Nograles mentioned that just recently, the Task Force, DAR and the National Nutrition Council signed an agreement to collaborate for the nutritional needs of pregnant women and young children.
He added that last March 31, 2021, 3,890 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARBs) from Central Luzon were given farm productivity assistance, with many receiving supplemental food packs and nonfood items. “We’ve been closely coordinating with development partners from the private sector such as Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) which is composed of private sector advocates who are equally passionate in the antihunger advocacy. Our expanding network includes the academe, civil society, people’s organizations and various stakeholders’ group who all believe in our #ZeroGutom advocacy.”
“Kailangan natin magtulungan. We can most effectively fight hunger if we work together,” the Cabinet official stressed.
Gordon reiterates recommendation to conduct swab testing 5 or 7 days upon arrival for returning OFW, overseas Filipinos
Senator Richard J. Gordon restated his proposal to the InterAgency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) that all incoming overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and returning Philippine residents who have been fully vaccinated abroad or in the Philippines be sent directly for home quarantine upon their arrival and then be tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the fifth or seventh day. Gordon officially sent the recommendation to IATF Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. on June 14 and stressed that the required 14-day quarantine period for returning Filipinos “will cause a drain on their
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
resources and take away from the time they are planning to spend with their families from whom they have already been separated for years.”
“We want our fellowmen who are coming home to the Philippines to be with their families as soon as they arrive, and we want to lessen the financial and emotional expense that they are dealing with during these difficult times,” said Gordon.
Gordon mentioned that one of his former staff, who is a land based OFW, recently arrived from Spain. Upon arrival in Manila, she was checked-in at Sofitel and was swabbed on the seventh day. However, she received the result of her RT-PCR test on the ninth day of her quarantine and checked out only on the tenth day.
“It took ten (10) days for her to be able to go home to her family. Ten (10) days were wasted. She is fortunate that the government paid for her hotel accommodation and food, but for those who are not OFW or OWWA member, they need to pay for everything. Ang laking pera ng nagagastos nila bago pa makauwi sa kanilang pamilya at malaking gastos din para sa gobyerno,” said Gordon.
During the deliberation on the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program on June 15, Gordon also urged the IATF to allow the local government units to implement their own policies for returning overseas Filipinos, specifically OFWs, provided that local officials will take full responsibility in ensuring their people’s safety by instigating strict health protocols. “I always say, closer is better. In Florida in the United States, a federal judge granted the state’s request to block the CDC’s rules on cruise ships after it paralyzed the cruise industry and caused a major loss in Florida’s economy. It is a major victory for the state as their livelihood depends on cruise industry. I hope we can do that in our country and start the recovery of our economy.,” he said.
“Our Local Government Code says that local governments have local autonomy and may therefore, enforce laws in their jurisdictions in cases of epidemics, pestilence and other widespread health dangers,” he added.
Gordon
Vaccine czar reports smooth vaccination drive as more COVID-19 jabs arrive
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (PAPRU) and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. gives updates to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on June 21, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO The government’s vaccination strategy is going well with a steady supply of vaccines and aggressive daily vaccination, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the country has breached the eight million mark of administered doses last week, putting Philippines in second place among Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries for the most administered vaccine doses daily, 13th in the entire Asia, and 31st among 200 countries.
Galvez, who is also the National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer, said that the Philippines has successfully closed a deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, securing 40 million vaccine doses.
The vaccine czar said the supply agreement with Pfizer is “one of the best” deals that the Philippine negotiating team has finalized.
Additionally, the Philippines is expecting to receive another four million vaccine doses before the end of June. China’s Sinovac Biotech will deliver 1.5 million doses on June 24, while Moderna is also expected to send vaccine shipment on June 27.
On the same month, the country may also receive vaccine doses donated by the United States as well as AstraZeneca doses from World Health Organization-led COVAX facility.
For July, the Philippines may receive 4.5 to six million doses from Sinovac, a total of four million doses of Pfizer and AstraZeneca from COVAX facility, and at least one million doses of Sputnik V from Russia.
The country will continue to receive a steady supply of vaccines in the next quarter, Galvez said.
Local government units (LGUs) are scaling up their daily capacities, particularly in the rural areas and in highly urbanized cities, Galvez reported.
“At nakakatuwa nga po dahil kasi ‘yong ibang mga LGU talaga they are increasing their capacity and they are mobilizing all the different stakeholders,” he told the President.
The government has so far vaccinated 96 percent of the country’s healthcare workers, with 1.5 million getting the first jab. More than one million healthcare workers are now fully vaccinated.
The number of senior citizens and those with comorbidities receiving COVID-19 shot has also increased, with two million for each category. PND
PNA
Quarantine, health protocols must stay to prevent new surge - President Duterte
Filipinos have to continue abiding quarantine protocols and wearing of face masks and face shields to prevent a second wave of infections with the Delta variant, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Monday night.
In a meeting on government’s COVID-19 interventions, President Duterte said all safety measures must stay in place to prevent community transmission of the Delta variant which has the potential to cause a second wave of infections in the country, being four times more contagious than the original virus.
“So I cannot afford to place the nation, the national interest of the Republic by just, you know, sometimes adopting this and being lenient to this. I said, I know that it is a very tedious, if you may, but it is really to prevent a
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 Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on June 21, 2021. SIMEON CELI/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
disaster of our nation,” he said.
Noting how other Filipinos have expressed hope to go mask-free, the President said the country may not be ready to do away with both face masks and face shields, saying that it’s a small inconvenience and a “very small price to pay” rather than risk a second wave of infections over the Delta variant. surge in the Philippines exhausted the country’s resources, he said, noting why the government is doing all it can to prevent a second wave of infections from happening.
According to the President, a second surge would be disastrous for the country. “Iyong nangyari sa ating, ‘yong first wave, it has depleted really the resources of government. Now, another one
would be disastrous for this country. That is why the stricter you are, the better,” he said.
On the other hand, Task Force on COVID-19 Variants member Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, who was also present during the meeting, cited several studies that prove the use of face shields can prevent 78 percent of infections by blocking droplets or aerosol particles from entering the eyes.
For example, a study conducted in India revealed that health workers who didn’t use face shields while going house-to-house in communities got infected with COVID, while those who used face shields while performing houseto-house tasks remained healthy.
Likewise, the Ong-Lim said several studies also determined that the use of face masks can reduce up to 85 percent of COVID-19 infections; while physical distancing can help reduce infections by 82 percent.
“Wala pong nag-iisang intervention na puwede pong magbigay ng buong proteksyon. But of course, ‘pag pinagsasama-sama po natin ‘to nakakatulong. And this is what we advise in our minimum public health standards as necessary for mitigation of transmission of COVID-19,” she said.
Moreover, Dr. Edsel Salvana said in order to protect Filipinos from the Delta variant, arriving individuals must abide the “10 plus 4” quarantine strategy of government, noting that this quarantine setup has been scientifically proven to reduce coronavirus infections.
The 10 plus 4 strategy requires people to undergo 10-day quarantine in a government facility upon arrival and spend 4 days home quarantine right after, while testing is done on the 7th day, he said.
According to the health expert, the Delta variant can infect up to eight persons in contrast to the original virus which could only infect two individuals.
“The Delta variant is really very scary and this is all the more reason why we should police our borders po kasi it only takes one variant to get in and then puwedeng mag-India-like surge po tayo kasi mataas po talaga ‘yong number of people na kayang i-infect ng isang taong mayroong Delta variant,” he said.
Loosening quarantine protocols has been proven to cause a surge, Salvana said, citing the case of Taiwan who faced a surge in infections despite initially managing COVID-19 well, after shortening the quarantine period of their pilots from five to three days.
Salvana noted that 17 persons have arrived in the country with the Delta virus but the existing quarantine protocols have prevented its transmission.
“Our quarantine recommendations are going to protect our borders,” he stressed.
The health expert also noted that individuals who have received only one shot of the vaccine may still get infected by the Delta variant. PND
16-M Covid-19 vax doses cleared since February: BOC
Over 16 million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines from four countries have arrived in the country since February, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Thursday.
In a statement, the bureau said the Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has approved the release of the vaccines in the last four months.
“As of today, more than 16 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been processed and released by the BOC-Port of NAIA since February 2021,” it said.
Out of the number, 11 million are Sinovac vaccines from China.
The latest China-made vaccines numbering 2 million doses arrived at NAIA Terminal 2 via Cebu Pacific Air Flight 5J-671 on Wednesday.
The Sinovac vaccines were immediately precleared upon submission of all pertinent documents by the consignees to the BOC through the OneStop-Shop at the port.
Upon arrival, the Covid-19 vaccines were immediately loaded in reefer vans and were transported to Pharmaserve Cold Storage Facility in Marikina and Glacier Megafridge Inc in Paranaque, while being under guarded by the Customs-NAIA CoVax Task Force and other enforcement agencies.
Aside from China, the vaccines used in the
(Photo from BOC-Port of NAIA)
country are from the US (Pfizer-BioNtech), United Kingdom (AstraZeneca), and Russia (Sputnik V).
The Ports of NAIA, Davao, and Cebu continue to conduct inter-port briefings with other agencies, to ensure the supply and expeditious facilitation of vaccines in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The BOC assumes an essential role in ensuring the facilitation of Personal Protective Equipment, medical supplies, and vaccines. (PNA/Ferdinand Patinio)
PRRD won’t ‘gamble’ kids’ health with F2F classes
Even as the Philippines breached the 8 million mark of administered doses of Covid-19 vaccine, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he would not “gamble” school children’s health by allowing the resumption of face-to-face (F2F) classes.
In his pre-recorded meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and some Cabinet members in Davao City, Duterte thumbed down the proposal of the Department of Education (DepEd) to resume F2F classes even in areas with low risk of Covid-19 transmission, citing the threat posed by the Delta coronavirus variant (B1617).
“Dito sa face-to-face (This face-to-face classes), I think I am not inclined to agree with you. I’m sorry but mahirap (it’s difficult). I... I cannot... I cannot gamble on the health of the children. I hope you’d understand,” he told DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones who attended the meeting via Zoom.
Briones, for her part, said her department fully accepts Duterte’s decision and acknowledged that it is best to abide by the professional knowledge of the medical experts.
‘Very well-informed decision’
“There is really no problem, Mr. President,” Briones said. She also assured that the DepEd will stay prepared for the possible reopening of classes just in case Covid-19 cases decrease.
Briones described Duterte’s decision to reject the resumption of in-person classes as a “very wellinformed” decision.
“Listening to the briefing and listening to your decision, we don’t have any reservations because we all know the effect, especially the idea, Mr. President of having our children vaccinated because we are told our children are now more prone and perhaps are vulnerable and we would not want to risk 27 million children,” she said.
(Photo courtesy of ppp.gov.ph) Briones said DepEd would use technology to deliver classes for the upcoming school year.
For the school year 2020 to 2021 which opened in October 2020, the DepEd conducted classes through online learning, modular learning, TV and radiobased instruction, and blended learning which is a combination of two or more methods of learning.
Health experts earlier warned that new coronavirus variants were affecting more children.
National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said half of the 40 million Covid-19 vaccines developed by US pharmaceutical company Pfizer will be used for children under the 12 to 15 age bracket. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)
A health official on Monday said there is no favoritism in the distribution of Pfizer vaccines refuting allegations that Davao received most of the American-made jabs delivered to the country.
In an online media briefing, Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama noted that Cebu and Davao each received 210,000 Pfizer vaccine doses.
“At hindi po ito para sa Davao City lang, sa Davao Region din po ito at mga karatig pook na mayroong pangangailangan sa Pfizer (And this is not for the Davao City only, this is also for the Davao Region and nearby areas needing Pfizer vaccines). Nabigyan lamang po tayo ng ganito kalaki kung sa palagay ninyo ito ay malaki, sapagkat tayo ay may capability, mayroon na po tayong ultra-low temperature freezers dito (We received this much because we have the capability, we have ultra-low temperature freezers here),” he added.
Dumama was responding to reports that Davao has been receiving most of the Pfizer vaccines. He also said that any Davao Region resident can get Pfizer vaccines from Davao Caraga INFOCUS
City if they need to.
In the same media briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained the “no wrong door” policy where nonresidents of Davao City may be vaccinated there if they have gone to the area and if they are eligible for Covid-19 inoculation.
Vergeire reported there are only five regions that are yet to receive Pfizer vaccines due to the absence of ultralow temperature freezers for storage.
These regions include the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Caraga, Soccsksargen, Bicol. and Mimaropa.
“Lalo na nga po don sa magandang balita ni (National Task Force Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer) Secretary (Carlito) Galvez na darating na 40 million, we are ensuring na lahat ng rehiyon, wala pong paborito, base lamang po sa pangangailangan, base lamang po sa (As for Secretary Galvez’s good news that there are 40 million [doses] arriving, we are ensuring that all regions, no favorites, just based on the need, based on the) prioritization framework,” Vergeire said.
File photo
On Sunday, Galvez announced that the Philippine government has made its biggest vaccine procurement for this year with the signing of a supply agreement for 40 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
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
RECHEL D. BESONIA NIBIKA CALIXTRO RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS KENT WARREN H. FUGOSO JESSA MINDAJAO JESSICA O. MELLEJOR MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR AZER PARROCHA FERDINAND PATINIO, JUSTINE PEREZ 2LT. ANGEL GRACE M. SEBELINA GREG TATARO JR. DARYLL M. TUMBAGA FRANCK DICK ROSETE FNMARBA/SM CITY BUTUAN DA CARAGA, DSWD CARAGA U.S EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES RTWPB CARAGA PCOO, DAR-SDN, DTI-PDI DXJS RP-TANDAG, INF PA,23IB PA LGU ADN, DA-RAFIS13, DAR-ADS PNA, MINDA, PND
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
