Caraga InFocus – March 20-26, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 13 March 20-26, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS SEC. ANDANAR: PCOO, ATTACHED AGENCIES INTENSIFY GOVERNMENT’S CAMPAIGN THRU VARIOUS PLATFORMS PAGBABAKUNA SA IBA’T-IBANG PROBINSYA SA CARAGA REGION, PATULOY SA PAG-ARANGKADA

PROVINCIAL NEWS CHIEF ASSURES DINAGATNONS THAT MORE 12 PCOO VACCINES WILL ARRIVE FOR TARGET SECTORS NORTE LGU TO BOOST FISHERY TO FOSTER 14 SURIGAO RECOVERY FROM PANDEMIC PROJECTS BOOSTED IN SURIGAO NORTE 16 INFRA TOWN AMID PANDEMIC IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN UPBEAT ON 17 LOCALS COVID-19 VACCINATION SKS ASSIST STUDENTS IN ACCESSING 18 LORETO INTERNET CONNECTION LGU PRIORITIZES FARMERS EVEN 20 CABADBARAN DURING PANDEMIC OF TESDA SCHOLARS RECEIVE STARTER 21 HUNDREDS TOOLKITS

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MINDANAO NEWS BOOSTING BEEF PRODUCTION: AUSTRALIA PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR MINDANAO CATTLE PROGRAM THE NEW OLUTANGA: FROM PIRATES’ HIDING PLACE TO TOURISM, AGRI-AQUA HUB

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CONTENTS

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NATIONAL NEWS

ANDANAR: MORE VACCINATION HUBS UNDERWAY TO ENSURE INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE COVID-19 JABS DINAGAT ISLAND TOWN TO GET P10-M FUND FOR INFRA PROJECTS

PCOO AGENCIES START FULL OPERATIONS AT MMH NOGRALES LEADS BACK TO BACK TURNOVER OF YOLANDA HOUSING UNITS IN ILOILO

GORDON: DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN DURING HOLY WEEK; COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE GOV’T TO WIDEN IMMUNIZATION DRIVE AS MORE COVID-19 VACCINES ARRIVE PNP ORDERED TO REGIONALIZE PROCESSING OF DEATH BENEFITS GOV’T CRITICS POLITICIZING VACCINE ROLLOUT, PROCUREMENT – PRESIDENT DUTERTE

PRESIDENT DUTERTE ORDERS DOH TO PROBE PEOPLE JUMPING THE LINE IN GOV’T VACCINATION DRIVE GOV’T OFFICIALS, PERSONNEL WARNED ANEW ON CORRUPTION LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS CONTINUING TO PROVIDE INCOME, BATTLE PANDEMIC

COVID-19 NEWS

‘THE VAXPLAINER’ FEATURES EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SINOVAC COVID-19 VACCINE PALACE SAYS NO LOCKDOWN; LAYS DOWN ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS RISING COVID-19 CASES DOH TO RAISE HOTLINE CAPACITY OF ONE HOSPITAL COMMAND

Dinagat Islands LGU backs gov’t info drive for COVID-19 vaccination By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

With their commitment to uphold the health and welfare of Dinagatnons, the provincial government of Dinagat Islands joins the national government in campaigning for the vaccination of every Filipino from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has claimed millions of lives across the world since its outbreak.

Office (PCOO) conducted a series of engagements with local government units across the nation dubbed as the “Pagdalaw/Pagduaw” (visit) to engage with local officials and members of concerned sectors on the on-going vaccination program launched by the national government.

Since the beginning of the year, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), together with the Presidential Communications Operations

On its fifth leg in Caraga region, the municipality of Loreto in Dinagat Islands was visited, where PIA DirectorGeneral Ramon Cualoping

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III and PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar discussed among municipal officials down to the barangay level, the youth, and officials of the provincial government on Monday, March 22, the current developments of the national vaccination program and the future endeavors of the national government concerning vaccination. To achieve this, the agency launched the “#ExplainExplainExplain” campaign, in addition to

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the many communication efforts launched by the PCOO, to intensify information dissemination at the time when the public needs it most. Living up to its name, the campaign was named to explain to the public the actions taken by the government in its vaccination efforts in particular, in addition to informing. “Why are we here? It is because we, as government communicators, eagerly continue to communicate President Rodrigo Duterte’s directives – to provide safe, effective, and free vaccines to the Filipino people,” said PIA chief Usec. Ramon Cualoping III. “This is our avenue. This is one of the ways of bringing information to the people and making them understand what really is happening, what is the vaccine roadmap, when will the people get vaccinated, are they really effective, and so on,” he added. The extensiveness of these efforts was lauded by participating officials. Provincial Governor Arlene Bag-ao thanked the presence of the agency chiefs and for extending their initiatives down to the grassroots level. She then cited the strong coordination among local government units in the province to respond better to the needs of Dinagatnons. “Kalahating taon na ang lumipas na wala tayong

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Cualoping

COVID-19 cases habang patuloy na nagtutulungan ang provincial at municipal governments sa pagsisigurong buhay ang lokal na ekonomiya,” the governor added. Loreto Municipal Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga echoed the same words of gratitude for the national government, stating that their responsiveness is key for local government units to materialize their plans and projects for the development of their respective areas. Meanwhile, during the engagement, Usec. Cualoping elaborated the importance of all the efforts the government has been exerting since the issue on availing vaccines was discussed, which is to achieve a “Healthy Pilipinas.”

Bag-ao

This, he said, can be attained by achieving herd immunity, which requires getting at least 70% of the country’s entire population vaccinated from the disease. “As of March 15, 2021, about 96% or 1,125,600 total doses we have were already distributed in 929 vaccination sites nationwide, with 39% of the said figures were administered for the first dose.” Vaccine from other brands will be arriving soon, he added, both the donated and the procured. Despite the availability of vaccines, the government official urged residents of the province to continue to abide by health protocols and, as much as possible, submit themselves for inoculation. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

March 20-26, 2021 |

News Briefs The country’s 1.7 million frontline healthcare workers are on the top of WHO’s priority list, followed by senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, frontline personnel in essential sectors, uniformed personnel, and working sectors identified by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). xx

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, local tourists continue to flock to some of Loreto’s famous tourist destinations, which include the Bonsai Forest and the Black Beach No. 2, which is famously known as the area where American forces first landed in the Philippines on October 17, 1944. These, Loreto town Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga discussed during his guesting at the Network Briefing News with PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar. The mayor also said he was surprised with the influx of local tourists despite the pandemic but continued to accommodate their stay.

Governor Dale B. Corvera of Agusan del Norte signed (ceremonial signing) Provincial Ordinance No. 584-2021, granting cash incentive of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) to all active and registered PWDs in the province of Agusan del Norte today. Said ceremonial signing was attended by Vice Governor Rambu Bungabong, BM Jun Escasiñas, PSWDO Joy Tejano, PDAO Mylyn A. Junio, PWDs Provincial Federation Officers, and representatives from the Municipalities and City of Cabadbaran. During the Network Briefing News hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga of Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands, emphasized that the health personnel of Loreto District Hospital had already received the COVID-19 vaccines and these frontliners were optimistic that the vaccines will protect them from further spread of the virus.

REGIONAL NEWS

SEC. ANDANAR: PCOO, ATTACHED AGENCIES INTENSIFY GOVERNMENT’S CAMPAIGN THRU VARIOUS PLATFORMS By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) led by Secretary Martin Andanar, together with its attached agencies has geared up efforts in disseminating timely, accurate, and relevant information to the public on the different communications

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campaign of the government which includes information and updates on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccination program, among others thru various platforms. “As the lead communications arm of the government, the PCOO will continue to

implement the Laging Handa Information and Communications Campaign to provide the general public timely, accurate, and relevant information on the Duterte Administration’s efforts and initiatives to combat the spread of the deadly virus,” bared Andanar, in time with the conduct Caraga INFOCUS

of Pagdu-aw (visit) in Loreto, Dinagat Islands. He added that the PCOO and its attached agencies including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will also continue to provide public advisories on the health protocols or precautionary measures, how to counter the proliferation of fake news, and ways to prepare for the vaccination with the use of the different platforms such as the Laging Handa Public Briefing, Network Briefing News, Cabinet Report, Laging Handa Dokyu, Virtual Presser, and other communications campaign of PCOO. Apart from solving the health crisis on

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COVID-19, Sec. Andanar emphasized that the government also continues to address the problem on communist insurgency, which is also a contributing factor that makes people’s lives more difficult in facing daily challenges during this time of the pandemic.

expressed his gratitude to all the Dinagatnons and Caraganons in general for their sincere appreciation and support to the Duterte’s administration. “With President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leading us, the government remains true to its promise to provide the Filipino people the quality public “With the National Task service they deserve, Force to End Local and that we in the Communists Armed government will continue Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), to be productive and we in the government proactive under the last continue to assist remaining year of the the former rebels Duterte administration. through giving them We are thankful of the the necessary and trust and confidence appropriate reintegration that you also continue to programs including show us, and we hope agricultural and that the country will livelihood opportunities,” continue to experience highlighted Andanar. progress throughout the year 2021,” he cited. The good secretary also (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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PAGBABAKUNA SA IBA’T-IBANG PROBINSYA SA CARAGA REGION, PATULOY SA PAG-ARANGKADA By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Patuloy pa ring isinasagawa ang pagbabakuna sa iba’t-ibang probinsya ng Caraga region sa pangunguna ng Department of Health (DOH).

Ang 6,045 ay sa Butuan City; 6,270 sa Agusan del Norte; 13,647 sa Agusan del Sur; 11,130 sa Surigao del Norte; 17,638 sa Surigao del Sur; at 2,634 naman sa Province of Dinagat Islands.

Nitong Marso 23, may kabuuang 1,759 vaccination sites na sa Caraga ang nagsasagawa ng COVID-19 vaccination para sa mga health care workers at frontliners. Tinatayang nasa 57,364 katao na kabilang sa Priority A1 ang eligible o pumasa at nasa master list.

Nasa kabuuang 10,711 ang nabakunahan na sa rehiyon sa first dose at may 496 naman ang napagpaliban muna na mabakunahan dahil sa kanilang medical and health concerns.

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Ayon kay Dr. Ernesto Pareja, chief local health support ng DOH-Caraga,

as of March 24, nasa 91.32 percent na ang nabakunahan ng Sinovac at 44.80 percent sa Astra Zeneca vaccines sa buong rehiyon. Samantala, bagamat accessible na ang mga bakuna, payo pa rin ng kagawaran sa publiko, huwag magkumpyansa. Panatilihin ang pagsuot ng face mask at face shield, sundin ang patakaran ukol sa physical distancing, at magsanitize ng mainam at madalas. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PCOO CHIEF ASSURES DINAGATNONS THAT MORE VACCINES WILL ARRIVE FOR TARGET SECTORS By Jennifer P. Gaitano

During the Pagdu-aw (visit) event held on Monday in the municipality of Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) inspired the people in the said province to strive more as the country continues to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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With the government’s vaccination program, the good secretary also assured the locals that more vaccines will arrive in the region and these are free, effective, and can save lives. “We might have faced a lot of challenges in the year 2020 since the onset of the COVID-19,

yet we are full of hope that this year 2021 would give us the opportunity to get back to our normal lives we used to before. Through the effort of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration, resources were made available in order to procure the 161-million of vaccine doses this year intended to provide to 7080 million Filipinos,” he said. Caraga INFOCUS

Andanar also announced that because of the national vaccination program of the government, at least 249,297 medical frontliners will be inoculated. “For now, we have already established some 956 vaccination sites and more are still to be put in place for an easier and more convenient vaccination of the Filipino people. We encourage everyone to join us and support

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the government in this endeavor for us to achieve herd immunity by ensuring that target sectors are vaccinated to protect you and your family,” he said. Meanwhile, for those who have already been vaccinated since the arrival of the vaccines in the country, Andanar urged them to continue to observe the health protocols. “We ask everyone to continue

to strictly observe the minimum health standards protocols given by the Department of Health, particularly the wearing of face masks and shields, safe physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper hygiene, even those who have already been vaccinated from the virus, to ensure our continued safety and recovery from COVID-19,” he emphasized. (JPG/PIACaraga)

March 20-26, 2021 |

SURIGAO NORTE LGU TO BOOST FISHERY TO FOSTER RECOVERY FROM PANDEMIC By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

With various sectors in the economy now striving to bounce back from the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the local government unit of the municipality of San Benito in Siargao Islands in the province of Surigao del Norte plans on embarking on sardine production in an effort to boost local fishery. While known for its rich seaweed farming, Municipal Mayor Gina

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Menil said seaweed production has been low since the onset of the pandemic.

prospects, with sardine production in mind.

Located on the northwest side of Siargao Island, The town’s seaweed the town also occupies farm, located at Sitio a portion of the Pacific Campingganon in Brgy. Ocean which provides Maribojoc, can produce them the advantage seaweeds year-round. of catching some of But farmers are now the finest fish in the sea. faced with shortage of San Benito prides itself needed materials which in being one of the top in turn affected their local producers of yellow fin business. tuna, a tuna species commonly used for fish This pushed Mayor Menil dishes served in high-end to opt for other business restaurants. Caraga INFOCUS

“Ito ay binebenta ng mga mangingisda sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng probinsya. Kung sila ay malaking pump boat, dinadala po ito sa Surigao City. Yung iba naman na maliit ang pump boat, dinadala lamang sa mga magkalapit na bayan sa Siargao,” she said in an interview for the Network Briefing News episode on Tuesday with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar. “Kaya ako po ay

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nangangarap para sa aking mga kababayan sa San Benito, gusto ko po sana since marami po ang nahuhuli na ganung klaseng isda dito, ay [magtatag] ng sardine production. Alam kong mas maraming matutulungan na mga kababayan natin dito sa San Benito.”

Malaki ang production niyan. Umaabot ang pagbebenta ng mga tao sa Cebu City,” she added.

Meanwhile, the mayor appealed to the national government for assistance to aid their seaweed farming.

“Wag po kayo magalala, Mayor, at ang tanggapan ko po ay bukas para kayo po ay ibridge kay Secretary Willam Dar.” (DMNR/PIACaraga)

“Sana po, meron pong makatulog sa amin.

PCOO Sec. Andanar assured the local chief that these concerns will be voiced to the Department of Agriculture.

March 20-26, 2021 |

INFRA PROJECTS BOOSTED IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN AMID PANDEMIC Several infrastructure projects in the municipality of San Benito in Siargao Islands are currently in the works despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Town Mayor Gina Menil reports the on-going construction of the P67million municipal multipurpose building in Brgy. Nuevo Campo. Phase 1 of the building construction is currently being completed since its groundbreaking ceremony on February 25, 2021. “Aside from that, we have also a municipal gymnasium na ngayon

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By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

ay ginagawa na,” the mayor added during an interview on Tuesday for the Network Briefing News hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar. The construction of the building is still in its early phases. Mayor Menil said the project is costs about P47 million in total. Discussing the newness of the said projects, the town mayor did not shy away from admitting to being a novice in the field of politics, having been appointed as the

municipal mayor less than two years ago. But while such was the case, her determination to foster the growth of San Benito town through infrastructure. The mayor also cited the continuous assistance she receives from the national and the provincial governments for the success of her projects, particularly those mentioned above. The town of San Benito is a 6th class municipality, with at least 6,000 individuals making up its entire population. (DMNR/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

LOCALS IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN UPBEAT ON COVID-19 VACCINATION By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

The locals of San Benito town in Siargao Island in the Surigao del Norte province are now willing to undergo vaccination for the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after months of hesitation, town mayor Gina Menil said. In an interview with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar for the Network Briefing Episode, the town chief said the acceptance rate among residents have ballooned since they launched an information drive for the government’s vaccination program. “Nung una, medyo nahirapan kaming mag convince sa kanila. At first,

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nung humingi ako ng listahan from punong barangays but then wala munang nagbigay ng listahan. It’s because natakot sila,” the mayor said.

vaccinate[d]. Inexplain ng maigi na sila muna ang maunang mabigyan ng bakuna – mga doctors, nurses, at mga opsiyales.”

Thus, the local government unit strived to promote awareness on the COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccination process in collaboration with the municipal health office. And in no time, public confidence increased and fear of the vaccines was gradually eradicated.

This, Mayor Menil said, was what convinced the people to receive jabs for COVID-19.

“After a week na nagconduct sila ng information drive, very productive or positive ang [feedback] na nakuha sa katawhan sa San Benito and they are willing to [be]

As of March 24, 2021, a total of 10,711 health care workers in Caraga region have already received the COVID-19 vaccines, with 91.32% inoculated with the Sinovac vaccines while 44.8% with AstraZeneca. The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga said it will aim to inoculate 57,364 individuals in Caraga based on the masterlist created for the eligible population (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga)

March 20-26, 2021 |

LORETO SKS ASSIST STUDENTS IN ACCESSING INTERNET CONNECTION By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the municipality of San Benito in the Province of Dinagat Islands had shown concern for the students studying at home during this time of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and assisted them in the access of internet connection. Delcy Rose Plandano, SK Federated President of said municipality highlighted during

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the Network Briefing News on Tuesday hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) that while they conduct Computer Literacy Training to the students in the different schools of their municipality with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), they also assess the students’ modules,

and assist and guide them in accessing the internet so they could be able to finish their modules within the given timeline. Plandano added that they continue to reach out to the outof-school youths in their municipality and provide them technical vocational education training/s and even computer literacy. “This will help them Caraga INFOCUS

explore online opportunities and even use it as a platform to promote their livelihood which could eventually improve their quality of life,” she added. She further said that they have partnered with the local government in promoting vaccination for COVID-19 to its residents. “As a youth leader, I promote the good news (to the public)... and that they should not be afraid because this is not only for their welfare but for

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their family and loved ones,” she said. The SK official also highlighted that they give attention to mental health care for the youths. “During this time of the pandemic, mental health care is very important. To address this, we continue to reach out to the youths and increase their awareness so they would never engage in activities that could destroy their lives, instead, lead them to

participate in different activities that make them more productive,” she said. It can be recalled that there had been reports of suicide incidents among youths who easily got depressed when they were not able to accomplish their homework and modules due to lack of internet connection and other requirements which they had difficulty in complying with. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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CABADBARAN LGU PRIORITIZES FARMERS EVEN DURING PANDEMIC Farmers in the city of Cabadbaran in the province of Agusan del Norte were given importance by the city government especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Network Briefing News on Friday, hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, Mayor Judy Amante said that the government are helping their farmers to uplift their living conditions by providing them assistance. “We found out that some farmers are in debt to financers during cropping period that is why they are obliged to deliver their harvest even at a low buying price,” said Mayor Amante. “That is why in order to help them and have enough supply of rice and to support farmers in the area, the LGU offered loans to farmers cooperatives especially in palay seeds. We also extend help to a group of farmers by providing then capital in order to put up their own cooperatives payable up to 5 years,” added Mayor Amante.

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By Nora C. Lanuza

Just recently, the LGU has assisted a farmers’ cooperative in the area by lending them P5 Million that includes putting up a rice mill, building and facilities. “In return, the cooperative also gives two hectares of land to the LGU to use as an agricultural training center for farmers that will surely improve the living condition of the farmers in the area,” Mayor Amante said. Also, the LGU of Cabadbaran is also providing assistance and facilitating the lying-in hatchery for the blue

swimming crabs project in the city. The project is funded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and aside from the hatchery, a shellfish processing and a solar dryer also funded by BFAR is also present in the city to increase the production of fish and other aquatic food resources in the city’s local waters. “With this, there is now a new alternative source of livelihood for local fisherfolks other than fishing,” Mayor Amante said. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

HUNDREDS OF TESDA SCHOLARS RECEIVE STARTER TOOLKITS Some 289 scholars of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the 2019 Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) successfully received their Starter Toolkits on March 20, 2021 at the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries, Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The activity was spearheaded by TESDA Agusan del Norte, headed Caraga INFOCUS

by Dir. Rey M. Cueva in close collaboration with the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries headed by Acting Administrator, Mrs. Nancy C. De Guzman. The activity was graced by Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, Representative of Agusan del Norte 2nd District, Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte, Gov. Dale B. Corvera, TESDA Caraga, headed by Regional Director Tarhata

S. Mapandi, CESO III, the 23rd IB headed by their Commanding Officer, LTC Julius Cesar Paolo and the Agnor Police Provincial Office, headed by PCol. Martin M. Gamba. The 289 STEP Scholars received the following starter toolkits: • 101 Scholars of Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II with a toolkit containing Face Towel, Bath Towel, Face Mask, Scrub Suit, March 20-26, 2021 |

Congresswoman Matba and Governor Corvera for the full support to TESDA programs. She expressed her commitment and desire to reach out and give skills trainings to the NTF70 priority barangays and to facilitate opportunities for livelihood.

Head Band Storage Box, Sphygmomanometer, Stethoscope and Infrared Ear Thermometer • 80 Scholars of Carpentry NC II with a toolkit containing Pull Push Rule, Claw Hammer, Spirit Level Bar, Plumb Bob, Crow Bar, Cross Cut Saw, Chalk Like Reel, Wood Chisel, Try Square, Combination Wrench and Screw Driver. • 30 Process Food by Sugar Concentrate leading to Food Processing NC II with a toolkit containing Food Processor, Candy Thermometer, Measuring Cups, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife 8”, Weighing Scale Digital, Measuring Spoon and Chopping Board. • 27 scholars of SMAW NC I with a toolkit containing Inverter Type Portable

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Welding Machine, Welding Mask and Portable Angle Grinder • 26 Plaster Concrete/ Masonry Surface leading to Masonry NC II with a toolkit containing Point Trowel, Pull Push Rule, Claw Hammer, Spirit Level Bar, Shovel, Hacksaw with Blade, Steel Square, Plumb Bob, Crow Bar, Cross Cut Saw and Steel Float • 25 scholars of Bread and Pastry Production NC II with a toolkit containing Electric Oven, Measuring Cups, Measuring Urn, Mixing Bowl, Digital Weighing Scale, Dough Cutter, Boat Tart Cutter, Pastry Builder, Muffin Pan, Rubber Scraper, Flour Sifter, Wire Whisk, Measuring Spoon In her message, RD Tarhata S. Mapandi thanked

On the other hand, in his message, Gov. Dale B. Corvera, Governor of Agusan del Norte, reminded the graduates to use their skills and toolkits in the improvement of their livelihood and be agents of peace in the community. Congresswoman Matba, in her message, also expressed her full support to the TESDA programs in the province. She instilled to the minds of the graduates how serious the government in helping the people uplift their living through the provision of skills trainings which TESDA has been doing and the provision of starter toolkits to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship. She also expressed her full support to the Barangay Development Projects to the NTF70 priority barangays and vowed to welcome all rebel returnees and to assist in the programs towards inclusive and tangible peace. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

BOOSTING BEEF PRODUCTION: AUSTRALIA PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR MINDANAO CATTLE PROGRAM The Mindanao Development Authority program to transform Mindanao into a major beef production area for the country received a big boost yesterday with the commitment of support from the Australian government. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson, in a meeting with officials of MinDA yesterday, lauded the Mindanao Livestock Development Progam which aims to establish

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cattle fattening facilities in the different provinces of the region. He said a large-scale cattle fattening program which would include processing and packaging would have cascading benefits on the silage and feeds production industry of Mindanao. Ambassador Robinson said Australia could provide technical assistance in the establishment of modern abattoirs and tanneries.

The Cattle Production component of the Mindanao Livestock Development Program involves the fattening of locally procured Cattle in feedlots to be operated by local government units as Economic Enterprise Projects. The Program also aims to import from Australia’s Northern Territory culled cows and steers which will be fattened in feedlots using silage and feeds produced by local farmers and slaughtered in Caraga INFOCUS

abattoirs to be established strategic areas of Mindanao. The long-term program involves the establishment of breeder farms and the upgrading of the local cattle population through Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer.

The Development Bank of the Philippines, MinDA’s financing partner, will be tapped to support the LGUs’ funding requirements for the project.

The fattening protocol will be introduced by outstanding OFW Arnel Corpuz, MinDA’s livestock program consultant who spent 11 years in Australia’s Wagyu Feedlots.

During the engagement yesterday, Ambassador Robinson and the MinDA Chairman agreed to craft the terms of engagement between MinDA and the government of the Northern Territory of Australia where most of the cows and the steers are expected to come from.

The program will be tied to the Sorghum and Corn Industry Development Program pushed by MinDA.

MinDA sought the support of the Australia government in ensuring a sustained supply of cattle for fattening and also

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technical assistance in the establishment of modern abattoirs and tanneries to create a new industry in Mindanao, leather making. The program is expected to be launched before June this year, in time for the onset of the winter season in Australia when ranchers are expected to sell their culled cows and steers. The MinDA Livestock Development Program aims to boost food production in Mindanao to achieve food selfsufficiency and also contribute to the supply of meat for the rest of the country. (MinDA)

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THE NEW OLUTANGA: FROM PIRATES’ HIDING PLACE TO TOURISM, AGRI-AQUA HUB A 20,000-hectare island which for ages was known as a Pirates hiding place, will soon become a major tourism destination in the Southern Philippines with white sand beaches along an 89-kilometer coastline, snorkeling and diving sites and spear-fishing as its main come-ons. The mayors and stakeholders of the three towns of the island which belongs to Zamboanga Sibugay, Olutanga, Mabuhay and Talusan, drew a virtual picture of how they would like Olutanga to be in the next five years during the 2-day planning workshop to craft a Master Plan of Development for the long-neglected island which is the biggest in the Moro Gulf and the 34th largest in the country. The tourism sites will include Pulo Lawom or islet with deep water, Pulo Mabaw or islet with shallow water and the famous Snake island, where sea snakes abound. It will also boost its production of high value aqua and fisheries products, especially the fish cage farming of the expensive “Lapulapu” or Grouper which has a natural spawning area in the island. Officials of the three towns in the island also agreed to jointly develop their dried

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fish-making, the seaweed and coconut industry. Mayors Arthur Ruste of Olutanga, Dr. Lulu Caloñge of Mabuhay and Orlando Ramiso of Talusan accepted the proposal of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) which facilitated the planning workshop to organize a common Tourism Development Council for the island. Addressing security concerns which had placed the island among the high-risk areas in the region, the three mayors committed P1.5-M to be used in building high-speed security boats to be used by both the Army and the police in patrolling the seas surrounding the island. Additional patrol bases of both the Army and the PNP were also identified while the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) pledged to provide a meager counterpart through fund sourcing. The three mayors also agreed to address two very important facilities to prepare for the development of the island into a tourism destination, namely power and water. For water supply, the three towns agreed to jointly develop spring sources in

the town of Mabuhay while identifying and developing water catchment areas and gulleys where mini-dams could be built. To provide sufficient power for the island, the three mayors accepted the MinDA proposal to explore the possibility of establishing a Solar Farm which will be owned by the three towns to provide power for the whole island. At the sidelines of the planning workshop, MinDA facilitated the organization of the Infrastucture Monitoring and Advisory Group which would monitor the construction and implementation of the P1-B Alicia-Olutanga Road Project and the bridge which would connect the island to the mainland. The IMAG includes the provincial government, the construction company, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the religious sector, the barangay chairmen and the mayors of the four towns where the projects are being implemented. At the end of the 2-day planning workshop, all the stakeholders signed a pledge of commitment to implement the identified plans and programs within the next 5 years. (MinDA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar was in the town of Loreto in Dinagat Islands on Monday, March 22, 2021 for the information drive on the national COVID-19 vaccination roadmap of the national government.

ANDANAR: MORE VACCINATION HUBS UNDERWAY TO ENSURE INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE COVID-19 JABS More medical facilities will be used as vaccination hubs to ensure that the rollout of the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program will be more inclusive and accessible to all Filipinos, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured on Monday afternoon. In his message during

| March 20-26, 2021

the information drive dubbed as the Pagduaw sa Dinagat Islands, Secretary Andanar provided updates on the program, which already commenced with healthcare workers as the first recipients of the jabs. “Tungod sa national vaccination program nan ato gobyerno, nabakunahan na at least 336,656 medical frontliners

na importante gajud sa aton pag-recover. Sa pagkakuman, jaon nay 1,623 vaccination sites, ug nagkadaghan an mga gihimo na vaccination sites para mas accessible an bakuna sa ato mga kaigsoonang Pinoy, [Because of the national vaccination program of the government, we have already vaccinated at least 336,656 medical frontliners, who are vital Caraga INFOCUS

in our road to recovery. Now, we have set up 1,623 vaccination sites, and continue to increase the number of these sites, to make our vaccination drive more inclusive and accessible to each and every Filipino],” he said.

146,011 for AstraZeneca.

The national government aims to procure 161 million vaccine doses this year to inoculate 70 to 80 millions of Filipinos against the virus. With this, the PCOO chief encouraged the public to take part in the vaccination program.

“Karon an among panawagan, unta ato suportahan an programa nan ato gobyerno para ma-achieve nato ang herd immunity sa pamaagi nga pagpabakuna ninyo. Para ini sa imo kaayuhan, ug sa inyong mga pamilya [We now call on each and every one of you to support our collective vision of achieving herd immunity by getting vaccinated. This is for your welfare, and your family’s, too],” he said.

As of March 20, 2021 report, the country has received 1,125,600 doses of vaccine. Of the total number of vaccinated individuals, 190,645 were given the first dose of Sinovac’s Coronavac, and

“Pero kung kamo nabakunahan na, ajaw kalimot sa mga minimum health standards. We ask everyone to continue to strictly observe the minimum health standards and protocols given by

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DOH, particularly the wearing of face masks and shields, safe physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper hygiene, even those who have already been vaccinated from the virus, to ensure our continued safety and recovery from COVID-19 [Even if you already received the vaccine, do not forget to observe the minimum health standards],” he added. Secretary Andanar was joined by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Ramon Cualoping III, Loreto Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga, Loreto Vice Mayor Richard Tan, and other officials and representatives of the town. (PCOO) March 20-26, 2021 |

DINAGAT ISLAND VISIT. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar (left) poses with Loreto, Dinagat Islands mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga on Monday (March 22, 2021). Andanar visited Loreto for the conduct of the Explain, Explain, Explain information drive on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Roadmap. (PCOO photo)

DINAGAT ISLAND TOWN TO GET P10-M FUND FOR INFRA PROJECTS The municipality of Loreto in Dinagat Islands province will be receiving PHP10 million worth of funds for infra projects, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday, two days after meeting the town’s local chief executive, Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga.

| March 20-26, 2021

Andanar was in Loreto on March 22 for the conduct of the Explain, Explain, Explain information drive on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Roadmap. He said the PCOO was able to reach out to the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who swiftly responded and pledged to help establish a Malasakit Center in the

town. This is apart from the PHP10 million funding for infrastructure and improvement of Loreto’s road networks. Ladaga sat as guest for a taped interview of an episode of PCOO’s Network Briefing News, where he sought the assistance of the national government for projects that can enhance Caraga INFOCUS

economic opportunities there, apart from his invitation to investors to invest in the town’s tourism potential. “Kami po ay nag-eencourage ng mga investors na sana po ay mayroon nang magkalakas ng loob na mag-invest sa atin dito para mai-upgrade natin man lang ‘yung ating mga transportation natin para sa ganun, mas lalong ma-attract din ‘yung mga tourists na pumunta sa lugar natin (We are encouraging investors to take a chance and invest here so we can upgrade our services in transportation, and attract tourists to come here),” he said. He said the local government is preparing the town, which is located at the northern tip of the province, as another tourist destination in Region 13 (Caraga), with the start of construction of accommodation facilities in anticipation of the increased number of arriving tourists. “Ang pinaghahandaan talaga namin ay ‘yung pagbangon ng economic side natin, kung papano ‘yung mga tao ay kumita muli (What we Caraga INFOCUS

are preparing for is the recovery of our economy, and how the people will start earning again),” he said.

going to tourist destinations (I know that tourism can help a lot. That is why we call on the national government, as well as the provincial government, “Alam ko sa pamamagitan to help us by providing ng tourism, malaki-laki po projects, especially access itong maitutulong. Kaya roads going to tourist kami po ay nananawagan destinations),” he added. sa national government, kasama na rin po ang Loreto prides itself as provincial government, the home of the Mount na matulungan kami Redondo Natural Bonsai na mabigyan ng mga Forest, which has identified proyekto lalo na ‘yung species of bonsai trees. mga access roads natin (PR) March 20-26, 2021 |

PCOO AGENCIES START FULL OPERATIONS AT MMH MINDANAO MEDIA HUB. The state-of-the-art Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City was formally inaugurated by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) officials led by Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday (March 18, 2021). The media hub is a legacy project of President Rodrigo Duterte that serves as the main broadcast facility of the government for the regions in Mindanao. (Screenshot from PCOO Facebook page)

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar led the formal inauguration of the Mindanao Media Hub (MMH) in Davao City on Thursday, marking the start of the full operations of PCOO line agencies in the state-of-the-art facility. “Today, as we stand here together, within the broadcast facilities of the Mindanao Media Hub, we are writing history as we open the vast network of information dissemination in this building, which was soft launched last December 2020,” Andanar said in his virtual message.

| March 20-26, 2021

“This cannot be said often enough: the communication of truthful information is the foundation of a strong republic,” he added. The Mindanao Media Hub, a legacy project of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that serves as the main broadcast facility of the government for the regions in Mindanao, is envisioned to help usher growth in the rural areas. The PHP700-million facility houses PCOO’s satellite office in Davao City, as well as its attached agencies – People’s Television Network Inc. (PTV), News and Information Bureau -

Philippine News Agency (NIB-PNA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM), APO Production Unit, Inc. (APO), and National Printing Office (NPO). Andanar reiterated the plans to establish Visayas Media Hub in Cebu next year that will provide news and information for the Visayas Region. He cited that the initiative of moving government media facilities closer to its audience strengthens the connectivity of the government and the people, which in return Caraga INFOCUS

is expected to revitalize civic participation. “Our office has set the ideal of information dissemination, by establishing direct connectivity with the people, through the best methods and mechanisms of transmission as well as for obtaining feedback. Current video streaming is now a means by which direct and immediate contact may be achieved with the viewers to effect productive discourse and dialogue. This is revitalizing the democratic principle of civic participation,” he said. “We are glad to present these capabilities within the Mindanao Media Hub. Indeed, a well-informed citizenry reflects a well-informed government.” Duterte, in his message, reminded the government media to keep the public empowered through unbiased, truthful, and credible reportage. “The launch of the Mindanao Media Hub is another big step for this generation to foster an equitable Caraga INFOCUS

media broadcasting environment in Mindanao. As you celebrate this momentous occasion, may you, our government media, continue to keep our people empowered through unbiased, truthful, and credible reportage,” he said. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was present during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of the MMH marker. She was joined by PCOO Assistant Secretary Joseph Lawrence Garcia; PBS DirectorGeneral Rizal Giovanni “Bong” Aportadera; NIB-PNA Director Gigie Arcilla-Agtay; and PTV Davao Operations and Production head Rhodamae Hernandez. In her message, Mayor Duterte extended her congratulations to the officials and representatives of the government media agencies present. “As the main source of government news and information, it is not enough that the state-run media outlets have the best and the brightest media practitioners.

Government media agencies must also be equipped with the latest facilities and equipment,” she said. She said that with the Mindanao Media Hub, there will be easier coordination of correct and verifiable data across government media offices and this is vital because now more than ever, in this time of global crisis, information saves lives. She also encouraged government media personnel to continue public service and challenged them to lead in debunking fake information and dismissing malicious information. “For the media practitioners and public servants, we look to you to counter disinformation with facts, to debunk fake news with verified data, and to provide the people of Mindanao and the rest of the world only with knowledge and information that are correct and unbiased. Information that is grounded in the principles of truth, integrity, and accountability,” she added. (PR) March 20-26, 2021 |

NHA Region VI

NOGRALES LEADS BACK TO BACK TURNOVER OF YOLANDA HOUSING UNITS IN ILOILO

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles as Task Force Yolanda Chair, the National Housing Authority, and beneficiary local governments, led the back to back distribution of free housing units in Iloilo on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 as part of the Duterte administration’s commitment to finish all Yolanda housing construction by 2022. The two successive dirtribution ceremonies were conducted virtually for the locations in Anilao

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People’s Village, Brgy. Badiang in Anilao town, and Banate People’s Village Phase 1 & Phase 3, Brgy. Carmelo in Banate town. Since assuming the chairmanship of the Interagency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolandaaffected Areas, Nograles has turned over 35,386 houses to different towns

and municipalities in Western Visayas.

The areas covered by the projects in Region 6 are as follows: Ajuy, Iloilo (3,615 units); Altavas, Aklan (393 units); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo (822 units); Carles, Iloilo (10,708 units); Concepcion, Iloilo (1,000 units); Culasi, Antique (1,974 units); Dumangas, Iloilo (1,993 units); Estancia, Iloilo (3,242 units); Ivisan, Capiz (672 units); Jamindan, Capiz (535 units); Lauaan, Antique (1,267 units); Caraga INFOCUS

Panay, Capiz (1,543 units); Pandan, Antique (1,000 units); Panit-an, Capiz (572 units); Pilar, Capiz (1,354 units); Pontevedra, Capiz (1,168 units); Roxas City, Capiz (1,533 units); and the latest ones in Anilao, Iloilo (364 units) at Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units).

of Anilao Municipal Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque and Banate Municipal Mayor Carlos Cabangal Jr. together with their vice mayor, councilors, municipal officers and staff.”

The Malacañang official added, “We also Nograles emphasized that recognize the tireless the long-due distribution efforts of the NHA under of free shelter to Typhoon the leadership of General Yolanda victims was Manager Marcelino encouraging news despite Escalada Jr., Regional the everyday challenges Manager Antonio del posed by the ongoing Rosario, District Manager Covid-19 pandemic. Fe Jamoyot and the personnel of NHA Region “This shows that the VI. Special mention also Duterte administration to the private project doesn’t forget its obligation developers, who all to provide quality service showed teamwork and even during this difficult dedication to complete period for the country. We the project on a very are particularly thankful demanding schedule.” to the indispensable cooperation and support Nograles made mention

of the recent yearly celebration of Panay Liberation Day as provided by Proclamation No. 430, series of 1989, which commemorates the liberation of the island during World War II, citing the bravery and resilience of the people of Panay in the face of adversity. For their part, both Mayors Debuque and Cabangal thanked the President, Nograles and the NHA for “making the people of Panay proud and restoring their dignity” by providing quality housing and helping rebuild communities in their respective areas. Both LGU officials committed to build on the “gifts” of the administration and show that they were truly worthy beneficiaries of the housing projects.

NHA Region VI

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March 20-26, 2021 |

GORDON: DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN DURING HOLY WEEK; COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE

Anticipating the temptation by people to congregate during the upcoming Holy Week, Senator and Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon warned the public against letting their guard down. “Next week, we will likely see the number of daily COVID-19 cases go down because people will probably not be testing as much during Holy Week, but we must not be fooled by this. The rate of positivity remains dangerously high so we must continue to be vigilant about the safety measures we are taking,” Gordon said.

To prevent the spread of the disease, Gordon called on people to avoid the three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded public spaces, and close-contact settings that put people in range of droplets from speaking, coughing, and sneezing. He said, “I know that Holy Week is traditionally a time for Filipino families and friends to get together, but there will be many other opportunities to do so safely in the future. Now is not the time. I Let’s each do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Let’s also take this opportunity to quietly reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for the sake of our salvation and to think of how we can translate that into our own actions for the upliftment of our nation and people.”

The last several weeks have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases, with PRC data showing an increase in the percentage of positive cases per batch of tests taken this week as compared to the positivity rate in previous months. “We are seeing now that 23% of the tests come out positive, whereas from April 2020 until early March, we were in single digit percentages, the highest being 9% last August. This 23% positivity rate is the highest we have ever seen at the PRC since the start of the pandemic, and it tells us that the virus is spreading unabated,” Gordon explained.

Additionally, Gordon reminded people to be diligent about safety protocols, saying, “wear a mask even at home, especially in the presence of the vulnerable, wear a face shield in addition to a mask when out of the house, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and eat one by one even if you are sitting together, if possible diagonally across each other instead of directly across. Be exaggerated about your safety protocols if you have to. Hospitals are full and we do not have enough doctors and nurses, so let us avoid getting ourselves and our loved ones sick.”

| March 20-26, 2021

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on March 22, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GOV’T TO WIDEN IMMUNIZATION DRIVE AS MORE COVID-19 VACCINES ARRIVE

The government is considering a parallel vaccination strategy that will include senior citizens and service workers in addition to the mass inoculation being done to the nation’s healthcare workers, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting on Caraga INFOCUS

government’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) intervention, Galvez said they are building the Vaccine Deployment Scenario with the help of the private sector, particularly the Ayala Group and the Custom Consulting Group. In this scenario, various groups will be designated to handle the vaccination of different sectors.

“So ito po ‘yong way forward po natin, Mr. President, na nakita po natin para po talaga mapabilis ang ating --- to comply with your your guidance na magkaroon po na tayo ng general public na vaccination,” Galvez said. Inoculating a portion of the country’s general public alongside frontline medical workers could March 20-26, 2021 |

potentially offer the nation better protection from the deadly coronavirus disease compared to the initial plan of vaccinating solely healthcare workers only, he explained. Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, also reported to President Duterte that other countries like the United States, Israel, and Indonesia have adopted such strategy by vaccinating the next “segments” even if previous segments are not yet fully immunized. For instance, the US vaccinated 11 percent of its healthcare workers on the first month of vaccination drive before proceeding to inoculate essential workers, the elderly, and those with existing medical conditions.

16 years old and above. Likewise, Indonesia inoculated 98 percent of its healthcare workers before proceeding to vaccinate four percent of the elderly population; 15 percent of its public service workers; and essential workers. In the Philippines, a total of 1,105,500 vaccine doses have been deployed, inoculating 369,049 or 21.71 percent of the country’s healthcare workers, said Galvez. With a steady supply of vaccines, Galvez said the government can also implement simultaneous vaccination campaign, targeting to inoculate 500,000 to 1 million people per week in April or May.

Israel, on the other hand, first vaccinated 91 percent of its senior healthcare workers before inoculating 50 percent of the residents aged 55 and above; 40 The country expects years old and above; 35 to receive 2,379,200 years old and above; and vaccine doses of Sinovac

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and AstraZeneca in the first quarter of this year, he said, noting that by year-end Philippines will have received more than 140 million COVID-19 vaccine doses excluding the donations through the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. The Philippine government is negotiating the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from pharmaceutical companies Sinovac Biotech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson, the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, and Pfizer, he noted. The Department of Health (DOH) has logged 8,019 new COVID-19 cases on March 22, bringing the country’s total number of infections to 671,792 with 577,850 recoveries and 12,972 deaths. PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on March 22, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PNP ORDERED TO REGIONALIZE PROCESSING OF DEATH BENEFITS President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, March 22, ordered Philippine National Police (PNP) to stop the practice of requiring dependents of deceased policemen to go to the police headquarters in Camp Crame to process death benefits. In a televised weekly public address, President Duterte reiterated the implementation of his previous order to make the processing of death benefits easier for the family members of deceased police personnel. President Duterte said the PNP should designate personnel who will handle death claims and should require the widows or other dependents to process their

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claims at the PNP’s regional offices to prevent corruption and abuse. “I want to have that regionalized, [the] processing. And do not call the heirs or the widow hanggang hindi na… ‘yung araw na ‘yun, pagbigay sa kanya, diretso na,” he said. The dependents of police officers shell out additional money just going to Metro Manila to process their claims and sometimes fall prey to corrupt and unscrupulous members of the PNP, according to the President. “Ewan ko if this is still being practiced now. If it is still the practice, I am ordering you to cut it now,” he said. “I am ordering you now to cut this goddamn. It takes

about two months, three months… Maawa kayo sa mga biyuda… Dapat magmalasakit kayo sa kapwa niyo,” Also, President Duterte named several police officers dismissed from the service for committing wrongdoings. Those dismissed from the service were Patrolman Ralph Rigor Ramos, Police Corporal Dimaciding Ali S. Succor Jr., and Police Staff Sergeant Mary Jean C. Rillera. They were accused of committing grave misconduct and other offenses. Dennis Lomboy, an Attorney V from the National Police Commission (Napolcom), was also removed from service for committing extortion. PND

March 20-26, 2021 |

GOV’T CRITICS POLITICIZING VACCINE ROLLOUT, PROCUREMENT – PRESIDENT DUTERTE Government critics are using the COVID-19 pandemic to score political points especially as the country gears towards the general election next year, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Monday. “That’s what you would call the classic case of if you want to appear white, you paint the other guy black para ang labas mo putingputi ka,” President Duterte said during his weekly public address on government response on COVID-19 pandemic. “Si Mr. Clean, parang ganoon. Ganoon ‘yan eh, style bulok.” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who virtually joined the meeting with the President, said administration critics have intensified their attacks as the country moves towards the election next year by using the pandemic as an issue. Roque said if those detractors still have conscience, they should just help the administration find

| March 20-26, 2021

a solution to the country’s present predicament instead of using the pandemic for their selfish political gains. Responding to government critics, President Duterte said the money intended for vaccine procurement is still with the lending banks and not with the government. The government would only make the payment once the vaccine manufacturers delivered the jabs, he said. “Iyan po ay papel lang. And you know, if you are afraid of corruption, let your mind go easy because these things are not susceptible to anything,” he said. “The money is in the hands of the bank and they collect ‘yong nagpabili sa atin ng bakuna from the bank.” The government has allocated P82.5-billion total financing for vaccine procurement, logistics and other supplies including waste disposal, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. The country’s vaccination

rollout is funded by P2.5 billion from the Department of Health budget, P10 billion from the Bayanihan 2 as well as other fund sources, the finance chief said. The government has secured financing from the World Bank with P24.3 billion; Asian Development Bank, P19.5 billion; and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, P14.6 billion, Dominguez explained, adding government savings and official development assistance (ODA) will also fund the vaccine procurement. “Now, P82.5 billion will buy us enough doses to inoculate 100 percent of our adult population,” Dominguez said. “So ang total population natin is around 110 million. Ang below 18 is 40 million so 70 million lang to vaccinate. So that money, the 82 billion plus the private sector and another 10 billion from the LGUs will be able to vaccinate all the adults in the Philippines this year.” PND

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE ORDERS DOH TO PROBE PEOPLE JUMPING THE LINE IN GOV’T VACCINATION DRIVE President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants the vaccination of an actor in Paranaque City investigated, saying people jumping the line in the government mass immunization campaign may affect future Caraga INFOCUS

vaccine donations. During a public address Wednesday, President Duterte ordered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to investigate the incident in Paranaque City

and submit a report to the Office of the Ombudsman. “Kayo na ang bahala mag-imbestiga nito. Then kung matapos na ito, let the --- your legal office handle the… Or March 20-26, 2021 |

idiretso mo na lang sa --make a report out of that incident and idiretso mo na lang sa Ombudsman. Mas mabuti, mas madali,” the President told Duque.

ng WHO, if you do not follow the list of priority, you might lose the assistance of the WHO. It was made clear to us na ganoon ang pagkasabi.”

The President noted that local officials and influential people jumping the priority line have dismayed health workers who were supposed to be the first to get the jab.

Duque said hospital heads and city health officers are responsible for controlling the vaccines and may be held accountable.

The President noted, however, that the excuse of those officials who argued that they get the shot to alleviate the fear of their constituents should be studied thoroughly.

“Medyo gray area ‘yan na dapat talaga ang una ‘yong mga… Whether or not if they jumped the COVID-19 line of vaccination would President Duterte named require a certain amount of a legal study,” he said. a number of local chief He stressed that the executives that were government should given show-cause orders The country’s 1.7 million strictly follow the priority frontline healthcare by the Department of list given by the World workers are on the the Interior and Local Health Organization top of WHO’s priority Government (DILG) for (WHO) and failure to list, followed by senior getting the COVID-19 do so might endanger shot despite not being in citizens and persons with the supply of COVID-19 comorbidities, frontline the priority list. vaccines especially personnel in essential those donated by the sectors, uniformed The local officials were WHO-led COVAX facility. personnel, and working Tacloban City Mayor sectors identified by the Alfred Romualdez, “But apparently this was Inter-Agency Task Force Legazpi City Mayor Noel not complied strictly. for the Management Rosal, Bataraza, Palawan Eh ang mahirap nito of Emerging Infectious Mayor Abraham Ibba, ang nagbigay ang Diseases (IATF-EID). and South Cotabato WHO, ‘yong COVAX, Mayors Dibu Tuan and eh donated ‘yan. So Also on the list are Sulpicio Villalobos. tinanggap natin knowing indigent population, fully well that we have teachers, social workers, Minglanilla, Cebu Mayor government workers to honor the conditions Elanito Peña, Alicia attached thereto,” he and other essential said. Mayor Victoriano Torres, workers, high-risk socioSan Miguel Mayor Virgilio demographic groups, “Sinabi na sa atin ng Mendez, and Lila Mayor and indigenous people. country representative PND Arturo Piollo II.

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GOV’T OFFICIALS, PERSONNEL WARNED ANEW ON CORRUPTION President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has made renewed warning Wednesday to government officials and personnel saying he is serious in ridding the government of graft and corruption. “If you are not yet convinced that I’m dead serious, then that would be your undoing,” President Duterte said in televised public address, as he disclosed the names of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) personnel who were dismissed from service. Caraga INFOCUS

Those removed from service were PDEA Intelligence Officers Angelito Aragona, Allan Alfred Wee Sit, and Marvin Pabalate. They were dismissed for grave misconduct and after testing positive for drug use. Also dismissed were Henry Saclao, Security Guard II, and Cirilio Dangay, Accounting Clerk II in the NAPOLCOM. They were charged with grave misconduct for demanding and receiving money from police recruits in exchange for facilitating their passing. The chief executive then warned aspiring

police applicants not to transact with unscrupulous individuals, and instead call his attention through a government hotline. “Also, iyong gustong magpulis, huwag kayong magbigay. Sabi ko sa inyo kung may maghingi para pasa --- ipapasa kayo o pahirapan kayo, 8888, sabihin mo kung sino ‘yong tao,” said the President. President Duterte, who vowed to tackle graft and corruption in the remaining days of his administration, has said previously that corrupt individuals have no place in government service. PND March 20-26, 2021 |

LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS CONTINUING TO PROVIDE INCOME, BATTLE PANDEMIC The Duterte government continues to carry out programs that provide people with source of income, prop up the economy and at the same time produce products helpful to the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, Trade Secretary Ramon

| March 20-26, 2021

Lopez said the trade department is working to produce 47 million masks for the poor based on the President’s instruction. Some 13 million masks were produced and the government has so far delivered more than 12 million masks to poor communities, Lopez said. Among the participating

agencies include the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), Office of the President, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department Caraga INFOCUS

of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Aside from producing non-medical masks, the government has spearheaded the production of medicalgrade, internationally certified face coverings as well as personal protective equipment (PPE). The country has been producing 2.4 million pieces of N95 masks per month and 56 million pieces each month of N88 masks. “’Yung coveralls, ‘yong pinapatong sa ating katawan, 3.2 million pieces per month ang capacity, dati zero. At iba pa pong mga ano diyan: ventilators dati zero, ngayon 6,000 units per month; iyong meltblown or filter for face mask, ito ‘yong nasa loob ng face mask, 20 tons per month, dati po zero capacity,” Lopez said. Caraga INFOCUS

Around six local companies are also in talks with the Board of Investments (BOI) for local vaccine manufacturing, Lopez said, noting the initiative will be helpful to the country’s drive for COVID-19 vaccine selfsufficiency. “So ang amin lang pong request dito, siyempre ito po ay nagke-create ng local jobs and local manufacturing, pera ng bayan, sana para sa trabaho sa bayan. So we have to buy local. Ito po ‘yong ating pinupush kasi ‘pag nagbuy local, madali hong makaka-recover ang ating ekonomiya kasi mare-restimulate ang economy,” the trade chief said. And even during the pandemic, the government continues to give livelihood kits, entrepreneurship seminars, mentoring clinic, and various livelihood opportunities nationwide, Lopez reported. So far, 56,281 microsmall and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

received government assistance and 26,240 individuals were given livelihood kits. Livelihood programs amidst the pandemic are also ongoing, Lopez said noting the DTI has already visited Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to assist communities with the help of Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Department of Agriculture, National Housing Authority, DTI and DSWD. Former rebels also received assistance, according to Lopez. “Iyong sa project po natin sa NTFELCAC. Ito po ‘yong mga natutulungan, nabibigyan ng pangkabuhayan package. Nationwide, mga 829 former rebels po ang naabot natin dito.” Returning OFWs were also given opportunities through different livelihood programs, he said, noting the government has recorded total approved loans of P3 billion, which benefited 24,581 individuals. PND March 20-26, 2021 |

‘THE VAXPLAINER’ FEATURES EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SINOVAC COVID-19 VACCINE The Presidential Communications Operations Office – Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (PCOO-OGMPA) is releasing its third episode of “The VAXplainer,” which focuses on the efficacy of the CoronaVac of Sinovac Biotech – the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines that arrived in the Philippines on February 28, 2021, through the generosity of the Chinese government. “This episode will provide components and specifics of the CoronaVac as a safe and effective vaccine for our medical frontliners and fellow Filipinos against COVID-19 as cited by our medical and health experts,” PCOO Sec. Martin M. Andanar said. He also mentioned that this episode of ‘The VAXplainer’ gives deeper insights and ideas to the public to help them understand everything about CoronaVac. The PCOOOGMPA will also produce explainer content videos for AstraZeneca and other vaccines to be soon available in the country. This episode of “The VAXplainer” also features interviews with two Filipino experts on epidemiology and public health. Dr. Maria Consorcia “Conky” Lim-Quizon, a member of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), said that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for medical professionals who are at the

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frontlines since the start of the pandemic. On the other hand, Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana, Director of Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – UP Manila and a member of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Technical Working Group on COVID-19 Variants, cited that the COVID-19 vaccine is modified from the original SARS outbreak, which was 17 years ago. “These vaccines have been in development for the last 17 years. They just swap out ‘yung SARS to SARS-COV-2. The science is there naman to be seen,” Dr. Salvana said during an interview. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo explained the emergency use authorization (EUA) was granted to Sinovac

on February 21, 2021 after intensive and meticulous assessment on the Chinesemade vaccine. On February 28, 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnessed the arrival of the first 600,000 doses of CoronaVac as part of China’s commitment to supporting the national vaccination rollout. Sinovac’s CoronaVac is the third COVID-19 vaccine brand granted an emergency use authorization by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca. EUA was also recently granted to Gamaleya’s Sputnik V, the first Russian-made vaccine against COVID-19. The “VAXplainer” will be aired on PTV and IBC-13. It will also be livestreamed on the PCOO, NTF COVID-19, and Department of Health’s Facebook pages, as well as other governmentaffiliated social media pages.

March 20-26, 2021 |

Roque

There will be no lockdown, instead, additional measures would be put in place to address the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region and its neighboring provinces. This was the announcement made by Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr on Sunday, March 21.

PALACE SAYS NO LOCKDOWN; LAYS DOWN ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS RISING COVID-19 CASES

ang mga probinsya pong ito kasama ang Metro Manila ay nasa ilalim ng GCQ, meron po tayong mga karagdagang mga restrictions,” said Secretary Roque.

“Dahil nga po sa patuloy na pagtaas ng mga kaso ng COVID-19, nagkaroon po ng emergency na pagpupulong ang inyong IATF kahapon at nagkaroon po ng mga bagong rekomendasyon na na-aprubahan na po ni Presidente,” said Secretary Roque.

Going in and out of Metro Manila and the said provinces will be limited to essential travel. “Magkakaroon po tayo ng parang bubble sa NCR at probinsya ng Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, at Rizal,” said Roque. Under the said restriction, Roque said that only Authorized Persons Outside of their Residences (APORs) doing essential travel will be allowed to go in and out of the said bubble.

First among these recommendations is that the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal shall be placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) starting tomorrow, March 22 until April 4, 2021. “Bagama’t

Among those who will be allowed entry or exit into and outside Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan are the health and emergency frontline services personnel, government officials and government frontline personnel, duly

| March 20-26, 2021

authorized humanitarian assistance actors, persons travelling for medical and humanitarian reasons, persons going to the airport for travel abroad, those crossing zones for work or business and those who are going back home, and Returning Overseas Filipinos and Overseas Filipino Workers. Sec. Roque also assured that public transportation shall remain operational, with capacities and protocols following the guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation. “Wala pong pagbabawas sa public transportation,” stressed Roque, who also reminded the riding public about the so-called “Seven Commandments for Public Transportation.” These include wearing of face shields and masks, no talking and eating, proper ventilation and frequent disinfection, no symptomatic passengers, and observing physical distancing.

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Also included in the additional restrictions is the prohibition on the conduct of all mass/public gatherings, including religious gatherings. The holding of weddings, baptisms, and funeral services, on the other hand, shall be limited to 10 persons.

When it comes to dining, Roque said that eating in restaurants, cafes, and other similar establishments shall be limited to delivery or take-out. However, outdoor or al fresco dining shall be allowed provided that additional engineering and administrative controls are put in place such as placing of acrylic or similar dividers, limiting to two persons per Despite the additional table with appropriate measures, Roque underscored that the current seating arrangements, among others. Venue operational capacities of capacity for outdoor dineessential and non-essential in restaurants and cafes, services/industries shall as well as for personal care be maintained, subject services shall be reduced to to adherence to safety a maximum of fifty percent protocols and minimum (50%). public health standards. “Highly discouraged po yung mga personal or face-to-face meetings. Pinagbabawal po yung group meals in workplaces, yung pagkain ng samasama. At highly encouraged po na tayo pong lahat ay magtrabaho from home, at kung kinakailangang makipag-pulong, mag virtual meetings na lang po tayo,” Roque advised. Roque added that the private sector is enjoined to adopt similar alternative working arrangements as those observed in the executive branch of the government, such as thirty percent (30%) to fifty percent (50%) operational or on-site capacity, where applicable.

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The IATF also reiterated the previous resolution’s temporary suspension of the operations of driving schools, traditional cinemas and video and interactive game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, limited social events at accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism, and limited tourist attractions except open-air tourist attractions. Similarly, cockfighting and cockpit operations, including in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), shall be temporarily suspended.

five o’clock in the morning (10:00 PM to 5:00 AM). Workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation, however, shall not be restricted by such curfew. Meanwhile, any person below eighteen (18) years old and above sixtyfive (65) years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women, shall be required to remain in their residences at all times, except when obtaining essential goods and services, or for work purposes in their respective industries and offices. Persons above sixty-five (65) years old may likewise be allowed for outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of outdoor exercises while persons with disability (PWD) may be allowed outdoors for their therapy as well as for outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of outdoor exercises, upon presentation of prescription from their physicians or presentation of PWD ID.

Visiting persons outside their immediate family or other households is strongly discouraged while wearing of masks at home for the elderly and the Roque also announced that vulnerable and for the rest there will be a common of the household is strongly curfew, which is between ten o’clock in the evening to advised. OPS-PCOO

March 20-26, 2021 |

DOH TO RAISE HOTLINE CAPACITY OF ONE HOSPITAL COMMAND By Raymond Carl Dela

1555 to enable call queuing. This, after some complaints of calls not being answered by the OHC. In cases where the hotline rings with no answer, Vega advised callers to wait as the OHC personnel may be busy engaging with a patient as it “takes time to provide medical direction.” The Department of Health (DOH) will soon increase the capacity of the One Hospital Command (OHC) hotline after the service was “swamped” with calls in the midst of the highest surge in cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country. In a virtual presser, DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said the OHC hotline currently receives an average of

| March 20-26, 2021

The OHC was established 280 to 300 calls per day last year to centralize compared to 66 calls per transfers, referrals, and day in February. to provide medical direction between “We are swamped with hospitals with regards to many calls and we don’t patients with Covid-19. have the technology of call forwarding,” Vega The OHC was meant said. to reduce the mortality To add to the capacity of the hotline and improve the service of the OHC, he said more lines will be added aside from augmenting the service through the DOH’s Covid-19 hotline

rate among Covid-19 patients by ensuring the availability of Covid-19 facilities by maximizing temporary treatment and monitoring facilities for those with mild and asymptomatic cases. (PNA)

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