CONTENTS Caraga Infocus
6 - 12 June 2020
8 10 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 23
Volume IV, No. 24
REGIONAL NEWS
DOH to help LGUs expedite COVID-19 lab accreditation process AgNor health workers receive boxes of face masks Caraga’s COVID-19 cases climb to 14 Caraga MSMEs apply for SBWS DSWD heightens preparations for SAP 2 POPCOM supports LGUs’ health services during pandemic Urban agriculture opens window of opportunity Rookie veggie grower gaining grounds in farming Hitting the mark with the right click SAP serves as lifeline for grieving family
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AgNor health workers receive boxes of face masks
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Rookie veggie grower gaining grounds in farming
36 Army battalion in Agusan Norte welcomes new commander
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US gives P201-M aid to Covid-19 fight in Mindanao
60 LGUs must strictly enforce Covid-19 health protocols: Lorenzana
26 28 29 31 33 34 36 38 39 41 43 44 47 49 51 52 54 56 57 60 61 64 65
PROVINCIAL NEWS
AgSur guv shares government’s efforts amid COVID-19 pandemic AgSur SK sets up online ‘palengke’ during COVID-19 pandemic DAR turns over oil repacking facility to AgSur coop DA-Caraga releases P4.1-Million worth of farm machineries Cabadbaran gisuspende ang koleksyon sa merkado ug terminal Senior citizens in Cabadbaran town receive aid from LGU Army battalion in Agusan Norte welcomes new commander Senior citizen port workers receive relief packs from PMO-Surigao Water firm puts up handwashing station at Lipata ferry terminal PMO-Surigao namigay ng relief packs sa port workers na senior citizen PHilMech sets distribution of first batch of farm machines under RCEF 17 ROFs, 128 LSIs return home in Bislig City
MINDANAO NEWS Duterte may hold another meeting with IATF in Davao City US gives P201-M aid to Covid-19 fight in Mindanao
NATIONAL NEWS
Statement of Secretary Martin Andanar on OHCHR report on the Philippines’ alleged human rights violations Andanar exhorts youth to lead the march to new normal 3.5M families to get 1st, 2nd tranches of SAP: DSWD No face-to-face classes until Covid-19 vaccine is available Farmers and ARBs are the new heroes in this time of pandemic-- DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones
COVID-19 NEWS
LGUs must strictly enforce Covid-19 health protocols: Lorenzana LGUs imposing localized lockdowns must form quick response teams Gov’t can’t allow all transport modes yet due to Covid-19 threat 35K Filipinos repatriated since Covid-19 pandemic
DOST deploys spe collection booths t Caraga hospitals By
T
o help accelerate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing in the region, five contactless specimen collection booths (SCBs) were deployed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Caraga to the Department of Health (DOH)-operated hospitals. Two were installed at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City, while the two others at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag, Surigao del Sur; and one at the DOH - Center for Health and Development (CHD) Caraga. The said telephone booth-style swab collection facility has a transparent front window and window-mounted nitrile gloves, good ventilation and caster
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wheels for easier mobility. For extra protection of health workers, it also has an air circulation system and infrared temperature sensors that remotely monitors the temperature of the patients. “The purpose is to ensure the safety and provide a level of protection among the sample collectors or the medical professionals because they are at high risk during the swabbing,�
ecimen to Venus L. Garcia
said Engr. Noel Ajoc, chief website (www.pcieerd. of the Technical Support dost.gov.ph). Services Division of DOSTCaraga. DOST-Caraga is planning to add another The SCBs are four SCBs for use in the jointly funded by region. the DOST - Philippine Council for Industry, Meanwhile, the Energy and Emerging DOST-Caraga will also Technology Research be distributing reference and Development thermal scanners to local (PCIEERD) and DOST - government units to be Philippine Council for utilized in calibrating Health Research and other existing thermal Development (PCHRD), scanners. and fabricated by the DOST-PCIEERD’s “So what we will do Startup Grant Awardee is to distribute to them Futuristic Aviation and the calibrated thermal Maritime Enterprise, Inc. scanners for them to (FAME). compare the readings with non-calibrated or The SCB design is existing ones so they can available to fabricators correct or adjust to ensure at engineering groups accuracy,” said Engr. through DOST offices Ajoc. (VLG/PIA-Surigao and the DOST-PCIEERD del Norte)
June 6-12, 2020 |
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News Briefs The whole nation will be celebrating the 122nd Independence Day anniversary with the theme “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas.” xx
As they continue to deal with the daily challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, personnel of the Philippine Information Agency are attending today a health and wellness activity through an online session on mental health with the topic “Experiencing Ginhawa in Times of Pandemic.” Said activity is facilitated by PIA HRDD in coordination with the University of the Philippines Diliman Psychosocial Services.
In line with the mandate of DepEd Memo No. 53, s. 2020, known as “Joint Implementing Guidelines on the 2020 Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela Relative to COVID-19 Situation,” DepEd Agusan del Norte Division will hold a Stakeholders Forum (via Google Meet)
The GSIS Board of Trustees has decided to EXTEND the MORATORIUM on loan payments for another month. Wala pong kaltas sa March, April at May, pati na rin ngayong JUNE. (GSIS)
REGIONAL NEWS
DOH to help LGUs expedite COVID-19 lab accreditation process By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
With various local government units (LGUs) pushing for the establishment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing laboratories in their respective areas, the Department of Health (DOH) has been providing the necessary assistance to speed up the accreditation process of the said laboratories. “We have been helping with expediting the licensing process of COVID-19 laboratories that LGUs plan on establishing. Should they have queries about the process, they can always contact the agency’s regional
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offices,” said DOH Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire during the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday, June 9.
The undersecretary said the health department will partake in the preparation of the establishment of the laboratory by providing assessments and identifying the areas that need improvement. Free trainings will also be provided for the laboratory staff and technicians.
of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs). The province now has three COVID-19 cases, all of which are foreign cases from the returning residents.
Joining the program is Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. who reiterated his request for additional assistance from the DOH. The provincial government is planning on establishing a laboratory as part of its efforts to effectively curb the transmission of the disease.
The health official also reminded that the easement of community quarantine regulations does not signify the end of the health crisis.
The provincial governor bared that they are hoping to establish the laboratory and have it fully operational “We will be going on-site to before the year ends. coordinate with licensing officers and provide guidance on establishing the Usec. Vergeire said that they will laboratory or the locality to hasten the be scheduling a visit next week for the entire process,” she added. said matter.
“We have to continue implementing our health and safety measures even as we transition to the new normal. This is the only way to fully The number of cases in the preventing the transmission of the virus,” province has been rising since the arrival she affirmed. (DMNR/PIACaraga) June 6-12, 2020 |
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AgNor health workers receive boxes of face masks By Jennifer P. Gaitano
With the continuing threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country, the government also prioritizes every health worker’s safety and protection against the spread of said disease, as they never cease in giving the needed services to the Filipino people. As part of the government’s effort, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) led by Secretary Martin Andanar has donated face masks to the health workers of
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Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital situated in Butuan City. The 3,500 pieces of surgical masks, 100 N95 masks and 50 face shields
were turned over to Dr. Odelio Ferrer, the provincial health officer (PHO) and chief of the said health facility through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga. Dr. Ferrer thanked the PCOO for showing their concern for the health workers and their generosity in donating boxes of face masks to protect their employees. “We are very thankful to PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar for donating these face masks and face shields for our health workers. We also have procured the same, yet due to limited resources, we still need more to provide for our employees. Through donations from the public and private sectors, we are able to cope and maintain safety and protection of our health workers,” cited Dr. Ferrer. Dr. Ferrer said that the hospital management makes sure that all its health workers who continue to serve the patients confined in the said health facility are practicing the health personnel here in Butuan and Tandag protocols to keep them safe and would somehow be protected while we perform our daily tasks. Thank you protected all the time. so much, Secretary Martin Andanar,” Meanwhile, the PCOO’s attached said Ma. Lourdes Pizarro-Apego, station agencies such as the Radyo Pilipinas manager of Radyo Pilipinas Butuan. stations in Butuan City and Tandag City, Per report from the Department the Philippine News Agency (PNA), and PIA Caraga have also received the of Health(DOH) Caraga, there have boxes of face masks intended for their been 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded in the region. The government respective personnel. continues to warn the public to strictly “This is really a big help for us observe the health protocols and especially that we work in the field to other preventive measures to avert the gather news and relevant information. spread of the deadly virus. (JPG, PIAWith these boxes of face masks, our Caraga) June 6-12, 2020 |
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Caraga’s COVID-19 cases climb to 14
The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga revealed three new positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region. As of June 9, Caraga region now has 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The twelfth case is a 29-yearold male while the thirteenth case is a 31-year-old male, both from Agusan del Norte and are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) who arrived in the Philippines last April 1 and 18, respectively. Upon arrival in the country, these individuals were quarantined in Manila until May 25, 2020; they were also tested via reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with negative results. On May 26, they arrived in Cagayan de Oro by Air Asia Flight Z28689 and stayed in the city for a night. The day after, they travelled to Caraga region by bus and directly quarantined in their designated LGU quarantine facility. The fourteenth case is a 26-yearold female, also an ROF from Agusan del Sur who arrived in the region on May 31, 2020 via land trip from Cagayan de Oro City. Respective local government units (LGUs) were able to conduct Rapid Antibody-based Testing (RAT) and these turned out positive therefore swabs were taken for RT-PCR confirmatory testing.
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All three patients are on strict quarantine facility, currently with no signs and symptoms and are being closely monitored. Further contact tracing and coordination is being carried out by the concerned LGUs and health authorities of regions 10 and 13. “As a reminder, we strongly urge the public especially when going out from their homes and in public places to properly wear masks. Make sure your face mask covers your mouth and nose. Avoid touching the masks, replace it daily especially when damaged or if it becomes dirty and wash your hands after removing your masks,” said DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. Likewise, DOH Caraga received 46 more RT-PCR test results from the Southern Philippines Medical Center sub-national laboratory that tested Negative for COVID-19. The results are from: a) Second follow-up test of the 6th case, b) Four (4) Suspect cases from Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC), Manuel J. Santos Hospital, Butuan Doctors’ Hospital and
Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital, c) Two (2) Probable cases from Agusan del Sur, d) Nineteen (19) RAT positive from Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands, e) Sixteen (16) high-risk health workers from ASTMMC, Caraga Regional Hospital and Agusan del Sur, and f) Four (4) close contacts.
“We are still in transition to the ‘new normal’ and this requires our utmost patience and concerted efforts. Follow the health standards advised by the DOH and your health teams. Let us all work together as we continue to follow the basic health practices,” the health chief concluded. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga)
Caraga MSMEs apply for SBWS By Venus L. Garcia
With an aim to help the struggling workers who are greatly affected by the community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, more than 2,500 business owners in Caraga region have filed their application for the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program offered by the government.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue here in Caraga has already started early of May the evaluation of the applications of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have complied with the requirements for SBWS and some have already benefitted from the kind of support.
It intends to provide assistance to an estimated 11,000 workers regionwide. “What’s important is their compliance with the Social Security System (SSS) and BIR which means they June 6-12, 2020 |
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are registered members. As far as BIR is concerned, we did a verification of the filing of their tax returns, payment of taxes, filing of an annual alphabetical list of employees, and payment. Employers must have regularly paid the SSS remittances of the employees,” said BIR-Revenue District Office No. 17 Director Jose Eric Furia.
Finance, BIR and SSS disqualifies employees who work from home and those part of the skeleton workforce, as well as the employees on leave for the entire duration of the enhanced community quarantine, whether with or without pay.
Furia said that small businesses registered with the SSS and BIR According to Furia, qualified which have no unpaid taxes or SSS employees of eligible small businesses contributions were given priority. shall be given a wage subsidy of P5,000 for up to two months to help mitigate “This is really a big help for our the impact of the quarantine. employees, as it would at least aid in “The employer should coordinate meeting their daily needs for food and with the SSS, as the SSS will be the one other necessities such as medicine,” to release the amount. We have to said Felix Benolirao, proprietor of an ensure the on-time release following a air conditioner and refrigerator repair center. strict screening process,” said Furia. The wage subsidy was released in The joint memorandum of agreement of the Department of two tranches. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
DSWD heightens preparations for SAP 2 By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is gearing up its preparations for the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and is set to provide cash assistance to more than 18 million marginalized Filipino households, including those who qualified but were left out on the first tranche. During today’s Laging Handa (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Network Briefing hosted by Presidential with Agusan del Sur Provincial Communications Operations Office Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr., as
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guest, DSWD Usec. Rene Glen Paje disclosed that the Joint Memorandum (JMC) No. 2, Series of 2020 is now being furnished. Indicated therein is the joint implementing guidelines for the second tranche of social ameliorations programs of various agencies. He also stated that the second tranche has now been outlined and DSWD will be tasked to distribute the funds instead of the local government units (LGUs). The department is now focusing on conducting the validation of beneficiaries. “The task will not be easy. As much as we wish to expedite the process, we want to make sure that those who will be receiving the assistance are qualified. We also do not want our employees to be involved in any anomaly which is why we want to be meticulous and careful with the implementation,” he added.
said.
Meanwhile, as it is one of the agencies that make up the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Council, DSWD is also coordinating with concerned authorities for overseeing Usec. Paje also clarified that the welfare of the BP2 Program the implementation of the program’s beneficiaries. first tranche was “smooth” in general despite the many issues that arose, Usec. Paje reiterated that the majority of which were due to the department is aiming for an even more isolated cases that LGU and barangay efficient implementation of the second officials were involved in. tranche now that they have had “experiences” in the first tranche. “The implementation was bound to encounter challenges since this is the Per the agency’s data, a total first time that the government had to of P99.8 billion was distributed among provide such amount of aid to a great 17.6 million beneficiaries on the first number of its citizens in a certain period tranche. The LGUs were able to provide of time, not to mention the limitations assistance amounting to P80.6 billion to brought about by health and safety 13.31 million low income non-Pantawid protocols, which the labor force is Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) required to abide,” the undersecretary beneficiaries. (DMNR/PIACaraga) June 6-12, 2020 |
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POPCOM supports LGUs’ health services during pandemic The regional office of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) re-strategizes its priorities to align the population management program right at the communities with the over-all health care program of the Department of Health (DOH).
In its intention to end the rising incidence of COVID-19 cases, POPCOM-Caraga implemented the Population, Health and Development strategy where logistical and financial support are extended to the local government units (LGUs). POPCOM’s strategy ensures that couples and individual shall be assisted in addressing their reproductive health concerns, particularly in managing pregnancy, to guarantee the health and safety of the entire family.
volunteers of the local governments are getting logistical support extended by POPCOM in the delivery of services along the population program for years. POPCOM extended the said support to the local health workers for already three years.
POPCOM’s support is also designed that LGUs can be assisted in preventing untimely pregnancies during this crisis. Community workers and volunteers are getting material and financial support to equip young POPCOM is working with the DOH people with appropriate knowledge in the delivery of the commodities for and skills in postponing their fertility modern family planning to the provincial concerns. and city health offices of Caraga Region which the latter to distribute the It is eyed by POPCOM to expand goods to the health centers of the 67 its network to the academe, private towns and thousands of barangays. It is sector, and youth leaders in molding expected that the health centers can responsible behavior among the continuously provide the services to younger generation. In the study the couples and individuals especially commissioned by POPCOM with the during this national health crisis through University of the Philippines, significant quality, scientific and safer methods for proportion of young people are family planning.Population workers and engaging in sexual activities which
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exposed themselves to the risky memorandum with DOH, it is advocated complications of teenage pregnancy by POPCOM that population workers or sexually transmitted infections, and volunteers and other non-health including HIV-AIDS. personnel of the LGUs shall be mobilized in the contact tracing activities during POPCOM launched earlier this pandemic. its Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning (RP-FP) Hotlines to assist the In a related development, communities in educating the public Department of Health Secretary on matters involving their safety and Francisco T. Duque III re-certifies all health during this pandemic. Trained officials and employees of POPCOM social workers of POPCOM will respond nationwide as public health workers to the messages and calls from the as defined under the national law for public on 0995-1550746 (Globe) and Public Health Workers. In his 9-page 0951-0419159 (Smart) in their working pronouncement, Secretary Duque time during Monday to Friday. pointed-out that POPCOM is engaging Some of POPCOM’s personnel in health and health-related works shall be fielded to the LGUs to assist in along the national program on family the surveillance and contact tracing planning as its mandate provided in activities on coronavirus disease several legal issuances. (POPCOM 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Out of a joint Caraga/PIA Caraga)
Urban agriculture opens window of opportunity By VPSanchez
As the country continues to hurdle the challenges of living in the socalled “new normal” setting, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is also unceasing in its efforts to ensure food security in the country. Hence, in celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month, it is only fitting to pay tribute and recognize the efforts of the farmers and fishers who have committed themselves to produce food to feed the Filipino people even at this time when the whole nation is facing the health crisis.
When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the country, the DA implemented the Ahon Lahat Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa COVID, otherwise known as the Plant Plant Plant Program to cushion the impact of the pandemic. June 6-12, 2020 |
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One of the projects under the said program is ‘Urban Agriculture’ wherein residents in metropolitan areas are encouraged to have their own vegetable gardens. The Department distributed vegetable seeds to individuals who are interested to plant. This is so that they can have their own food source which can also be an income-generating initiative.
regular buyers from the Langihan, Libertad, and Ampayon public markets, there are also people who go to their As of May 26, the DA has already farm to buy some of their produce. distributed various vegetable seeds to Gagareno, who used to work as 3,465 individual recipients. a driver for private companies, said One such budding farmer is that he is glad he tried out vegetable Richard Gagareno of Brgy. Buhangin, farming because he does not only earn Butuan City, who, together with his more but he also has control of his time. partner Romer Amante, established a In addition, he said that there is a sense 1,000 square meter (sq.m.) vegetable of fulfillment knowing that he is among those who provide food for the people. garden in March of this year. Gagareno shared that 900 sq.m of their area is planted with ‘ampalaya’ or bitter gourd and that they had their first harvest early this month.
Recently, their farm was chosen as the venue for a pick and pay vegetable harvesting activity initiated by the DA – Caraga as part of the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month.
“We have harvested seven times Through the activity, consumers already and earned a total of P26,000, so far. I can now say that there is really were given a chance to experience personally harvesting the vegetables money in farming,” he said. they bought at the farm. (DA-RFO He also said that aside from their Caraga/RAFIS/PIA-Caraga)
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Rookie veggie grower gaining grounds in farming
A former driver is now a budding farmer. Richard Gagareno of Barangay Buhangin, Butuan City worked as a driver for over ten years. But earlier this year, after being convinced by a former classmate, he decided to venture into vegetable farming.
this month of May and after seven harvests, they have already earned P26,000.
Gagareno said that he is glad he tried out farming because it is a lot different from having to go to work. He Together with his partner, Romer said that with farming, he earns a lot Amante, they developed a 1,000 more plus he has control of his time. square meter (sq.m.) land early this year. A bigger portion, 900 sq.m was He also said that there is a sense planted with ampalaya. of fulfillment knowing that he is among those who provide food for the people. They had their first harvest earlier (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) June 6-12, 2020 |
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Hitting the mark with the right click
What started as a passion for fixing things turned a small-scale computer technician into an owner of a multi-brand authorized service center in the city. Born in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Richard Y. Talisic had a childhood that revolved around electronics and computers. Growing up to a father who is a former trainer of then National
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Manpower and Youth Council, he started repairing computers and doing electrical works to earn money for his school needs at 17. He eventually worked as a computer technician at
Computer World Marketing in Davao City for 5 years before moving to Tandag City, Surigao del Sur in 1997 to be with his wife, Vilma Rose.
focus and time for the center. There were delays in the servicing and this caused damage to their reputation and loss of their major clients. They also had to deal with customers’ Taking the first step attitudes and demands for immediate actions on their requests. To resolve At the early years of marriage, these issues, they hired technical staff the couple struggled financially not to assist in the servicing and sale of having enough money and savings electronic parts. to sustain their daily needs. To support his family, Richard took odd jobs fixing However, the business operation computers and home appliances of and management became too their neighbors and friends. The high complicated for them since they lack demand for computer technicians sufficient knowledge in effectively at that time gave Richard good pay running a business. They started incurring enough to afford a small space to rent. losses and the employee turnover was This prompted the couple to start their quite high. own service center in 2013 with a fivethousand peso capital. This experience motivated Vilma Rose to participate in the first batch of DTI’s With the establishment of their Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Program. center, more customers started availing Through the coaching and mentoring of their services. Vilma involved herself in sessions with the Angelpreneurs, she the business as head of the operations. learned the strategies and techniques But with her lack of knowledge in in business management. She even managing a business, she decided to came up with an improvement plan to seek the help of the Department of guide her in making major decisions for Trade and Industry (DTI). the company. It was in the year 2014 that Ryt The turning point Click Electronic Parts & Services was finally registered. Guided by their mantra, “our unhappy customers are our greatest No gains without pain source of learning,” they eventually got back the trust and loyalty of their Like any other start-ups, there customers by ensuring customer were challenges faced by the couple satisfaction with every service. in running their business. They finally got their big break in As Richard got hired as Medical year 2016 when Ryt Click Electronic Equipment Technician at Caraga Parts & Services became an Authorized Regional Hospital in Surigao City, he lost Service Center in Samsung Electronics June 6-12, 2020 |
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Philippines Corporation. It was soon followed by certifications from LG Electronics and Concepcion Carrier Air Conditioning Company in 2018 and just recently from Koppel, Inc. These boosted their company image as the most preferred service center in the locality. With this distinction, they were able to penetrate other markets reaching as far as Surigao City taking up 30% of their total market share.
administrative staff and five are trained brand technicians.
They have now expanded their products and services to include directto-home satellite TV installation and repairs, air conditioning installation and repairs and e-loading services.
Vilma is grateful for the assistance of DTI-Surigao del Sur from the start of their business until today.
”Gusto nako nga mo-expand dyud mi and maka-construct og own building namo conducive para sa among mga customers ug mga empleyado (We wish to expand this business and construct our own building that is conducive for our customers and employees),” Vilma said.
“You are God’s chosen people to help and assist small entrepreneurs Looking forward like us,” she said, adding that they will continue to operate to generate jobs Today, the company has a total and help the community. (DTI Caraga/ of 10 employees, five of whom are PIA-Caraga)
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SAP serves as lifeline for grieving family The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Republic Act 11469), signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 26,2020, has paved a way to address the needs of those affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. One of the agencies tapped to make it operational is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Through its guidelines, 492,758 families in Caraga region were identified as the beneficiaries – qualified to receive P5,000.00 as emergency subsidy or aid. The said emergency subsidy will address the needs of low-income families, most affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). One of the families who was able to receive the said subsidy is the family of Ma. Josefina Gilos Bolaso, from the Municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur. Josefina is a person with disability (PWD). But even with her disability, this did not stop her from working – earning to address her family’s needs. She is an on-call traditional massage therapist. She said that she doesn’t charge her clients strictly. Because of that, she gets a lot of clients, because even those who do not have a lot of money could June 6-12, 2020 |
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enjoy her services. “Ang akong paghilot-hilot kay walay tarong nga presyo. Mura rag siyag donation kibali. Mao nga daghan magpahilot nako kay dili man sila mapugos mobayad ug mahal (I don’t have a fixed price for my massage services, it is up to the customer how much she/he will give or donate. That is why there are a lot of people who would avail my services because they are not pressured to pay a hefty price form my services),” Josefina said.
they no longer had money to buy the necessities, most specifically, food. But Josefina heard about the SAP – this gave her family hope. They had something to look forward to. Fortunately, after being validated, their family qualified as one of the beneficiaries for the program. They were able to receive the aid. But sadly, instead of using it to buy food and medicine, it was used to shoulder the funeral expenses of her mother who passed away last May 6, 2020.
Josefina lives with her parents and two other siblings. Before, she did not feel any pressure working as a massage therapist. But when her brother lost his job a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, she became the breadwinner of the family – forcing her to have regular services just to provide for the family’s needs, especially the medical needs for her mother who was suffering from a brain tumor.
“Dako jud na tabang sa amoa ang kwarta nga gihatag sa gobyerno, labi na karon sa among sitwasyon nga nipanaw na si mama. Ug wala ni niabot, dako gyud problema pa among atubangon (The financial subsidy from the government really helped us a lot, especially now that my Mama passed away. If it weren’t for this aid, we would be facing bigger problems now),” Josefina said.
But when the pandemic hit, her job was also jeopardized. To stop the spread of the virus, people are instructed to keep a proper distance and avoid contact with other people. No massage therapy activities were allowed during the community quarantine. This meant that Josefina would have to stop working.
Though it was bitter-sweet on Josefina’s part to receive the cash subsidy under the circumstances, one thing is certain – the Emergency Subsidy Program, under the SAP, was able to address the family’s needs.
Since Josefina’s job was not regular, she wasn’t able to save for the rainy days. What she earned in a day’s work was enough to be used for their daily consumption. So they were in serious problem, because
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The SAP under DSWD is intended for low income or poor families who are considered part of the informal sector. Priority are those families with members belonging to the vulnerable sector, just like Solo Parents, Persons with Disability, and Senior Citizens. Josefina’s family fits all the criteria for them to qualify for the program. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
PROVINCIAL NEWS
June 6-12, 2020 |
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AgSur guv shares government’s efforts amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
As he guested the Laging Handa Network Briefing on Tuesday hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., shared how the provincial government manages the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and its strict implementation of health protocols and preventive measures against the spread of the deadly virus. Since the activation of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and Incident Management Team (IMT) on a 24/7 operation, Gov. Cane bared that the provincial government has also conducted immediate and proper coordination with other local government units (LGUs) and agencies in combating the COVID-19 pandemic within the province.
for proper implementation of guidelines at the checkpoints and quarantine areas, as well as close monitoring and management of boundary checkpoints,” he added.
On the relief/financial support to the local residents affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the good governor cited that for the 1st tranche of distribution of the Food and Non-Food Assistance, “The provincial government sees the provincial government was able to to it that there is constant coordination release a total of P6,888,000.00 while
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in the 2nd tranche of distribution was made through Financial Assistance (in cheques) to 14 city/municipal LGUs as augmentation for relief assistance in response to COVID-19 amounting to P51.7 Million. The provincial government was also able to assist the 72 Mindanao State University students (1st tranche) stranded in Lanao del Sur and provided P2,400 each. When asked about the interventions on the arrival of the Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) in the province, Cane revealed that they continue to strictly implement protocols. Upon arrival, such individuals card through social media. will be placed in a holding area to be Cane also thanked the two subjected to a rapid test. congressional representatives of the “If positive, a swab test will be province - Cong. Adolph Edward Plaza conducted. Samples will then be sent and Cong. Afelito Bascug for always to respective testing laboratories. As for extending assistance to the province’s those who tested negative in the rapid need, especially in the provision of the test, the provincial government will personal protective equipment for the be coordinating with their respective frontliners and health workers operating municipal or city governments to 24/7 to secure the local residents facilitate their arrival,” he said. against the spread of COVID-19. The official also emphasized that the provincial government has engaged into different information dissemination strategies to intensify people’s awareness on the government’s effort to keep them safe from the spread of COVID-19 by conducting TV and radio interviews; disseminating COVID-19 advisory from the PHO; setting up of IEC materials in the barangays and strategic checkpoints through tarpaulins; and daily release of COVID-19 advisory
As his parting words during the said Network Briefing, Gov. Cane expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the frontliners and other volunteers who delivered their services in full force just to ensure the safety and protection of every Agusanon against COVID-19. “We recognize the great deal of effort and dedication of 1,423 individuals who partly comprised the ground players in the combat of the deadly virus,” he said. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) June 6-12, 2020 |
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AgSur SK sets up online ‘palengke’ during COVID-19 pandemic By Jennifer P. Gaitano
Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the municipality of Trento in the province of Agusan del Sur has established the “Online Palengke” since the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine up to this time of Modified General Community Quarantine. According to Niño John Hontiveros, SK Federation president of said municipality, this virtual market was aimed to help the local residents to have a more convenient and less exposure outside their houses when buying their basic needs.
hence, we came up with this idea on ordering online from the different stores operating in the area. We coordinated with the different stores and they helped us in fulfilling this strategy,” bared Hontiveros.
Hontiveros added that they also “We wanted to come up with strategies on how we would be able to opted to help the tricycle drivers whose help the COVID-19 affected sectors in livelihood was also affected. “We were our town particularly in the barangays, able to connect with the identified
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| June 6-12, 2020
tricycle drivers and help them earn by operations such as during the distribution delivering the purchased items from of relief packs to the barangays. the stores to the respective houses of the households,” he said. “With this new normal, we continue to create innovations to cope with Apart from this effort, Hontiveros the ongoing crisis. The youths should emphasized that the SK Federation take part and responsibility in creating closely coordinated with the different a well-informed and empowered government agencies, so they could communities,” underscored Hontiveros. also extend help/assistance on its (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DAR turns over oil repacking facility to AgSur coop By Rechel D. Besonia
The Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Office (PARPO) headed by Jamil P. Amatonding Jr., has handed over the keys of the newly constructed Crystal Oil Repacking Center to Filipinas Palmoil Plantation Inc. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FPPI ARB MPC’s) chairperson Jesus Simbajon on June 5, 2020, at Purok 4, Ebro, San Francisco, this province. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) chief Joven Pizarro, together with OIC-MARPO Josette J. Simbajon, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Jose T. Baron, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science Research Specialist Wenceslao Tianero and Bryan G. Campos, FPPI Manager Josephine B. Palen and other coop officials also joined in the said ceremony.
“My only hope is for the cooperative to manage the building very well so that in the end you will live a more comfortable life,” PARPO Amatonding said. “It is with our best interest to help you so that you will stand above the rest in terms of income,” he added. In his message, Chairperson Simbajon narrated the story that led to the idea of venturing into product June 6-12, 2020 |
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enhancement of palm oil. “Before, we only engage into labor contracting or credit services to our members, but through DAR’s initiative to help us, we have come up with this kind of enterprise, and, we are happy because we have seen the positive outcome since the product launching in 2018,” he said. FPPI ARB MPC Manager Josephine Palen likewise recognized the initiative of the department in looking after the ARBO’s welfare. “What we are today, we owe everything to DAR,” she said. The provision of the facility is under the DAR’s Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project which aims to establish a sustainable Income-Generating Project (IGP) in the area and to provide additional income to 656 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of the FPPI ARB MPC, develop rural-based entrepreneurs, upgrade the production, processing, packaging and distribution and marketing of
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product and at the same time augment the ARBO’s income. The total cost of this VLFED project for the coop is Php780,000.00 of which Php300,000 was allotted for the repacking facility while the rest is intended for capacity development. Meanwhile, DAR Agusan del Sur through the Provincial Investment and Marketing Assistance Officer (PIMAO) has facilitated the processing of the FDA-LTO to expand the product in a wider market. Apart from the local market in Caraga, FPPI ARB MPC has also established the distribution of crystal cooking oil to the institutional market under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP). “With the approval of the FDALTO, we hope to expand our market not just locally but even internationally,” Amatonding said. (DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DA-Caraga releases P4.1-Million worth of farm machineries By Aurelius P. Arais
In leveling-up rice farming in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga has recently delivered 50 units of Pre and Post-Harvest (PPHF) Equipment and Machinery to the province of Agusan del Sur. The said farm equipment amounting to P4.1-million was delivered to Agusan del Sur Pagkain ng Bayan Compound in Bayugan City to ease the burden of the farmer recipients in claiming their farm implements due to travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The 53 units of PPHF equipment includes rice thresher, pump, and engine set with complete accessories, transplanter, rice reaper, and granule applicator cum seed spreader. Around 49 farmer associationrecipients will benefit from the said equipment. June 6-12, 2020 |
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“The Provincial Agriculture Office of Agusan del Sur will be the one to arrange for the delivery of the said equipment to the farmer recipients,” said Engineer Rene Morales, RAED chief.
instructed all his units to facilitate the fast distribution of farmer’s interventions to help attain the food sufficiency goal of the Department especially in this time of the pandemic. Together with the other interventions such as free seeds and fertilizer, loans, and training, it is expected that each rice farmer will increase their yield by 1-2 metric tons per hectare.
The said farm implements were funded through the DA-Rice ProgramRegular Fund in support to agricultural modernization, helping the farmers attain DA’s twin goal- Masagang Ani Mataas na Kita. Aside from equipment and machinery for rice, another batch of Prior to the distribution, DA Caraga equipment for corn and cassava, and conducted a training on the operation high-value crops farmers were on the and maintenance of Farm Machineries pipeline for delivery. for an efficient and optimum use of the equipment. Under Secretary William Dar’s eight paradigms of agriculture, DA Caraga Regional Director modernization is on top of the list. (DA Abel James I. Monteagudo earlier Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Cabadbaran gisuspende ang koleksyon sa merkado ug terminal
Ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Cabadbaran, ning lalawigan, naghatag og duha ka bulan nga temporaryo nga pagsuspinde sa tanan koleksyon sa Public Market ug Terminal Revenue Collection human giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang Special City Ordinance No. 007-2020 nga nagmando niini. Ang pagsuspende nagsugod sa unang adlaw sa Abril hangtod sa katapusang adlaw sa Mayo tuig 2020. Kini ang tubag sa gipatuman nga community quarantine diin gisuspinde ang tanan mga publiko nga
transportasyon, ug ang gidaghanon sa mga tawo nga moadto sa merkado nikunhod, nga miresulta sa mga pagundang, kung dili naminusan ang kita sa mga pampublikong transport operators ug stall owners. June 6-12, 2020 |
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Sigon sa maong ordinansa nga ang kinatibuk-ang kantidad sa gisuspinde nga bayad kinahanglan nga ma-settle sa mga stall tenants sulod sa unom ka bulan sugod sa petsa nga magpagula ang Department of Health (DOH) nga ang Pilipinas COVID-19 free na. Dugang pa, ipalawig usab sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang deadline sa pagbayad sa Real Property Tax alang sa unang quarter ug Payment of Business Tax alang sa ikaduhang quarter pinaagi sa Special City Ordinance No. 006-2020. Ang pagbayad sa tanan Real Property Tax ipalawig gikan Marso 31 hangtod Mayo 15 samtang ang Business Tax ipalawig gikan Abril 20
hangtod Mayo 29 alang karun tuiga, nga walay silot ug charges. Nakita sa komitiba sa Ways and Means, diin tsirman si Bokal Francisco Y. Chan, Jr., nga ang maong lakang magpagaan sa palas-anon sa mga tawo sa pagbayad sa maong fees, ilabi na sa panahon sa pandemya. Ang maong lakang nahisubay usab sa Republic Act No. 11469, “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.� Giaprobahan ang maong mga lakang sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 234 ug 235-2020 sa pagpaningkamot ni Bokal Chan, Jr. (LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusn del Norte)
Senior citizens in Cabadbaran town receive aid from LGU
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
Some 90 senior citizens in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte have received financial assistance under the milestone award from the local government unit (LGU) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Each beneficiary has received P50,000, and by the time they reached the age of 100, they will again receive the additional P50,000 from the LGU.
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Lola Rita Feliscio, a 90-year old was one of the awardees from Barangay 6 of Cabadbaran City who received the P50,000 from the said LGU.
“Thank you for recognizing the senior citizens like us who continue to inspire others while we are still alive and the amount extended will be used and enjoyed by our family,� she said.
year 2013 and this continues to serve the target beneficiaries in the city. She further revealed that 19 senior citizens have already benefited the program while validation of other elderly men and women by the city social welfare Her family was delighted to and development is underway. receive this recognition and at the same time aid from the government, Meanwhile, apart from as such amount could already help recognizing the senior citizens or the support their daily needs, including the elderly men and women sector, the needed medicines and maintenance LGU-Cabadbaran also continues to of Lola Rita’s health condition. address the needs and issues and concerns of the frontliners in order to Mayor Judy Amante bared that there was a proposal of lowering the avert the spread of COVID-19 in the age of who could qualify and receive area. the said Milestone Award so that more The LGU has provided personal could benefit from this program. protective equipment (PPEs) as well Mayor Amante added that the as financial assistance to qualified Milestone Award has started in the individuals. (NCL/JPG/PIA-Caraga) June 6-12, 2020 |
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Army battalion in Agusan Norte welcomes new commander By Alexander Lopez
TURNOVER OF COMMAND. 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centeno (center) presides the turnover of command of the 23rd Infantry Battalion from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr. (left) to Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo (right) on Sunday (June 7, 2020) in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)
The officers and personnel of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) of the Army welcomed Sunday their new commander, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo. Paulo took the leadership of the 23rd IB from Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr. in a turnover ceremony Sunday at the Battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista town.
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The ceremony was led by Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centeno, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Army.
After two years of a stint as
commander of 23IB, Molina will assume cadavers were buried at the encounter a new post at the 4ID headquarters in site. Cagayan de Oro City. Paulo, on the other hand, In his message, Molina expressed accepted the challenge he will be gratitude to the support given by the facing ahead as the new commander officers and personnel of 23IB and asked of the 23IB. them to extend the same support to their new commander. In his message, Centeno ordered the new 23IB commander to engage Under his command, the 23IB the NPA rebels in the area and dismantle carried out successful military operations the remaining guerrilla fronts. against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the provinces of Agusan “Through the milestones in our del Norte, Agusan del Sur and part of peace and development campaigns, Misamis Oriental, particularly Gingoog never compromise in pursuing the City. few remaining armed communistterrorists until they give up their arms Among the notable and peacefully surrender. But until that accomplishment of the 23IB under happens, hit the enemy hard, and the command of Molina include always be on the attack,� Centeno series of encounters that started on said. May 10, 2020 at the border of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental that The turnover ceremony Sunday killed 15 NPA rebels and the recovery was also witnessed by 402nd Infantry of firearms, landmines and subversive Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Maurito documents. L. Licudine, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte 2nd Ten cadavers of the 15 rebels killed District Rep. Maria Angelica Amantewere retrieved and buried in Gingoog Matba and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie City last May 13 while the rest of the Vicente Lagnada. (PNA) June 6-12, 2020 |
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Senior citizen port workers receive relief packs from PMO-Surigao
By Venus L. Garcia
In these tough times of battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the senior citizens are among tho most affected sector in the Caraga region. With this, the Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office in Surigao (PPA PMO-Surigao) initiated to pool resources in order to provide assistance to its elderly personnel.
their own pocket and prepared the relief goods for distribution through its “Adopt and Save a Family” project. Port workers who are 60 years old In the spirit of ‘bayanihan,’ the and above have received the relief employees of the PPA PMO-Surigao packs containing assorted canned has contributed an amount out from goods, rice, milk, egg and coffee.
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Surigao port manager Froilan facilities of the port terminal safe. Caturla said they will continue to support and help their fellow employees amid The Surigao Metropolitan Water the COVID-19 crisis. District-PrimeWater Infrastructure Inc. has put up a handwashing station Rogelio Polvorosa, vice president at gate four of the main base port of the Surigao Porters Association, terminal building and at Lipata port was grateful for the kind of assistance, ferry terminal. saying it’s a big help for their family. He was even more delighted to learn the Surigao State College of Technology concern and compassion conveyed also distributed face shields to the by his co-workers especially in this frontliners of the PPA terminal, while the challenging time. JCI Surigao Wensie, Inc. also donated and installed sanitation tents at the Meanwhile, other stakeholders entrance of the terminal. (SDR/VLG/ have also contributed in keeping the PIA-Surigao de Norte)
Water firm puts up handwashing station at Lipata ferry terminal By Nolie C. Nusog
With the positive feedbacks generated regarding the installation of handwashing stations at the Port of Surigao, the Surigao Metropolitan Water District - Primewater Resources Inc. (SMWD-Primewater) also installed handwashing facilities at the Lipata Ferry Terminal, and an additional unit at the Port of Surigao. June 6-12, 2020 |
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This initiative is part of the measures said. to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To further advance the advocacy of SMWD-Primewater, another Manuel Kong, board chairman handwashing station was installed at of the SMWD-Primewater, saw the the Port of Surigao’s Gate No. 7, right in need for the installation of similar the vicinity where island-bound vessels facilities at the Lipata Ferry Terminal and motor launches are berthed. upon seeing that port of the rollon/roll-off (ro-ro) ships still caters to Meanwhile, the Bureau of vessels transporting vital commodities Fire Protection (BFP) has installed as rolling cargoes. decontamination booths at the Lipata Ferry Terminal and the Port of Surigao. “Lipata Ferry Terminal is an BFP’s decontamination stations important conduit for the shipment facilitate the mandatory disinfection of essential commodities and the risk of all truck drivers and helpers of ‘roof contracting COVID-19 remains ro’ vehicles entering and going out of a concern. Providing handwashing the ferry terminal, as well as those at facilities can help a lot to contain and the Port of Surigao. (PMO-Surigao/PIAprevent the spread of the virus,” Kong Surigao del Norte)
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PMO-Surigao namigay ng relief packs sa port workers na senior citizen
By Venus L. Garcia
Sa gitna ng pagsubok dulot ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), isa sa mga pinakaapektado ay mga manggagawang senior citizen sa rehiyon ng Caraga. Kaya naman gumawa ng inisyatibo ang Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) sa Surigao upang matulungan at matugunan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang manggagawang senior citizens.
ng PPA-PMO Surigao para sa kanilang proyekto na “Adopt and Save a Family� upang makapamahagi ng relief goods.
Nasa edad 60 years old pataas na mga port worker ang nakatanggap sa nasabing relief goods na naglalaman Sa diwa ng bayanihan, nag ng bigas, assorted canned goods, ambag-ambag ang bawat empleyado gatas, kape, itlog at asukal. June 6-12, 2020 |
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Ayon kay Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla, patuloy silang susuporta at mamimigay ng tulong sa kanilang kasamahang manggagawa hanggang sa matapos ang kasalukuyang krisis na kinakaharap gawa ng COVID-19.
Samantala, nagmagandang loob din ang iba pang stakeholders para panatilihing ligtas ang buong pasilidad ng port terminal. Ang Surigao Metropolitan Water District - PrimeWater Infrastructure Inc. ay naglagay ng handwashing station sa gate four ng main base port terminal building at sa Lipata port ferry terminal.
Agad namang ipinaabot ni Rogelio Polvorosa, vice president ng surigao porters association, ang lubos na pasasalamat sa tulong na kanilang natanggap. Malaking bagay anya ito para maitawid ang pangangailangan Namahagi naman ng face shields ng kanyang pamilya. sa mga frontliners ng ppa terminal ang Surigao State College of Technology Batid ang kaligayahan sa habang ang JCI Surigao Wensie, Inc. kanyang mukha dahil may mga taong ay nagdonate rin ng sanitation tents sa nagmalasakit at handang tumulong sa entrance ng nasabing mga terminal. oras ng kagipitan, (SDR/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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PHilMech sets distribution of first batch of farm machines under RCEF The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) is ready to distribute the first batch of farm machines under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) as it successfully conducted the bidding for such. PHilMech Executive Director Dr. Baldwin G. Jallorina, Jr. said the first batch of farm machines to be distributed under the RCEF is worth approximately P2 billion, which is part of the first P5 billion allocated under the fund for mechanization of rice farms.
equipment bidded out and awarded forms the first batch to be awarded to qualified farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) under the mechanization component of RCEF. The next batch of farm equipment to be bidded out will amount to P3 billion. PHilMech conducted an exhaustive evaluation of qualified FCAs before the Under Republic Act 11203, or bidding was conducted starting late the Rice Tariffication Law, P10 billion last year,� he added. will be allocated every year for the next six years from 2019 for RCEF and Forming the first batch of will be allocated as follows: P5 billion equipment successfully bidded out for farm mechanization; P3 billion for were four-wheel tractors, rice combine high-yielding seeds; P1 billion for credit harvesters, rice reapers, precision support; and P1 billion for training seeders, walk-behind transplanters, programs. riding-type transplanters, hand tractors, floating tillers, mini rice threshers, mobile “The P2-billion worth of farm rice mills and rice mills. June 6-12, 2020 |
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Except for the four-wheel tractors, rice planter/seeders and rice combine harvesters, the rest of the equipment bidded out were locally-fabricated.
The next batch of equipment may include mechanical dryers and other types of farm equipment needed in the rice value chain.
However, PHilMech made sure that the four-wheel tractors and rice combine harvesters would be sourced from respectable and established global brands. “This is also to make sure that the funds allocated for the mechanization component of RCEF will be well-invested in quality equipment,” Jallorina said.
PHilMech estimates that farm mechanization can lower the cost of cultivating palay (unmilled rice) by P1 to P2 per kilo. At present, the cost of producing a kilo of palay in the Philippines is P12.72 per kilo while it is P6.62 in Vietnam and P8.86 in Thailand.
A total of 495 four-wheel tractors, 356 rice combine harvesters and 576 hand tractors are set for distribution to qualified FCAs. Also set for distribution are: 103 rice reapers; 52 precision seeders; 106 walk behind transplanters; 118 riding type transplanters; 347 floating tillers; and 46 rice mills.
Besides evaluating the FCAs, PHilMech also conducted training for trainors who would impart knowledge on the importance of farm mechanization and maintenance procedures for agricultural equipment to the farmers and cooperatives/associations qualified to be beneficiaries under RCEF’s components. (DA-PHILMECH/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
17 ROFs, 128 LSIs return home in Bislig City Seventeen returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and 128 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) arrived in Bislig City, as of June 2, 2020, through the Balik-Probinsya Program.
They were successfully fetched by the vehicles sent by the city government of Bislig at the province’s pick-up points, in close coordination with the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Surigao del Sur, and Overseas Workers Welfare
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Administration (OWWA)-Caraga. The ROFs from Manila have undergone and completed the health screening protocols, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test and mandatory 14-day facility-
based quarantine, and all yielded high-risk areas with COVID-19 positive negative before they were transported. cases with local transmission. Upon arrival in Bislig City, they underwent health risk assessment, thermal scanning, and checking of documents conducted by the health professionals from the City Health Office-Bislig. They were ferried to their respective homes and were advised to strictly observed another 14-day home quarantine period as added precautionary health measure. The LSIs were also subjected to health risk assessment upon arrival and a mandatory home quarantine for the person with travel history from low-risk areas, and facility-based quarantine for the person with travel history from
Also, the LSIs and OFWs who have shown COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival shall be brought to Bislig District Hospital for further medical check-up and intervention. The LSIs and OFWs who are still on home and facility-based quarantine are closely monitored by the health workers and barangay officials. The Balik-Probinsiya Program is still accepting applications subject to the availability of the city’s quarantine facilities. (City Info Office-Bislig/PIA-Bislig City) June 6-12, 2020 |
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MINDANAO NEWS
Duterte may hold another meeting with IATF in Davao City
By Azer Parrocha
IATF-EID MEETING. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on June 4, 2020. Malacañang said Duterte may hold another meeting with select IATF-EID members in Davao City. (Presidential photo by Robinson Niñal)
President Rodrigo Duterte may hold his next meeting with select members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Davao City anew, Malacañang said on Monday. “There’s a possibility,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser when asked if Duterte would remain in his hometown and hold meetings from there.
Roque, however, assured that Duterte would continue working and monitoring the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation in the country regardless of where he chooses to stay. June 6-12, 2020 |
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“Whether be it in Manila or Davao, he continues to discharge his function including meeting with the select members of the IATF as usual,” he said. Roque said his last talk with Duterte was during the recent meeting with select IATF members on Thursday (June 4) night. Last week, Roque said Duterte would be staying in his hometown for the next few days to hold “official functions”. He clarified that the President did not fly to Davao City just to have a reunion with family whom he only saw for three days when he first went there last week, but also to “assess” the situation in Mindanao. Before the pandemic, Duterte would usually spend his weekend with his family in Davao City. He stayed in Manila for the entire duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the most stringent community quarantine, to lead the new normal. nation’s fight against Covid-19 pandemic. Roque said the decision to ease Under the IATF-EID’s omnibus quarantine protocols will depend on the guidelines, uniformed personnel, rate of Covid-19 infection and health government officials and employees on system’s capacity to provide critical care official business with travel authority, and of patients. humanitarian assistance staff transporting Pangasinan, Cagayan Valley, medical supplies and laboratory specimen are allowed to travel by land, air or sea. Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Central Visayas, Zamboanga City, Davao During the upcoming IATF-EID City, Albay, Cebu City and Mandaue City meeting, members are expected to are under GCQ from June 1 to 15. discuss the possible transition of areas Modified GCQ (MGCQ) was under general community quarantine (GCQ) to modified community quarantine implemented in the rest of the country (MGCQ) and areas under MGCQ to the until June 15. (PNA)
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US gives P201-M aid to Covid-19 fight in Mindanao
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
The United States embassy in the Philippines said on Friday it will give an additional PHP201 million or USD4 million aid to support the vulnerable population in Mindanao affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
USAID partners deliver water supplies daily to 1,000 IDPs in Marawi transitory sites. (Photo courtesy of US Embassy in Manila)
This brings Washington’s total assistance to the Philippines to over PHP978 million or approximately USD19.5 million. The funding, to be implemented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to reach over 100,000 persons with distributions of essential hygiene supplies, handwashing stations as well as promote hygiene to reduce transmission risk. The aid agency will also continue providing water supply in transitory sites in Lanao del Sur for families displaced by the Marawi Siege and in North Cotabato for earthquake-affected communities.
Last Tuesday, Ambassador Sung Kim met virtually with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials led by Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim. The meeting provided an opportunity for the BARMM leadership to discuss challenges and present its Covid-19 contingency plan. “In these trying times, I am inspired by the resilience and courage of the Filipino people,” said Kim. “The United States and the Philippines have met and overcome many challenges together, and I am confident that working together we will overcome this challenge as well.” (PNA) June 6-12, 2020 |
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NATIONAL NEWS
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
Statement of Secretary Martin Andanar on OHCHR report on the Philippines’ alleged human rights violations and persist impunity
of human rights, due process, and rule of law. This administration has always been for the promotion of positive changes in the life of every Filipino towards nation-building and progress for all. Furthermore, it aims to promote and uphold the due process, rule of law, and integrity that is present in all democratic institutions. While doing so, it is within the duty of the Duterte Administration to uphold these laws against those who oppose and disobey it, regardless of the law offender’s political and ideological position. This administration will never condone any instances of impunity, as the government continues to advance the country’s public order, public safety and security, and public health, among others.
As a matter of fact, all government undertakings have observed due process in respect to the country’s constitution; hence, the high approval rating of Filipinos on President Duterte’s We acknowledge the Office of the administration. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) recognition of Following conclusive facts and the positive changes and development statistics, provided as well by the on matters of human rights and social OHCHR, the Duterte Administration has justice that the Duterte Administration exercised due diligence; promoted has done in the Philippines, through its media security; maintained and comprehensive report promulgated on advanced freedom of speech and June 4, 2020. expression, and suppressed graft and As we have previously and frequently affirmed in the past, we continue to reiterate that it has never been and will never be the Duterte Administration’s policy to undertake programs and measures at the expense
corruption. It has also made a lot of headway in stifling the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country through its comprehensive approach in its anti-illegal drugs campaign. All these stated undertakings have provided tantamount benefits and progress June 6-12, 2020 |
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towards societal development that no human rights and protect lives. one is able to deny. Furthermore, we will continue However, given that the to engage constructively with the OHCHR report contains faulty and OHCHR in providing facts and being inaccurate findings against the Duterte transparent, in a manner that does Administration along with flawed not undermine our sovereignty and will recommendations, the government promote mutual understanding and will continue with its policies and appreciation of President Duterte’s undertakings that sincerely promotes administration.
Andanar exhorts youth to lead the march to new normal
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar urged the youth and community leaders to take the lead in demonstrating the ‘New Normal’ as the country continues to face the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
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may threaten our lives. It is a model in health and livelihood activities,” he added. Andanar said that the “genuine leadership and services” of the youth and community leaders have the potential to forge the future of the country. “It is the main character in the creative minds of our youth. Ultimately, it is the standard of service mirrored in the works of dedicated public servants,” he said. “Leading forward welcomes no in-between, no shade of gray, and no procrastination. Leading forward is duty above all else and especially above oneself,” he added.
In a virtual town hall meeting on Friday, Andanar noted that the presence of the health threat has caused the public to admit that there is no other way but to move forward. “We are in a state of reopening. We now enter a period of adjustments, which we have yet to accept. These premises compel us that there is really no other way than to move forward,” he said. “Leading forward is a paradigm, a standard of conduct in thought and action against the horrific coronavirus, and whatever else that threatens or
The Palace official likewise reminded the youth that they are the future of the nation. “You are the molders of the nation’s dreams. You are the mirrors that reflect honor, dignity, and comfortable life for every Filipino which the President has constantly spoken of and strives to achieve,” Andanar said. According to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the virtual COVID-19 Town Hall Meetings are held to streamline information dissemination efforts through the discussion of recent updates and guidelines issued as measures to fight COVID-19 and to adapt to the current situation. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos) June 6-12, 2020 |
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3.5M families to get 1st, 2nd tranches of SAP: DSWD By Christine Cudis
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Monday that the 3.5 million lowincome families living in areas placed under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) but did not make it to the initial list of beneficiaries will receive the first and second tranches of the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) this June.
DSWD Undersecretary for special concerns Camilo Gudmalin explained that the 3.5 million families were among the 5 million additional lowincome families approved by President Rodrigo Duterte to avail of the financial assistance program.
the 5 million families who applied for the SAP grant since they were not included or qualified in the list submitted by their respective local government unit (LGUs) for the distribution of the first tranche in April this year.
The areas covered by the second “The 3.5 million will receive both tranche will be based on Executive the first and second tranche of SAP,� Order 112, series of 2020 dated May 1. he shared in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. These areas include Central Luzon except Aurora Province, National The 3.5 million families are part of Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon,
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Benguet, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Cebu banks or they may opt to receive via Province, Bacolod City and Davao actual payout. Mabilis ang process ng City. payout using this platform (They have an interface on online/digital wallets, Albay Province and Zamboanga banks. Payout process is faster using City will also be covered by the second this platform),” she said. tranche based on the memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Since the launch of ReliefAgad Medialdea on May 2. app in a virtual presser last May 14, the platform has accumulated over 2 In a statement released earlier million registrations from all 17 regions Monday, DSWD said it is now in the nationwide. process of preparing for the distribution of emergency cash subsidy to the 5 Despite conducting pilot runs in million “waitlisted” families. NCR, regions nationwide facilitated encoding of SAC forms through DSWD reminded LGUs to identify ReliefAgad app. eligible low-income families, validated and assessed to be financially and Calabarzon, with 1,094,332 economically affected by the registrations, recorded the highest, declaration of community quarantine followed by NCR with 789,719, and but were not included in the initial 18 Central Luzon with 103,413. million family beneficiaries of SAP for the first tranche. Despite reaching 2 million registrations, the challenge lies in Swift process reaching the rest of the second tranche beneficiaries coming from 11 identified The beneficiaries and some 1.5 areas: NCR, Central Luzon (except million other families (of the additional Aurora Province), Calabarzon, Benguet 5 million) living in areas that are under province, Pangasinan, Iloilo Province, general community quarantine will Cebu Province, Bacolod City, Davao receive their SAP assistance this June City, Albay Province, and Zamboanga along with the 8.5 million families who City and as well as the left out families also received the first tranche of the nationwide. cash aid. On the directive of President DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao Duterte, DSWD will lead the distribution said in a Viber message that the aid will of the second tranche of SAP. be distributed completely by June. The department will also seek the assistance of the Armed Forces of the “We encourage all beneficiaries Philippines (AFP), particularly female to self-register in ReliefAgad. May soldiers, in the distribution of the cash interface yun sa online/digital wallets, subsidy. (PNA) June 6-12, 2020 |
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No face-to-face classes until Covid-19 vaccine is available By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
Students will remain at home indefinitely after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced its compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to suspend face-to-face classes until a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is available.
Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones (File photo)
In a statement, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones thanked Duterte for supporting DepEd’s endeavor to offer alternative learning methods in light of the public health situation caused by the disease. While preparing schools for “a different setup” is a challenge, she said DepEd is readying the resumption of school operations based on their Basic Education — Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) which would affect almost the entire education infrastructure in the country — from the DepEd Central Office down to the school level.
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“We are updating our policies, realigning our finances, and collaborating with our partners so that our goals of providing quality education and protecting the safety and health of our constituents will be achieved,” Briones said. Remote enrollment is ongoing nationwide with the aim of collecting and assessing household information of students. The enrollment will be crucial in preparing and tailor-fitting the learning delivery method in different localities,
Briones said. Meanwhile, the groundwork for “blended learning” is underway, which would make use of radio, television, online, and modular learning — currently being prepared and updated by the DepEd this year.
acquisition and deployment of learning resources.” For the duration of its implementation of the BE-LCP, she said the DepEd would provide regular assessment reports to the public which it previously committed to the House of Representatives.
“At the same time, teachers are being trained on utilizing newer Last week, the DepEd announced platforms and innovative tools to that a total of 5,204,949 students have aid their professional development,” enrolled in both public and private Briones said. schools nationwide during the first week of its remote enrollment system. To ensure the effectiveness of these alternative learning methods, The enrollment, which is for school she said the DepEd is working with the private sector and education experts year 2020-2021, is done through the to make the necessary steps “logically phone or through online platforms and sound, especially on the development, will last until June 30. (PNA)
Farmers and ARBs are the new heroes in this time of pandemic-- DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones “The agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are the new heroes during this time of pandemic,” thus uttered by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John R. Castriciones during the distribution of farm productivity assistance held in Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, June 5, 2020. June 6-12, 2020 |
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Castriciones said that there is a possibility that the pandemic might still be prolonged for about two years, since no vaccine has not been discovered yet against the Covid-19 virus, hence, our farmers and ARBs literally became our savior. They are the new heroes, for without them, there can be no food on our tables.
by the National Task Group on Food Security.
“I instructed our Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) officers to directly buy products from farmers’ cooperatives to ensure that the money of the government will really benefit the farmers instead of buying from predatory commercial outlets.” she Provincial Agrarian Reform said. Program Officer II (PARPO II) Dindi M. Tan, who facilitated the distribution of Tan encouraged the ARBs to farm inputs in the province said that the organize themselves into cooperatives farm inputs will benefit thirty-four (34) or join ARBOs and strengthen their agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) capacities as an organization. This way, and leaseholders with a combined area they may be able to engage more in of 5.5 hectares out of 30.23 hectares the operation and management of distributed by the DAR. cluster or block farming to achieve economies of scale, consolidate She added that the farm inputs and market their products in bulk, distributed to the ARBs include seedlings, be provided with machineries and fertilizers, pesticides, and farm tools to equipment as common facility, as well help them produce fast-growing crops, as transportation or logistics to improve cash crops and vegetables, in order to access to institutional market. increase food supply in the area and Other DAR Officials graced the generate additional incomes for the event include Undersecretaries for ARBs. Support Services Office Atty. Emily O. Padilla, and Policy, Planning and “The 34 ARBs are members Research Office Virginia N. Orogo, from the twelve (12) agrarian reform Assistant Secretary for Foreign Assisted beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) from and Special Projects Office (FASPO) the four municipalities of Bagabag, Ubaldo R. Sadiarin, Jr., Region 2 Director Bayombong, Quezon and Solano in Samuel S. Solomero, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Alfredo Nueva Vizcaya,” she said. Bong Lorenzo Jr, Bureau of Agrarian Tan said that in selecting the Legal Assistance (BALA) Director Atty. ARB-recipients, DAR Nueva Vizcaya Marjorie Pauig Ayson, Quirino PARPO implemented and included the area Jess Beth G. Quidasol, Public Assistance in the geo-tagging program to ensure and Media Relations Service (PAMRS) real time monitoring, and adapt to the Director Cleon Lester G. Chavez and whole nation’s approach promoting Bayombong Mayor Ralph C. Lantion. food value chain being undertaken (DAR)
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LGUs must strictly enforce Covid-19 health protocols: Lorenzana By Priam Nepomuceno
SMC DONATION. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (center) accepts boxes containing 45 high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) machines donated by San Miguel Corporation in a turnover ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (June 8, 2020). Lorenzana, also chairperson of the National Task Force against Covid-19), says they continue to assess the developments in areas with a high number of Covid-19 cases. (Photo courtesy of National Task Force against Covid-19)
Local government units (LGUs) need to strictly implement health protocols on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to prevent its spread, Defense Secretary and National Task Force against Covid-19 chairperson Delfin Lorenzana said Monday. “Kailangan sana ‘yung mga LGUs ay, they will strictly implement ‘yung mga health protocols natin, kasi konting pagkakamali lang diyan ay ang laki ng epekto nitong pagkalat ng Covid-19 (There is a pressing need for LGUs to strictly implement our health protocols. It’s because a small mistake can
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greatly affect the spread of Covid-19),” Lorenzana said in a media interview on the sidelines of the turnover of 45 highflow nasal cannula (HFNC) machines by San Miguel Corporation to the Department of Health and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.
He was responding to questions on He added that the government whether they are constantly assessing has sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) sets. the country’s Covid-19 cases. “Ia-assess namin kung ano ang mga development sa mga iba-ibang lugar, yung mga epicenters ba, yung maraming lumitaw, Manila, Cebu at saka yung ibang lugar (We will assess the developments on various areas, the epicenters, where many cases were recorded. This includes Manila, Cebu and other areas) so we will decide later on kung ano ang gagawin ng IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) na (recommendation) kay (on what recommendation will the IATF submit to) President (Rodrigo R. Duterte),” Lorenzana said.
“Marami pang darating na PPE (sets) so wala tayong problema sa medical supplies, marami tayong nakaimbak dito sa OCD at kung sino man ang nangangailangan (There are more PPE sets to arrive so we have no problem with medical supplies. We have many stocks here at the OCD and whoever needs them) we can deliver immediately either by land or by air through our military transport,” Lorenzana said. SMC earlier turned over five HFNC machines to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila and another five to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu. (PNA)
LGUs imposing localized lockdowns must form quick response teams
With the general community quarantine (GCQ) in effect in Metro Manila and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in greater parts of the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said local government units (LGUs) imposing localized lockdown in their communities must have organized quick response teams (QRTs) that shall carry out the TestTrace-Treat strategy against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). June 6-12, 2020 |
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“By imposing localized lockdowns in specific areas within their jurisdiction, LGUs must have already organized their QRTs which shall swiftly and efficiently assist in the proper management of the Covid-19 situation in those areas,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año in a news release.
Each LGU must also have available data on population, number of barangays, population density per barangay, quarantine facilities, treatment facilities, mapping of cases, syndrome surveillance, and testing kits before actual implementation of the localized lockdown.
Año said that while the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has given LGUs the authority to impose localized lockdowns, the imposition comes with the responsibility to implement the strategy to contain the disease in the lockdown areas as well as implement social amelioration to alleviate the conditions of those affected.
Section 2 of Executive Order 112 issued by the Office of the President authorizes provincial governors to impose, lift or extend community quarantine in component cities and municipalities, while mayors may exercise the same authority in barangays. He said that provincial governors have the power to declare localized lockdowns in cities and municipalities in areas with 10 or more new clusters of cases; a surge of new sporadic cases within the last 14 days; and incidence of suspected and probable cases.
“Imposing a localized lockdown comes with it several responsibilities. LGUs must be ready to enforce stringent health protocols, aggressively conduct contact tracing, testing, and isolation to contain and prevent the spread On the other hand, city/municipal Covid-19 in the lockdown areas, among mayors can implement localized others,” he added. lockdowns in buildings, business establishments, markets, streets, and He said that the QRTs to be blocks if there are an initial number of organized in implementing a localized cases identified and clustering of cases; lockdown include: Health Promotion in subdivisions, puroks, barangays with and Prevention Team (for syndromic two or more cases in seven days and surveillance); Disinfection Teams; incidence of suspected and probable Swabbing Teams; Contact Tracing cases; and in a cluster of barangays Teams; Medical Evacuation Teams; and districts if there are two or more Law and Order Teams; Barangay Health new clusters of cases and incidence of Emergency Response Team (BHERTS) suspected and probable cases. and Social Amelioration/ Support Teams. Said teams will be stationed at “Such decisions should have the Municipal/City Level Emergency the concurrence of the regional IATF. Operations Center (EOC). Meaning, the mayor must consult with
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the RIATF before imposing a localized surgical lockdowns since we have been lockdown,” he said. able to flatten the curve already”. The DILG chief said the country can now ill afford to place entire regions under ECQ again because “the government has to keep the balance between containing and preventing the spread of Covid-19 and mitigating the social, economic and security impacts of the pandemic crisis. Our approach now are localized and
“We want our local government units (LGUs) to take the lead role and assume greater responsibility in the fight against Covid-19 since they can better assess the prevailing conditions in their respective areas and since they have been given sufficient financial resources by the national government,” Año said. (PR)
Gov’t can’t allow all transport modes yet due to Covid-19 threat By Azer Parrocha
The government cannot allow all modes of transportation to resume operations due to the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat, Malacañang said on Sunday.
File photo
June 6-12, 2020 |
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Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque sought for more patience from commuters, saying that they understand their sentiments but stood pat on its decision to only allow limited public utility vehicles (PUVs) and passenger capacity to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. “We have to consider, however, that Metro Manila, is still under General Community Quarantine; thus, the threat of Covid-19 still exists and is real,” he said in a statement. Roque said allowing a hundred percent of PUVs to ply roads would put to waste government efforts to flatten the curve or slow down the rate of Covid-19 infection.
with 268 bus units, provided access to commuters from peripheral areas such as Alabang, Bacoor, Bulacan and Antipolo. Around 31,700 taxis and TNVs were likewise deployed and are using cashless transactions and online payments for fare collection. Free rides in almost 20 routes and 95 hospitals around Metro Manila are being offered to healthcare workers and medical front-liners. As of June 6, 2020, the DOTr Free Ride for Health Workers was able to reach 1,073,975 in terms of ridership nationwide.
For Phase 2, modern public utility vehicles, and UV express will be added “At this juncture, we still cannot from June 22-30, 2020. let all modes of transportation to be on the streets. This will defeat the purpose Roque also assured that daily of quarantine. Unless a vaccine or cure assessments are done on the transportation is available, we must not let our guards sector. down,” he said. “The government is trying to do more He, meanwhile, reiterated the in order to help of everyone,” he said. importance of implementing a “gradual, calibrated and partial” resumption of Meanwhile, Roque also reiterated public transport under two phases. his appeal to the private sector to provide shuttle services to their employees and only Phase 1, which will be from June 1 -21, allow half of their workforce to physically 2020, includes train and bus augmentation, report for work. public utility buses (PUBs), taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), “What the administration is doing shuttle services, point-to-point buses, is balancing the need to revitalize the public utility buses and bicycles. economy so that we can have livelihood and jobs while looking out for and He said the Department of protecting the health and safety of the Transportation (DOTr) has opened eight public as well,” he said. city bus routes last week and will open three more on Monday (June 8) and more There are 21,895 confirmed cases rationalized routes in the next few days. of Covid-19 infection in the country with 1,003 deaths and 4,530 are recoveries, as There are 28 point-to-point routes, of Sunday. (PNA)
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35K Filipinos repatriated since Covid-19 pandemic By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
More than 35,000 overseas Filipinos (OFs) have been repatriated since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Friday. As of June 5, at least 13,566 land- by countries to arrest the spread based OFs returned to Manila while of Covid-19. During the lockdown, 21,829 are cruise ship crews. business operations have been halted and thousands were displaced from Within the next few days, Foreign work. Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said more repatriates are expected to But aside from effects on arrive from Japan, France, Dubai, Abu employment, thousands have also Dhabi, Bahrain, Washington, and South been diagnosed with the illness. Korea. The DFA said 2,788 OFs “It was announced that starting are undergoing treatment from next week, the quota (for OFs arrivals) Covid-19--273 in the Americas, 154 in will increase to 1,200 each day, so the Asia Pacific, 455 in Europe, and there will be more repatriates,� she said 1,906 in the Middle East/Africa. in Filipino during a virtual conference. There are a total of 5,361 Overseas Filipino workers are confirmed cases among OFs, 2,212 among those severely affected by the have recovered while 361 had died. various mobility restrictions imposed (PNA) June 6-12, 2020 |
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