BUKIDNON VEGETABLE REGION GETS EU MINPAD RISE SUPPORT

Bukidnon’s vegetable production region, IMMATASULA, will be one of the focus areas of the European Unionfunded MINPAD RISE program which will be implemented starting this year.

IMMATASULA stands for Impasugong, Malaybalay, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan, five towns identified as production areas for high value vegetables by both the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Agriculture Northern Mindanao Region. MinDA initiated a technology transfer program in the area by conducting the Mindanao Vegetable Derby while DA has started the construction of a cold storage and consolidation facility in Talakag town.

The EU-funded MINPAD RISE interventions would include the establishment of irrigation facilities, farm roads and other infrastructure needed to improve the quality and increase the production of vegetables in the region.

The development of the IMMATASULA Region is part of MinDA’s advocacy to create agro-industries with complete value chain targeting local markets as well as nearby foreign markets, especially among the member countries of the BIMPEAGA sub-regional grouping and Singapore.

Among the potential high-value products expected to come from the area are Potato, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Organic Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrots, Bell Pepper and Chinese Cabbage.

A potato project which was implemented by the DA and Universal Robina Corp. when I was Secretary of Agriculture posted a record harvest of 50-metric tons from one hectare which proves the production potentials of the area.

NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar: AHON aid is a legacy to maintain public trust, confidence

Another round of assistance to pandemicaffected families and small business owners in two Siargao Island towns, Pilar and General Luna, have been turned over under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday emphasized the unrelenting support of the national government to help communities whose daily living and livelihood have been interrupted by the pandemic, saying this is the administration’s legacy of maintaining the public trust and confidence.

“Wala nakapugong ang pandemya para maipakita sa atong Duterte Administrasyon ang kakugi sa paghatud sa serbisyo publiko sa matag komunidad nga nanginahanglan nan tabang kuman [The pandemic did not hinder the Duterte administration to continue its efforts to deliver public service to communities who need our assistance],” he said.

“We have set a new standard of public service nga unta mahimong ehemplo

sa mga musunod nga administrasyon. Kining AHON Convergence Program isa ka legacy that will maintain the people’s trust and confidence tungod kay nagpatunay lang kini nga ang inyong gobyerno namati sa inyong mga hangyo, ug mga gikinahanglan [We have set a new standard of public service that we look forward to being an example for the next administrations. This AHON Convergence Program is a legacy that will maintain the people’s trust and confidence because this proves that your government listens to your requests and your needs],” he added.

The AHON initiative is led by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. Partner agencies during the event include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health The DSWD turned over financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Management (AICS) to a total of 200 beneficiaries, including farmers and fisherfolks, in the two towns.

“Ang gusto po ng Presidente sa inyo na masigurong mabibigyang-pansin ang lahat ng aspeto ng inyong buhay, hindi lang sa pinansyal kundi kasama din ang inyong pangkalusugan [What the President wants to ensure is for every aspect of your lives to be given attention, not just the financial, but your health as well],” DSWD Assistant Secretary Victor Neri said.

“Ito ang paalala na naririnig po kayo ng gobyerno, naiintindihan po kayo ng ating Pangulo [It is a reminder that the government listens to your needs, that the President understands you],” he added. The DA also provided agri-assistance, including vegetable and hybrid rice seeds, a farm-to-market road project, and a rice processing center for the town of Pilar. DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista also pledged a total of P2.5million worth of agribusiness assistance for each of the towns of Pilar and General Luna.

“Lahat ng programa ng Department Agriculture ay para sa inyong lahat. Lahat ng pera ay papakinabangan ninyo, dahil ang pamahalaang ito kasama si Pangulong Duterte at Senador Bong Go, bisyo po namin ang magserbisyo,” Asec Evangelista said.

Pilar Mayor Maria Liza Resurreccion extended her thanks to the national government for not forgetting Pilar in the country’s stride for recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thank you very much. We appreciate everything that the government is giving to us,” she said.

National Government’s AHON Program Aids Farmers, Fisherfolk in Towns of Siargao Islands

A total of 200 farmers and fisherfolks in the Siargao Islands received assistance from the national government’s Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday said that the government will provide more help to the towns of Dapa and San Isidro in Surigao del Norte as part of the goal of providing proactive response and actions to the needs of calamity-stricken communities, including those affected by the pandemic.

He noted that this is just the first wave of assistance for Siargao residents under the inter-agency initiative. “The administration of President Duterte is full of action since he sat in office on June 30, 2016. Today, we’re celebrating the 5th year of this leadership that is full of action to respond to your needs,” he said in his message during the turnover of assistance.

“This is what President Duterte wants us to do, to take action and bring to you these assistance and help you recover from the negative impacts brought by the pandemic,” he added.

The Department of Agriculture provided June 26-July 2, 2021 | 51

vegetable seeds and a drip irrigation system project to farmers’ cooperatives in Dapa. The agency also pledged a P3 million financial grant under the Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program, on top of the request of the local government for patrol boats with engines and the establishment of an ice plant which was then approved.

The cooperative beneficiaries in San Isidro received bags of hybrid rice seeds from the DA. A farm-to-market road project was also allocated for the local government.

DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista stressed that the farmer and agriculture sector should not only be food producers of the community but also entrepreneurs so that they can increase their income.

“Dapat marunong magnegosyo ang ating mga fisherfolk, ang ating mga magsasaka. Gamitin niyo po ang mga binibigay ng pamahalaan at palaguin niyo [Our farmers and fisherfolks should also know how to do business. Use what the government has provided you with and make them grow],” she said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) paid as much as P3,000 to 100 beneficiaries in Dapa and another 100 individuals in the town of San Isidro. also showcased their Pangkabuhayan para sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) for those who wish to have additional assistance for the businesses of interested beneficiaries during the twin events. An on-site DTI business name registration was also facilitated.

“Ang approach ng gobyerno ngayon ay parang magkakapitbahay lang tayong lahat, at magkakamag-anak lang. Dahil ang gusto ni Preisdente Digong kahit saang parte ng Pilipinas, basta Pilipino ka ay kapatid kita at tutulungan kita. Walang pinipili,” DTI Assistant Secretary Reveree Niño Contreras said.

Dapa City Mayor Abeth Matugas said that the said assistance is a huge help for the families there and expressed her gratitude to representatives of national government agencies who personally turnover the assistance.

“Malaki ang naging tulong nila para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Salamat sa pagbibigay ng mga ito sa aming mga taga-Dapa. Malaking tulong po ito para sa pang araw-araw namin,” she said.

Secretary Andanar: No other way out of the pandemic but to get fully vaccinated against Covid-19

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar once again urged the public to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, citing that only then can the country assure recovery while protecting the people.

During this Tuesday’s episode of the Network Briefing News, Secretary Andanar called for support on the government’s Resbakuna campaign. He noted that vaccines in certain areas, if left unused, will be reallocated to other local government units.

“Kaya kapag mayroon nang bakuna [sa inyong lugar] ay siguraduhin na magpabakuna na [So once vaccines are available in your area, make sure that you get vaccinated right away],” he said “Dapat ho ay wag na tayong mamimli ng bakuna pa. Kung ano ng available at pwede, Sinovac ba yan, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, o Sputnik. Kung anong meron sa harapan niyo na

handang ibigay sa inyo ng inyong munisipyo, inyong Department of Health dyan sa inyong bayan ay tanggapin niyo na para safe po tayong laha [Do not be selective about the vaccine. Whatever is available can be used, whether its Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Sputnik. Use whatever your municipality, the Department of Health in your city can give you, so that all of us can be safe],” he added.

The PCOO chief stressed that it is only through getting the majority of Filipinos vaccinated that the country can takeoff from the downturn of economic activities.

“Wala ho talagang ibang solusyon dito sa COVID-19, sa mga lockdown para matigil kundi ang pagpapabakuna. Yan lamang ang nag-iisang paraan o solusyon na tayo’y makamove forward at matigil na itong pagsadsad ng ating ekonomiya [There’s no other solution to COVID-19 and the imposed lockdowns but through vaccination. That is the only solution for us to move forward and stop the downturn in our economy],” he said.

“Wala namang masamang hangarin ang ating pamahalaan para sa ating mga kababayan [The government does not have any detrimental intentions against the people],” he added.

Support small business, generate employment

Meanwhile, Secretary Andanar also sought the support of concerned government offices, including the local government units to look after small business owners in their jurisdiction and respond to their needs in terms of allowing them to operate during this time of the pandemic. “Dapat hindi natin ginigipit ang ating mga kababayan, ang ating mga maliliit na negosyante [We shouldn’t make it hard for our fellowmen, for the small businesses],” he said, stressing that the LGU should help them ease the processes in securing their respective permits to operate.

He further told local officials to refrain from politicizing any assistance that they may extend to the sector and instead put into practice the spirit of Bayanihan.

“Pakiusap po ng national government sa local na pamahalaan huwag po nating pulitikahin ang pagbibigay ng ambag, tulong sa ating bayan [The national government is asking our local government units not to politicize the aid or help that is given to constituents],” he added.

Indigent Siargaonons can now have easier access to financial medical assistance from the government as a Malasakit Center will soon be operating in Siargao Island Medical Center (formerly Siargao District Hospital) in Dapa, Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte.

A launch will be hosted on Saturday, July 3, 2021, spearheaded by the Office of Senator Bong Go (OSBG).

Simultaneous with the launching, the OSBG will be handing out food packs, surgical and N95 masks, face shields, vitamins, and meals for free to the locals. A raffle draw will also be conducted, with prizes such as bicycles, shoes, and even tablets awaiting the lucky winners. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop for Filipinos to access financial medical assistance from agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance, Inc. (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). This is the country’s 125th Malasakit Center. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Bong Go calls for greater COVID-19 vigilance as he sends relief to hundreds of indigent Caviteños whose lives and livelihoods were adversely affected by the health crisis

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded residents to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 during an activity, organized in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, for the vulnerable and at-risk residents of Tanza town, Cavite on Wednesday, June 30. “Pakiusap namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa inyo, kailangan namin ang kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat Pilipino. Sundin natin ang mga patakaran ng gobyerno at kung hindi kailangan, ‘wag kayong umalis ng inyong pamamahay. Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa dahil delikado pa ang panahon,” Go said in a video call.

“Kung mahal niyo ang mga pamilya niyo, magpabakuna na rin kayo. Kailangan natin makamtan ang herd immunity ngayong taong para makabalik na tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay at sumigla muli ang ating ekonomiya,” he added.

Go’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 640 indigent residents at the Barangay Paradahan II Gym. The activity was carried out in small batches to ensure strict adherence to the government’s health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Moreover, selected beneficiaries were provided new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles for their commuting needs. Others received computer tablets to help their children with their blended learning activities. In addition, personnel from the DSWD provided financial assistance in a separate distribution as part of an ongoing effort by the government to alleviate the economic impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable sectors. “Dati ho akong nagtatrabaho sa pabrika na gumagawa ng foam. Nahinto ako dahil nagkasakit ang misis ko at pina-voluntary resignation ako ng kumpanya. Wala akong nakamit na pera. Kaya ito, nagtatrabaho na ako sa construction kahit sa edad kong ito para matulungan ang pamilya ko,” said Ernesto Erediano, 68, a resident of Brgy. Bagtas Pabahay.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa ating Pangulo at kay Senador Bong Go para sa ibinigay nilang tulong sa akin. Malaking bagay ito lalo na ang bike na magagamit ko para sa paghanap ng bagong trabaho,” he continued.

The Senator further offered his assistance to beneficiaries in need of medical care. He informed them that they may conveniently avail of further assistance from the Malasakit Center at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City. The Malasakit Center is one of 124 such centers established nationwide.

It serves as a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs offered by the national government, specifically the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The assistance received covers laboratories, medicines, surgeries and other patient services and expenses.

The Senator, in his message, expressed gratitude to various officials for their efforts to ensure the general well-being of their constituents, namely 7th District Representative Jesus Remulla, Governor Juanito Remulla Jr., Vice Governor Ramon Revilla III, Board Member Crispin Remulla and Board Member Angelito Langit.

He also thanked Mayor Yuri Pacumio; Vice Mayor Raymundo Del Rosario; and Councilors Sandy Go, Maricel Morales, Niño Matro, Alexis Dones, Rossano Torres, Sheryl Gervacio, Victor Murillo, and Emilio Torres.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Rodrigo Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos.

It is in line with his commitment to its people that Go has supported the funding of various infrastructure projects in the region. Among these projects include the improvement of the Santa Rosa - Ulat - Tagaytay Road; widening of the Noveleta - Naic - Tagaytay Road; and construction of the Cavite State University - College of Arts and Trade’s sports facility.

Bong Go commends declaration of Filipino Social Workers’ Day; recognizes crucial role of social workers in communities particularly in serving poor and vulnerable sectors

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for declaring June 19 of every year as Filipino Social Workers’ Day to recognize the indispensable role of social workers and their invaluable contribution to nation-building particularly in promoting the welfare of poor and vulnerable sectors.

“Sinusuportahan at kinokomendahan ko ang deklarasyon ng June 19 bilang Filipino Social Workers’ Day upang magsilbing paalala sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa serbisyo na iginagawad sa lipunan ng ating mga magigiting at masisipag na social workers,” said Go.

“Sa gitna ng pandemya, hindi po tumigil ang ating social workers na magtrabaho upang gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin sa kanilang mga kababayan. Napakaliit na bagay po nito kumpara sa mga sakripisyo nila, lalu na sa gitna ng kasalukuyang pandemya,” he added.

Go also thanked social workers for ensuring that public services reach Filipinos in poor and far flung communities. He particularly recognized those who are assisting in catering to the needs of patients and beneficiaries in the 125 Malasakit Centers established

nationwide.

“May mga social workers at personnel na nasa mga Malasakit Centers para tumulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kung hindi po dahil sa kanila, hindi magiging buo at makararating sa ating mga kababayan ang serbisyo galing sa mga center na ito,” said Go.

Signed on June 25, Proclamation No. 1176 mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development to “lead, coordinate and supervise the nationwide observance of the Filipino Social Workers’ Day.”

It also encourages all other agencies and instrumentalities of the national government to “actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance to the DSWD for the effective implementation of this Proclamation.”

The proclamation is rooted on Section 9, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which declares it a policy of the State to “promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation, and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services”.

It added that there is a need “to raise awareness of the unwavering commitment, dedication and altruism of Filipino social workers, and their significant role in the reduction of various socioeconomic vulnerabilities of individuals, families and communities in the country.”

To promote the rights and welfare of social workers during the pandemic, Go, in March last year, expressed his support to grant hazard pay to government personnel, including public sector social workers, who physically report for work during the period of community quarantine relative to the COVID-19 situation.

“Sa mga panahong ito kung saan andyan ang banta sa kalusugan at buhay ng ating mga mamamayan, pinili ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan na magsilbi sa bayan. Imbes na uunahin nila ang kapakanan ng kanilang pamilya, ninais nilang patuloy na magtrabaho sa kani-kanilang mga opisina upang hindi maputol ang mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan para sa lahat,” explained Go.

“Nararapat lamang na kilalanin at bigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang mga sakripisyong ito,” the Senator added.

President Duterte eventually issued Administrative Order No. 43 which granted hazard pay to government personnel.

“The government workers who still go to work during this time put their lives at risk, so they deserve proper compensation. The service that they are giving to the Filipino people is priceless. Granting them hazard pay is the least that we can do for them,” he said.

Bong Go

Bong Go renews push to create Department of Disaster Resilience amid various national calamities regularly hitting the country; sends aid to flood victims in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental

As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed in helping communities recover from natural calamities while dealing with the global pandemic, he sent his team on Wednesday, June 30, to hand out assistance to 475 families that were hit by the recent flood in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

The distribution activity was conducted at the People’s Activity Center where his team only allowed the heads of each family to represent their respective families and receive relief from the Senator, such as grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins, to ensure the safety of everyone.

In addition, some beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes, while others received bicycles that would help them commute conveniently as public transportation options remain limited. The Senator also sent computer tablets to

selected recipients to help their children easily access educational materials.

Go’s staff grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches while they adhered to the necessary safety and health protocols recommended by the government.

In line with building a more resilient nation, Go reiterated his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205, a measure he filed in 2019 which seeks to create a Department of Disaster Resilience that would be primarily responsible for ensuring that local communities are well-adapted, resilient and safe from the impacts of climate change.

The proposed measure seeks to create a focused department that will unify and streamline all responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response, functions that are presently scattered across various departments and offices.

“Mga kababayan ko, mayroon po akong ifinile sa Senado, itong Department of Disaster Resilience. Bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs, preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo, restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin,” said Go in his video message.

The Senator also reminded the beneficiaries to observe health protocols, such as constant washing of hands, wearing of masks and face shields when in public, maintaining physical distance, and avoiding non-essential travels as much as possible.

Several government agencies also extended their assistance to the beneficiaries as the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

The Department of Trade and Industry conducted an on-site registration of new businesses and an assessment of beneficiaries in need of livelihood support. Furthermore, scholarship grants await qualified individuals who were evaluated by the

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

As she and her family continue to struggle after Typhoon Dante swamped their home, Herminia Bigara, a 51-year-old beneficiary, conveyed her gratitude to Senator Go for the assistance he provided as she said that it will certainly go a long way to support their daily needs.

“Senator Bong Go, isa ka sa amin, isa kang kapamilya. Nandito lang kami sumusuporta sa ‘yo. Maraming salamat po sa inihatid niyong tulong sa aming mga nasunugan, malaking malaking tulong po ito,” Bigara said.

The Senator, then, offered further assistance to beneficiaries with health concerns as he encouraged them to visit Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City where there is a Malasakit Center that can assist them with their medical bills. The Malasakit Center was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate and eventually signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 2019.

To accelerate economic development of Negros Occidental, Go supported the funding of several projects, such as the road maintenance in Bago City, and Bacolod City; construction of a multi-purpose building in Calatrava, and Himamaylan City; construction of Infectious Diseases Wing in Teresita J. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital at Silay City, and many others.

Go, then, commended local government officials who continue to cater and provide support to their constituents, especially during these unprecedented times. Among the officials he acknowledged were Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Mayor Ernesto Estrao, Vice Mayor Jeff Encoy, and those present in the activity.

Bong Go

IATF wants NCR Plus to remain under GCQ until July 15

The government’s coronavirus task force wants President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to extend the current general community quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region and its adjacent provinces or the so-called NCR Plus from July 1 to 15 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Aside from extending the current restrictions in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recommended that 21 areas in the country be placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until July 15.

The IATF announced its recommendations for the month of July during President Duterte’s weekly public address on the government’s COVID-19 response Monday night.

From July 1 to 15, the IATF suggested placing Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with some restrictions” and Laguna and Cavite under GCQ “with heightened restrictions.” The NCR Plus is made up of these five areas.

Areas that will also be under GCQ for the same period include Batangas, Quezon province, Baguio City, Ifugao province, City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Guimaras, Aklan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Antique, Capiz, Zamboanga Sibugay,

Zamboanga City, Iligan City, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Cotabato City, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

While the situation in the capital region has improved, an uptrend in infections was detected in other regions, including more urbanized locations such as the cities of Butuan, Davao, Iloilo, Naga, Lucena, Cagayan de Oro, and Puerto Princesa.

These areas will be observing the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine or MECQ for the same period.

Other areas placed under MECQ until July 15, 2021 were Cagayan Province, Apayao, Bataan, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur.

The rest of the Philippines will remain under the more lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) quarantine classification, which allows businesses to operate normally while adhering to minimum health standards such as social distancing and the use of face masks and shields.

The country has recorded a total of 1,403,588 coronavirus infections. According to the health department, active cases in the country totaled 52,029, with 24,456 deaths as of June 28.

During Monday’s meeting with the President, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines had been able to administer at least 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. PND

LGUs advised to seek assistance from nat’l government to prevent vaccine wastage

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants local government units (LGUs) to secure COVID-19 vaccine storage facilities to avoid wastage as the government implements a mass inoculation drive against the coronavirus.

In his weekly public address Monday on government response to COVID-19, the President asked LGUs to tell the national government if they don’t have refrigeration facilities to store COVID-19 vaccines.

“Ang problema kasi ganito, you must have the refrigeration. Or if you do not have one, tell us in advance so that hindi kami magkamali magpadala tapos you do not have the equipment to keep the temperature desired for vaccines.”

“Masasayang lang and it will go to waste ‘pag magpadala kami doon wala kayong refrigeration o something akin to it that would ensure the integrity of the vaccine. Iyan po ang hinihingi namin.” President Duterte said all government assets are being used to deliver the COVID-19 vaccines to remote areas of the country.

The military, he said, made an assurance that it will take care of the delivery for as long as localities have the refrigeration or the equipment necessary to preserve the efficacy of the vaccines.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he has ordered military hospitals in the country to extend assistance to the LGUs in carrying out the government’s inoculation campaign.

“In anticipation to the arrival of huge volume of vaccines, I have alerted the military hospitals all over the country, ito po ‘yong mga ospital ng mga Philippine Army all over the country, to assist the LGUs in the vaccination program,” he told the President during Monday’s meeting.

These facilities include 20 Philippine Army hospitals, eight from the Philippine Air Force, and nine from the Philippine Navy. Eleven unified area command hospitals will also be available, according to the defense chief.

The Armed Forces has 11 ships with big refrigeration capacity, which could ferry vaccines to the islands. Air assets could also be used to transport the jabs from Manila to the provinces, he added.

With regard to the ongoing mass vaccination drive, the country’s vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said the country expects to receive additional 99,600 doses of Moderna vaccine before the end of this month. Around 13 million doses of various vaccines will be delivered to the country in July, he reported.

The Philippines has so far administered over 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with more than 2.5 million individuals getting the full dose. PND

President Duterte on in-person learning: ‘I cannot gamble on children’s lives’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, June 28, reiterated that he would not allow students to go back to face-toface classes despite the start of the vaccination of the country’s educators.

The President made the remarks after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reported the government’s move of symbolically inoculating government workers such as soldiers, policemen, jail as well as fire personnel. Teachers were also included in the symbolic vaccination.

Secretary Roque said that the vaccination is also part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) efforts to make teachers get protected against the coronavirus since they are also listed in the government’s priority list for inoculation.

President Duterte said in his weekly public address that although he is in favor of inperson learning and DepEd wants to return regular teaching mode, he still has to protect children from COVID-19, especially with the emergence of a more contagious variant.

“Whatever is convenient or comfortable para sa mga bata nandoon ako. Kaya lang, there is a monkey wrench in that government machinery,” he said.

“Ang monkey wrench niyan is the COVID-19 D. Ngayon lang ‘yan lumabas at lumaganap na doon sa Great Britain pati India, at hindi malayo, baka, dadating dito sa atin.”

Experts said the new mutated version, the SARS-Cov-2 Delta or lineage B.1.617.2, is much more aggressive, more contagious and fatal, than previous COVID-19 variants.

The President apologized to parents for the disruption in their children’s education. “Patawarin lang po ninyo ako kasi hindi ko kayang magbigay ng pahintulot na puwede na silang normal sa eskuwelahan. Kasi kung magkadisgrasyahan, buhay ito.” ang edukasyon ng bata pero it will normalize one of these days. But I cannot gamble, I said, with the life of our children. Mahirap ‘yan kasi ako ang mananagot sa lahat.”

He made similar apology to Education Secretary Leonor Briones for his decision not allow face-to-face classes.

“Let us see what develops in the other countries na mayroon nang epidemic with another ano, hindi pa naman pandemic ‘yan. How it will rollout sa buhay ng isang tao,” he said.

The country has made inroads in its mass vaccinations campaign as more vaccines come in.

During Monday’s meeting with the President, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines had been able to administer at least 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses.

As of June 28, the Philippines recorded a total of 1,403,588 coronavirus infections, with 52,029 active cases and 24,456 deaths. PND

PH at ‘low risk’ with -9% 2-week growth rate in Covid cases

The country’s risk classification has been reduced to “low” after logging -9 percent growth rate in terms of reported Covid-19 cases and 5.42 average daily attack rate (ADAR) for the past two weeks.

In an online media forum Thursday, Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau OIC-Director Alethea de Guzman said the figures covered June 13 to 26. For March 30 to June 12, the country’s growth rate was 15 percent and its ADAR was 5.96.

“Though mababa siya, ito ‘yung sinasabi namin na manipis eh, negative 1 hanggang around negative 10 percent. It’s very prone to sudden, it’s possible to increase, kailangan natin palakihin pa ‘yung pagbaba niya (Though it’s low, this is what we say thin, negative 1 until around negative 10 percent. It’s very prone to sudden, it’s possible to increase, we need to expand the decrease),” de Guzman said.

However, there are four regions under high-risk classification – Region 11, 6, 12, and 8 – with positive two-week growth rates ranging from 7 to 9 and high-risk ADARs ranging from 7 to 9. The average daily reported cases nationally showed a slight increase at 5,772 for June 24 to 30 compared to 5,638 for the week of June 17 to 23.

“It’s the areas outside of NCR, Region 3 and Calabarzon which are taking up a larger proportion of our new cases,” de Guzman said.

For June 30, the top five regions with the most number of new cases are Region 4A (Calabarzon) with 616 infections; NCR, 578; Region 7, 526; Region 6, 486; and Region 11, 461.

Meantime, the five top areas with the most number of new cases are Negros Oriental with 311 infections; Davao City, 309; Laguna, 238; IloIlo City, 145; and Iloilo, 130. The reported cases in the NCR Plus areas are plateauing, as Mindanao exhibits a slow decline in cases, de Guzman added.

The rest of Luzon and the Visayas, on the other hand, showed a slight increase in cases. been flagged due to the increase in cases and high to critical risk healthcare utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate.

These areas are La Union, Cagayan, Bataan, Naga City, Iloilo City, Guimaras, Antique, Negros Oriental, Tacloban City, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, Davao City, Davao del Norte, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Lucena City, Cotabato City, Baguio City, and Pateros.

The nation’s mortality data has decreased to 64 deaths per day logged for June which is lower than the 123 deaths recorded in April and 109 deaths in May. De Guzman said the staggered decline of deaths nationwide is due to surges in other regions outside NCR. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

Covid-19 vax distribution science-based: Palace

The national government relies on health experts’ findings in selecting priority areas for the distribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured that there is no preferential treatment in the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines to the “National Capital Region (NCR) Plus 8, Plus 10”.

The NCR Plus 8, the initial areas prioritized for Covid-19 vaccination, consists of Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Metro Davao, and Metro Cebu.

Roque later announced that 10 more cities would be prioritized in Covid-19 vaccine distribution – Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio, Zamboanga, Dumaguete, Tuguegarao, General Santos, Naga, and Legazpi.

“Mayroon kasing siyensa behind this. Hindi naman po favoritism for favoritism(‘s) sake. Hindi po ‘yan favoritism because of the economic activity alone (There is science behind this. It’s not favoritism for favoritism’s sake. It’s not favoritism because of economic activity alone),” he said in a press conference in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Quoting health experts, Roque said creating an “artificial

10 MILLION. Nieves Catacutan, 74, receives her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at the Valenzuela Astrodome on Monday (June 28, 2021). As of Sunday, the country’s administered doses have reached 10,065,414. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.) boundary” or wall around Metro Manila and these priority areas would ensure the safety of those not vaccinated.

“Lutasin mo ‘yung problema rito, malulutas ‘yung problema sa buong bansa dahil ang mga kaso sa Metro Manila, ‘yan din ang kumakalat sa buong bansa (If you solve the problem here, you will solve the problem of the entire country because the cases in Metro Manila are the ones spreading across the country),” he said.

Roque said the “NCR Plus 8, Plus 10” needed to be prioritized considering that they are highly urbanized and contribute much to the economy.

“Mayroon po talaga tayong priority na binibigay dito sa Metro Manila Plus 8 dahil consistent naman po ‘yung science. Lutasin mo, magkaroon ka ng containment sa Metro Manila Plus 8, eh magkakaroon ka rin ng containment sa buong Pilipinas (We really give priority to Metro Manila Plus 8 because consistent with science, if there is containment in Metro Manila Plus 8, there will be containment in the entire country),” he added.

On Monday, the Philippines marked more than 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines administered since the country kicked off its inoculation program in March.

Official government data showed that 10,065,414 doses were given as of June 27. Of this number, 2,527,286 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while 7,538,128 have received their first shot.

The Philippines aims to achieve “population protection” by yearend by vaccinating 40 percent to 50 percent of its people, especially in priority areas. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)

PH Red Cross says vax best defense vs. Delta variant

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday urged the public to get vaccinated as health experts say it is highly effective against the new Covid-19 variant of concern.

In the Philippines, more than 10 million are already vaccinated as of June 27, with 2.5 million already with complete doses.

The new version of the Delta coronavirus variant is spreading rapidly in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and India, health officials said.

The new variant of concern, which has generated a significant amount of global media attention, is called B.1.617.2.1, AY.1 or Delta Plus, and is a version of the Delta variant first detected in India in February.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo ng PRC sa pagbabakuna. Sa ngayon ay mayroon na tayong pitong PRC bakuna centers upang mas mapabilis ang pagbabakuna sa ating kababayan (PRC continues to help in the vaccination program. PRC has seven vaccination centers to help the country hasten the process),” PRC chair Senator Richard Gordon said in a news release. Gordon also emphasized the importance of wearing face mask and undergoing regular testing.

“Always wear a face mask. PRC is ramping up vaccination efforts and continues to test regularly, so that we can separate the asymptomatic spreaders from the healthy ones,” he added. PRC, the leading organization when it comes to Covid-19 testing, has conducted over 3.3 million tests, making up for 23 percent of total tests done in the country.

Gordon cited four most important guidelines in the Fareed Zakaria book “Ten Lessons for a PostPandemic World”-- social distancing, wearing face masks, regular handwash, and regular tests -- to slow the spread of the virus.

These practices are most important as majority of Filipinos are not yet vaccinated, Gordon said. (PR)

VIRUS PROTECTION. A health care worker carefully injects the Covid-19 jab on a resident at the Valenzuela Astrodome on Sunday (June 28, 2021). The city was also the site of Monday’s special inoculation activity to mark the country breaching the 10-million mark in jabs administered. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

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