CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7
21 -27 March 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
Volume IV, No. 13
PROVINCIAL NEWS
20 7 21 8 23 10 24 25 12 27 13 28 14 30 32 17 33 MINDANAO NEWS Caraga remains 36 negative from COVID-19 37
AgNor local officials seek support from national gov’t Local leaders urge public cooperation on localized community quarantine
SK leaders render service as Army reservists amid quarantine
DSWD readies over P5-M worth of food packs in Caraga
Caraga wins POPDEV nat’l contest anew
DA issues food lane passes to ensure delivery of agri-fishery essential commodities Crime incidents in Caraga down by 19.85%
AgSur appeals to media, locals to verify COVID-19 info before sharing AgSur guv urges public to cooperate with authorities in implementing precautionary measures
Bayugan City households receive quarantine pass Joint task force to combat COVID-19 launched in SurSur Surigao Sur volunteers make masks for Covid-19 frontliners MGB 13 conducts budget proposal consultations for FY 2021
PNP Caraga top cop ensures welfare of all police personnel Buhi sa buli: Badjaos weaving positivity Caraga authorities implement tight security, precautionary measures vs. COVID-19
Surigao City gov’t to observe 4-day work week Frontliners fear PPE supply shortage Davao Region’s first coronavirus patient discharged
NATIONAL NEWS
39 40 42 44 46
PNP going after peddlers of fake news regarding nationwide lockdown – Sec. Andanar Gov’t virtual portal for Covid-19 safe from hackers: PCOO PRRD to LGUs: Obey national government’s lockdown guidelines or face charges Sen. Go supports proposal for National Week of Prayer amid nationwide COVID-19 situation Healthy forests sustain lives, provide protection vs. diseases
COVID-19 NEWS
50 52 53 56
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Senate passes bill granting PRRD special powers vs. Covid-19 Protective health gears allocated ‘rationally’ nationwide: DOH Unrestricted movement spreads Covid-19 ‘faster’: Palace Gov’t eyes add’l aid for poor amid Covid-19 crisis
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News Briefs DOH-Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr., announced during today’s briefing that Caraga remains a COVID-19 Free region, as there was no confirmed case reported until this time. In compliance with Executive Order No.18 Section 6 “Mandatory Disinfection,” signed by City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, the Operations Unit of the Incident Management Team is tasked to lead and conduct the disinfection activity in public places to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19. Last night (March 24), the Operations Unit of the IMT conducted disinfection at the city streets starting 9:40 PM. Every establishment in the city is also requested to do disinfection in their own area. CSU Chemistry Division together with DOST Caraga personnel helped in formulating the disinfectant solution for the city.
The Surigao del Norte Oplan Away COVID-19 Command Center is open 24/7 to serve all Surigaonons. People are advised to stay at home while they are working for you. Following the mandate of DOH on Social (Physical) Distancing, the LTTMO personnel conduct OPLAN SITA and simultaneous distribution of leaflets for the implemented ‘No Back Ride Policy’. This intervention targets to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 among motorists in Butuan City. (Butuan City PIO)
Caraga remains neg By Jennifer P. Gaitano
B
UTUAN CITY - As announced by Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr., Regional Director of the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga, during his briefing on Thursday, the nine swab samples sent to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City were tested negative of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Dr. Llacuna bared that six patients were confined at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City while three were at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Surigao del Sur. “We’re happy to announce that none of them tested positive of COVID-19,” he said. laboratory capable of performing biohazard tests like the COVID-19. Confirmatory testing for COVID-19 includes certain requirements like RealTime Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) based testing kits, Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) Cabinets, trained Medical Technologists on biohazard safety and To date, Caraga region does not the Biohazard Safety Laboratory itself have a specialized molecular biology which will cost millions in purchase and Latest data showed a total of 36 patients under investigation (PUIs), 12 are currently admitted while 24 are on strict home quarantine. Three PUIs have already been discharged following negative results and good medical condition.
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March 21-27, 2020
gative from COVID-19
Davao City because we still don’t have the capacity to perform them here in the region. In the meantime, while we are still awaiting for the other results, I urge all Caraganons to continue cooperating with us, the LGUs, and the uniformed personnel by simply staying at home and practicing health preventive measures,” Dr. Llacuna added. Based on the Department Memorandum No. 2020-0108, or the “Guidelines for Management of Patients with Possible and Confirmed COVID-19,” it stated that admitted patients with severe manifestations, elderlies, and PUIs with co-morbidities are the criteria for specimen collection and COVID-19 testing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Llacuna urged everyone in the region to continuously cooperate with the government in its effort to avert the spread of the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. He further enjoined all Caraganons to more time for proper training before follow precautionary measures for the operation. With this, all nose-throat swab region to remain as COVID-19-Free. collected samples of qualified Persons “We are all in this together. May Under Investigation (PUIs) are brought to SPMC as it is the only qualified sub- it be big or small; we can contribute national confirmatory testing laboratory in halting the spread of this disease. I encourage everyone to continue in Mindanao, Dr. Lllacuna said. to wash your hands, practice cough “We collect samples from qualified etiquette and physical distancing,” the individuals and bring them to SPMC in health chief concluded. (JPG/DOH-13/ PIA-Caraga) March 21-27, 2020
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
SK leaders render service as Army reservists amid quarantine By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY - Upon the implementation of the community quarantine in Butuan City, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders in the city have partaken in the heightened inspection in the checkpoints alongside police and military forces.
Former SK Federation president Engr. Wen Kok Lim Chiang II reiterated that all SK leaders will automatically become reservists upon their appointment to the position. As such, they are to respond to the directives of the military, especially at dire times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
military personnel but we are doing our best to help our local government and maximize our role as public servants,� he added. Much like the police and military personnel, the reservists are tasked to conduct thermal scanning and profiling of visitors in the city.
“As we are only reservists, we may not be equipped with advance level Engr. Chiang recounted some of training such as those of our police and the major problems faced by the military March 21-27, 2020
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Regional News and police personnel during their shifts such as the failure of the residents and visitors alike to comply with the protocol imposed under community quarantine. Despite the mandatory stay-at-home policy, some still choose to go out and loiter in public. There would also be instances that those waiting in line in the checkpoints would mock and sometimes curse them.
government unit (LGU) of Butuan in repressing the spread of the disease in the region.
At present, thirty-seven SK leaders are designated at the five entry and exit checkpoints in the city. In order to continue fulfilling their other duties as youth officials, they work by shifts. In terms of sanitation, the former SK president bared that they are also The youth’s act of volunteerism made to follow disinfection procedures has thus contributed significantly to to maintain hygiene and sanitation. improve the response of the local (PIA-Caraga)
DSWD readies over P5-M worth of food packs in Caraga
By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY - A total of 15,599 family food packs (FFPs) worth PHP5.7 million are being readied by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga) as part of the agency’s preparation for relief augmentation to the families affected by Coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
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March 21-27, 2020
Regional News “The number of FFPs will increase in the coming days as repacking is still ongoing at our Disaster Operations Center in Tiniwisan, Butuan City,” Marko Davey Reyes of the DSWD-13 information office told Philippine News Agency on Wednesday. Reyes said some of the FFPs have been delivered to six preposition areas in the provinces and are ready for distribution if needed. “We usually do the augmentation through the request of the local government units (LGUs). These FFPs are ready to augment their needs,” Reyes said. He said some of the FFPs were prepositioned in Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, San Jose in the province of Dinagat Islands, Tandag City in Surigao del Sur, Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur, can immediately make procurement and in Dapa, Siargao Islands, Surigao through our standby fund.” del Norte. Community quarantines are The rest of the FFPs are still at the implemented in all provinces and cities Disaster Operations Center in Tiniwisan, in the Caraga as a precautionary he added. measure to contain the spread of Covid-19. Reyes said the FFPs can also be utilized in food for work programs As of Tuesday, Caraga has zero and projects that will be undertaken cases of Covid-19, with 32 patients by the LGUs, or be distributed under under investigation (PUIs), 13 of them the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis are admitted and 19 are on strict home Situation (AICS) in the LGU levels. quarantine. “We have enough food packs for the people of Caraga Region,” Reyes said, adding that DSWD-13 still has a standby fund of PHP3 million for FFPs. “Anytime, if there will be requests, we
In the same period, Caraga has a total of 6,485 total persons under monitoring (PUMs) in which 1,507 were cleared and 4,978 are still on monitoring. (PNA)
March 21-27, 2020
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DA issues food lane passes to ensure delivery of agri-fishery essential commodities
BUTUAN CITY - The food lane accreditation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Caraga Region has already served 1,097 walkin and online clients from the region. DA Caraga through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division leads the issuances of the food pass and food lane vehicle pass cards to suppliers and farm producers. This is to ensure the unhampered delivery of food supply and other agricultural commodities amid the Community
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Quarantine period in the region due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To fast track the applications the Local Government Units through the Provincial, City, and Municipal Agriculture Offices and the DAAgriculture Program Coordinating
March 21-27, 2020
Regional News Offices extended their assistance in Animal Industry (BAI), and accreditation the processing of documents in their of meat transport vehicles from the respective areas. National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). Transport of live hogs and pork According to OIC-Regional products should continue to comply Technical Director for Operations with shipping permits in monitoring the Rebecca R. Atega the DA-Caraga African Swine Fever (ASF). augmented an additional workforce to act to the bulk of online applications On the other hand, OIC-RTD Atega and to cater to the needs of the walk- recently coordinated with the Philippine in clients. National Police – Police Regional Office XIII (PNP-PRO XIII) and Philippine Army “The verifying team makes sure 402nd IB-4th ID to allow vehicles of agrithat all applicants are complying with fishery suppliers issued with Food Lane the needed requirements. The process stickers to pass the checkpoints with no of application is easy and it is also hassles. accessible online,” Atega said. “In response to Agriculture In adherence to social distancing Secretary Dar’s directives, DA-Caraga guidelines and to ensure that health seeks the assistance of the PNP and and safety of both DA frontliners and Phil Army to give immediate support applicants are not compromised, the during the product delivery as we value Department encourages the online the importance of the unhampered movement of food supplies is necessary application, she added. in these trying times,” said OIC-RTD The agricultural suppliers are Atega. requiring to furnish scanned copies of the official receipt of registration, certificate or registration, and business permits.
Miguel Ledesma, owner of the St. Michael Rice & Corn Mill and Pidol Miki Factory in Barangay Noli, Bayugan City, is grateful for the initiative of the Department in issuing the Food Lane They will also accomplish the Conduct Pass. Food Lane Accreditation Application Forms, Food Lane Reference Form, and “We cannot deny that this is also Statement of Commitment, which can a risk for our suppliers. This is not just only be downloaded on the department’s for business but also this is part of my website. social responsibility to help more people as we commit to continue the delivery For livestock, poultry, and by- of our product to our distributors so that products, additional requirements there will be available and affordable include a scanned copy of the food for their customers. This is a big handler’s license, accreditation of help for all of us,” he said. (DA Caraga/ transport carriers from the Bureau of PIA Caraga) March 21-27, 2020
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Crime incidents in Caraga down by 19.85% BUTUAN CITY - Based on comparative crime volume 11 days before and after the implementation of localized community quarantine in different areas in Caraga, the number of crime incidents went down to 19.85 percent, according to Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division.
PRO13 Director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. disclosed that from 277 crime incidents from March 1 to 11, 2020, the figure decreased to 222 from March 12 to 22, 2020.
attempted stages of seven-focused crimes) whereas the public safety index covers the vehicular incidents and other quasi-offenses.
“The reduction of crime incidents is attributed to the strict implementation of localized community quarantine and the enhanced security measures of the police force regionwide. The security and safety of the people are at the top of our priority amidst the crisis brought Peace and order index is about by coronavirus disease 2019,� comprised of index crimes (murder, RD Esquivel, Jr. said. homicide, physical injuries, robbery, theft, carnapping of motorcycles, He also appealed to Caraganons carnapping of motorized vehicles and rape which are known as seven- to cooperate in the implementation focused crimes and the special complex of community quarantine and to crimes) and non-index crimes (violation report to the nearest police station any of special laws and the Revised Penal information on crimes occurring in their Code including those frustrated and communities. (PRO13/PIA-Caraga) In the same period, the peace and order index also decreased from 67.41 percent to 50.88 percent while the public safety index also went down from 90.47 percent to 79.24 percent.
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March 21-27, 2020
Regional News
PNP Caraga top cop ensures welfare of all police personnel BUTUAN CITY - During the special meeting held here yesterday (March 23), Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. vowed to ensure the well-being of his troops especially those manning in the checkpoints.
PRO13 Regional Personnel and Records Management Division was eventually ordered to coordinate with the Regional Health Service (RHS) to monitor and submit daily health updates of every PNP personnel in the region.
nurses regionwide. In case the need arises, they will be placed as members of the Quick Response Team for possible additional deployment on the ground.
Being a member of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF “Citing that the war is against an EID), the PNP has deployed more troops invisible enemy, one way of knowing on the field to assist in the implementation the enemy is for cops to be capacitated of localized community quarantine. with essential information particularly on the symptoms of coronavirus disease “As the fight against COVID-19 2019 (COVID-19) through the templates continues, we want to keep our to be disseminated by the RHS to the personnel safe and protected. lowest rank and file,” BGen. Esquivel, Jr. said. Meanwhile, we enjoin our people to cooperate with the authorities when On the other hand, PRO13 has passing at the checkpoints or better accounted for a total of 197 police stay at home to get rid of the dreadful officers who were graduates of disease,” BGen. Esquivel, Jr. added. medical-related courses like registered (PRO13/PIA-Caraga) March 21-27, 2020
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Buhi sa buli: Badjaos weaving positivity
Olivia straightens up as she was about to fold the last strip of the dried buli leaf to cap off her day. Olivia Jawatan, 49 years old, a mother of three, works hard to earn for her family’s needs. For a Badjao like her, it is unlikely that she depends on a sustainable job, or a livelihood. But after enjoying the benefits of one of the government’s programs, she is able to enjoy a livelihood she has learned to love. The Badjao, like many of the country’s indigenous peoples, are a vulnerable tribe. Forced resettlements, homelessness, and extreme poverty remain the constant challenges to their living. These push them to take the risky path of begging on the streets or diving
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for coins thrown to them at the pier, to earn a living. Widely known as “sea gypsies” because they live and fish in coastal areas, they are often beyond the reach of government assistance due to their nomadic existence. Yet, a barangay in Surigao City proves this untrue. Out of their shells Canlanipa is one of the 54 barangays in the capital of Surigao del Norte. In its barangay’s coastal areas, live an estimated 250 Badjao households. Most of these households have no source of living. Others own small fishing boats, but it was unable to
March 21-27, 2020
Regional News sustain their daily needs. Fortunately, a survey was done in 2009 and Badjao families of Canlanipa were assessed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
parent-leaders in their barangay because of her inherent virtues, wisdom, and charisma. Prior to being a parentleader, she has served her community for over 34 years, ensuring peace and order among tribal members. She rendered service with her compassion, helping the community whenever there are problems that need to be addressed at all times.
From the surveyed families, 41 households qualified for DSWD’s new program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) – the country’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program. 28 families qualified for the Though language barrier is an regular UCT, while 13 families were issue, Dahila sees to it that her members qualified for the Modified CCT. are in compliance with the conditions of 4Ps such as keeping their children It was a challenge for the qualified in school, maintaining health checkfamilies. The program had different ups, and attending the monthly Family conditions that the members would Development Sessions (FDS). During comply with to receive their grants. these times, she serves as the translator In the early part of the program’s of their discussions, should her members implementation, they had a hard time need translating about the contents of complying with the conditions. Olivia the modules they are using. It is also a shares how hard it is for a Badjao parent breather for their City Link assigned to like her to understand everything about have Dahila as the parent leader since the conditions of the program. she can easily provide her service to all, ensuring that no Badjao is left out. “Kasagaran sa amo diri dili makabayo mubasa o musuyat. Dako Change of living gajud na tabang an amo tribal leader “Pagmulaong gani na Badjao, sa pagproseso sa mga rekisitos na an huna-huna dajon nan mga tawo kinahanglanon nan 4Ps (Most of us manlimosay kami. Pero diri sa amo here are illiterate. Our tribal leader is barangay, taghinay-hinajan na namo really of great help to us in processing pagbag-o an amo panginabuhi the requirements needed for the tungod sa amo mga nakat-unan sa Program),” Olivia said. FDS (When you say Badjao, the people will automatically think that we are Badjaos, like other IP groups, beggars. But here in our barangay, we depend on their tribal leaders. are slowly changing our way of life, Fortunately, one of their more especially in terms of our livelihood – dependable and strong-willed leaders, and this is because of what we learned Dahila Araman, was one of the during our FDS),” Dahila said, as she beneficiaries of the program. explained the importance of attending She was chosen as one of the program’s the monthly FDS. March 21-27, 2020
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Regional News In Chapter 13 of the Program’s operations manual, the grantees have the most crucial role in achieving transformation and development of the family thus, “it designed the FDS to have a venue for household grantees to enhance and acquire new skills and knowledge in responding to their roles.” Moreover, the second module (Responsible Parenthood), presents a topic on Family Resource Management, in which the grantees are taught of income-generating strategies and marketing procedures. One of these is buli weaving. “Gikan ini sa dahon sa buli, amo dajon ibuyad sa suga. Pagmamaya na, amo na dajon sugdan an paghimo sa banig. Tungod kay waya may amo hamok na materyales, amo ra kinamuton (These are from the strands of buli/buri palm. When it dries, we start the weaving process. Since we do not have equipment, we manually weave these mats),” Olivia shared. Buri (Corypha Elata), is a large fan palm commonly found in tropical countries. Its leaves are sliced into strips, sun dried and dyed. An arduous and very tedious process, buli weaving requires hard work, determination and patience from the Badjao women. Despite its being still a callow enterprise, it has the potential of becoming sustainable in the long run as it is linked to economic opportunities, a characteristic that, for Paterna M. Ruiz, Undersecretary of the Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), emphasized as vital to the alleviation
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of poverty, even in small ways. Financial literacy Data presented by NAPC showed that 21.9 million or 21.6 percent of Filipinos are income poor. Under the Department’s Major Thrusts in line with the Philippine Development Plan 20172022, it seeks to lay down foundation for inclusive growth, a high-trust and resilient society, and a globallycompetitive knowledge economy. “Dako an amo pagpasalamat sa DSWD-4Ps kay kuman naanamanam na pagkakita sa mga tawo na dili kami taman ra sa pagpangajo sa kadayanan sa Surigao, kon dili naningkamot sab kami para mulambo sa kinabuhi (We owe our big thanks to DSWD-4Ps because now the people can slowly see that we are not just beggars on the streets of Surigao, but we are working hard to have a good life),” Dahil said. Olivia and Dahila are just two of the Badjao residents in Surigao enjoying the benefits of the Pantawid Pamilya Program. With their relentless pursuit to provide for their families, and change the image of the Badjao’s, they strive to be productive citizens by putting into action what they learned from the program. Without a doubt, their financial literacy has reflected the efforts of the Department in attaining its service brand – DSWD May Malasakit, and for the Badjao community, this is just the start. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
March 21-27, 2020
Regional News
Caraga authorities implement tight security, precautionary measures vs. COVID-19 By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Amid the increasing number of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 patients in the country, the local government units in the Caraga region have leveled up the implementation of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. In the province of Agusan del Sur, the authorities are strictly implementing the conduct of thermal scanning procedure in the designated checkpoints to check the body temperature of all the individuals and
assess if they manifest symptoms of COVID-19. According to Sanny Dale Cinco of the Provincial Correctional And Security Management Office, there are
March 21-27, 2020
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Regional News
instances where individuals are found to have a high temperature during the screening, not because that they have a fever, but due to the hot weather condition in the area.
Every office in the provincial government also offered free use of sanitizers or alcohol, and maintained a clean comfort room for clients and public use.
“We carefully check the temperature of the individuals coming in and out of the government center and once we find them to have beyond a temperature of 37.5, we would refer them to the nearest hospital for further medical checkup. This is part of the strict implementation of the precautionary measures to ensure prevention on the spread of COVID-19 disease,� said Cinco.
Meanwhile, Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., has released an executive order declaring the suspension of classes in all levels in all schools in the province starting March 16, and has canceled big events and gatherings this month.
With this effort of the government, the locals have been cooperative and are following the health protocol imposed by the local government units.
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Meanwhile, in the recent visit of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles in Butuan City, he announced that all COVID-19 testings, including quarantine and isolation costs, will be shouldered by the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation. (JPG/PIACaraga)
March 21-27, 2020
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
AgNor local officials seek support from national gov’t
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – Amid the outbreak and health threat brought by the coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country, the local officials of Agusan del Norte brought up their concerns and asked the national government to provide testing kits for the Caraga region.
They also seek the support for testing kits in the region, we would the provision of personal protective easily know who are those affected equipment for the frontliners. and who are not based on the results. Our frontliners also need to have the According to Governor Dale personal protective equipment that Corvera, despite being a COVID-free they could use while they handle the region, it has recorded more than 3,800 PUIs in the health facility,” said Corvera. persons under monitoring (PUMs) while 13 are patients under investigation Meanwhile, the City Tourism of (PUIs). Butuan has also asked assistance from the national government to help in “If only we have readily available addressing the concern of the tourists
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March 21-27, 2020
Provincial News who were stranded due to the ongoing implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and localized community quarantine in the different regions.
provide a special trip/s for the tourists who were stranded and let them go back to their homes. Same with those Caraganons who were also stranded in other areas,” Dominese cited.
Butuan City Tourism Officer Evangeline Peña-Dominese asked for special trips for the return of the tourists in their respective places, as well as those Butuanons and Caraganons who were stranded in other parts of the country.
The government called on the public to obey and follow the health protocols imposed by the authorities in the designated checkpoints, including the curfew hours and other rules and regulations in order to continuously prevent the spread of the said virus.
“For now, we only have one concern in the tourism sector, and that is to ask for help from the national government that if possible they could
Everyone is also reminded of the regular washing of hands, the use of alcohol or sanitizers, and is encouraged to stay at home. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Local leaders urge public cooperation on localized community quarantine By Nora C. Lanuza
BUTUAN CITY – Following reports that there are residents of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte who failed to follow measures and protocols set by the local leaders in the implementation of a community quarantine, Governor Dale B. Corvera of the province of Agusan del Norte reiterated his call to Agusanons to please stay at home and follow the measures to avoid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the province. Governor Corvera said he the strict implementation of Executive acknowledged the very critical role of Order No. 18, its measures and protocols the front liners against the virus. He said, being set, is for the betterment of every March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News Agusanon. “The front liners are putting their lives at risk to protect the entry of the virus to our province, let us not make their sacrifices put into useless. We are asking for your cooperation and please stay at your home while the order is still being enforced,” he added. Gov. Corvera said that if the situation will worsen, they are also forced to put the province into an enhanced community quarantine like what happened in Luzon, “so now that we can still control of the situation, avoid going out from your respective homes,” said Corvera. Governor Corvera also urged the public to spare time to pray, because this is the most effective weapon to combat the virus. Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada also called on Butuanons to cooperate and be vigilant, he said that even if he is still in home quarantine, the government is still on top of the situation. The city task force with the help of both the public and private sectors is doing its best to contain the spread of the virus.
that other companies have closed their establishments to protect their employees from the virus.
Earlier, the Butuan City law enforcement team apprehended two drivers who were not observing social distancing in their multicabs by exceeding eight passengers. The violators were escorted to the police station and the vehicles were sent to Violators on the measures and the local traffic and management protocols set on the issued executive office for processing of affidavit of order will be penalized and be given undertaking. appropriate actions, he said. As of this writing, the province of The local official also encouraged Agusan del Norte and Butuan City are the public utility operators and drivers still free from COVID-19. (NCLM/PIA not to increase fare to help residents Caraga) cope with the situation, especially
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March 21-27, 2020
Provincial News
Caraga wins POPDEV nat’l contest anew By May Ann O. Escobal
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - For the second year in a row, Caraga Region was declared Champion in Population and Development Quiz (POPQUIZ) during the recent National Festival of Talents at Ilagan City, Isabela jointly administered by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM). Joemarie B. Castones from Caraga Regional Science High School, Surigao City, won the 1st Place, the same school who brought honor to the region in the last year National PopQuiz. Marife C. Curada is the same coach who never gets tired in doing researches despite full-time work as classroom teacher.
Castones added that the event helped him increased his knowledge of the current issues faced by them, the young people.
Meanwhile, Merreny J. More of Antonio C. Dagani Central Elementary School, Cabadbaran City, ranked 2nd in Poster-Making contest in the said In an interview, the young POPQUIZ festival of talents. wizard revealed that he felt very More is thankful for the opportunity well-heeled for winning in one of the significant competitions for population to showcase her artistic talent in postermaking; raising awareness by depicting and development. March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News the main issues on the rising incidence of too early pregnancy and encourage her fellow adolescents to become more sexually responsible to have a brighter and better future.
In its continuing and intensified advocacy, POPCOM underlined the significance of the Festival of Talents as one key strategy of the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program, where students challenge one another in the battle for population Castones and More are consistent and development knowledge and honor students of their respective information. schools. As an agent of change, they continuously drive to great The Festival of Talents is an achievements by actively engaging innovative way to reach young people into different competitions, academic and involve them in the advocacy while or non-academic; inspiring their fellow showcasing their skills and talents. This is young people to practice positive and done yearly from school elimination to responsible sexual behaviors among division and regional level. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga) themselves.
AgSur appeals to media, locals to verify COVID-19 info before sharing By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - As the need of timely, accurate and reliable information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) is vital in this crisis situation, the Provincial Public Information Office (PPIO) in Agusan del Sur has called on the public particularly the media from the different towns to only tell and share verified and validated information from legitimate sources. Alfredo Plaza, Jr., PPIO chief, emphasized that this should be the primary concern of the media, so people remained well-informed despite the localized community quarantine implemented in the entire province.
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“All should be responsible in making sure that the information they have gathered are verified and validated before sharing it with others in various platforms. This is to prevent people from confusion and make them
March 21-27, 2020
Provincial News “Remember, this is not about who gets the news first and be on the spotlight, but it’s about ensuring that everyone around us is able to get the right information and let them be aware of the things to do and what to avoid for them to be spared from the spread of the harmful COVID-19,” Plaza added.
panic over baseless information,” said Plaza.
Meanwhile, Plaza further bared that those media personalities, who are working within the province of Agusan del Sur and are gathering data in the different municipalities for their reports, are urged to have with them their ID and should undergo the screening process at the checkpoints, as the community quarantine is strictly implemented in the entire province.
Plaza further reminded all that any individual who will be caught creating fake news and sharing it online will be charged for violating the AntiCyber Crime Act, wherein responsible “No one is exempted to undergo person/s shall be put to prison and shall the health protocol,” he said. (JPG/PIApay the corresponding penalty. Agusan del Sur)
AgSur guv urges public to cooperate with authorities in implementing precautionary measures By Jennifer P. Gaitano March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News BUTUAN CITY - With the ongoing implementation of the community quarantine in the entire province of Agusan del Sur, Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. called on the locals to obey and follow the rules and regulations imposed by the authorities from the Department of Health (DOH), Provincial/Municipal/City/ Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) in fighting against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. “We should follow orders from the officials in the barangay/city/ municipality/province, as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) for us to ensure that nobody will be affected by the said virus,” Gov. Cane, said.
of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the said virus while the province is under community quarantine.
The barangay officials are also making the move to properly inform their constituents on the things to do in order to continuously prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Hotline and emergency numbers are posted in every barangay so people could immediately report any related incident.
Meanwhile, despite being a COVID-Free province and region, for now, Gov. Cane urged everyone not to be complacent, instead, always follow and apply the precautionary measures and health protocol, maintain proper hygiene, social distancing, and to stay at home, and to ensure that said disease would not affect more people and increase the number of persons under monitoring (PUMs) and patients under investigation (PUIs).
The governor, who leads the Agusan del Sur Task Force COVID-19, is also visiting the designated checkpoint in the province to personally check and assess whether the health protocols are continuously followed/complied. This is to ensure the implementation
“Going outside your houses and roaming elsewhere would only give the virus the chance to infect more people without you knowing you have it already. Don’t be a virus carrier. Stay home, stay clean, and be safe,” said Cane. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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March 21-27, 2020
Provincial News
Bayugan City households receive quarantine pass
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - As the entire province of Agusan del Sur implements the community quarantine as part of the provincial government’s precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the city government of Bayugan has already distributed the quarantine pass to every household. The city government wanted to limit the movement of the local residents for less exposure outside their homes and prevent the chance of spreading the disease. It can be recalled that Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis has issued the Executive Order No. 65, series of 2020, wherein he declared the entire city under general community quarantine.
Just recently, Mayor Asis also announced that the LGU has issued a quarantine pass allowing individuals to go out of their houses to buy the basic commodities and other essentials, as well as, for those employees in public and private entities.
“While Bayugan City remains free of positive COVID-19 case, there are limited testing kits available and it takes weeks to get the results back, thus, an urgent need for a ‘Mandatory SelfIsolation for All’ because everyone is a suspect now carrying the coronavirus in this life-and-death situation,” bared “Along with the pass, individuals Asis. should also present their ID for March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News verification. Without the pass, anyone will not be allowed to go out from their homes and roam elsewhere without official business,� said Asis.
persons in authority both in the city and barangay levels to be present at border points and also oversee the movement of the people in internet shops/cafes, basketball courts and Mayor Asis added that the other recreational areas. quarantine pass, which the city government will be providing to every He also urged the concerned household shall not be reproduced, personnel to monitor the prices in otherwise, those who will be caught grocery stores, sari-sari stores, 24-hours violating will be put to prison. He further convenience stores, supermarkets, fast bared that the pass shall only be food restaurants, pharmacies, and produced by the City Social Welfare public markets, and other essential and Development (CSWD) office and business establishments. City Planning Office. The pass is also non-transferable with other users. Meanwhile, other municipalities like Sibagat has also released and Mayor Asis also urged the uniform distributed the quarantine pass to personnel and quarantine officers, the barangays. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del persons in authority and agents of Sur)
Joint task force to combat COVID-19 launched in SurSur By Cpt. Jonald D Romorosa
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Concerned law enforcement agencies have formally launched the Provincial Joint Task Force Corona Virus Surigao del Sur Shield (PJTF CV SDS Shield) on Saturday, March 21, 2020, held at the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office, Camp Vicente Pimentel Sr., Brgy. Telaje, this city. The said task force was organized to oversee and support the implementation of the directives of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the
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Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID). Its mission is to maintain the peace and order, and enforcement of laws to prevent and
March 21-27, 2020
Provincial News
contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by establishing quarantine control points to seal-off the five main entrance and exit points in the province of Surigao del Sur. The event was spearheaded by Police Provincial Office chief PCol. James Goforth, as the designated commander of the task force, along with 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) Commander Lt. Colonel Jezreel Diagmel, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and chiefs of police of the 17 municipalities, and two cities of the province. The activity was highlighted by the signing of the PNP-AFP-PCG-BFP Joint implementing directive Nr. 1-2020 in support of IATF-MEID. In his statement, Lt. Col. Diagmel lauded the bold move of the PNP Surigao del Sur for activating and organizing the Joint Task Force in the
province. “We in the Philippine Army, particularly the 36IB, will fully support the implementation of PJTF CV SDS Shield. We will ensure that the peace and order will be fully implemented as we combat this virulent disease,� Diagmel said. He also urged every Surigaonon to cooperate and bear with the security forces in these trying times. The joint task force has established five main quarantine control points to seal-off the entrance and exit points in the following areas: Barangay Adlay, Carrascal via Claver, Surigao del Norte; Barangay Payasan, Lianga via Los Arcos, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Sitio Cutlog, Barangay Bahi, Barobo via San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Barangay San Jose, Bislig City via Trento, Agusan del Sur; and Sitio Lomar, Barangay Sabang, Lingig via Boston, Davao Oriental. (CMO Officer, 36IB/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)
March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News
Surigao Sur volunteers make masks for Covid-19 frontliners By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – A group of women, youth, and members of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) in the Surigao del Sur town of Carmen are getting accolades from local residents for using their sewing skills to provide facemasks for the health frontliners in the fight against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19). “We talked Thursday night last week (March 19) and we started the project on Friday. There were seven of us who started this,” Zairha Sarmiento Pude told Philippine News Agency on Monday (March 23).
Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) in Carmen. Pude said she and her friends were discussing on how to provide support for the frontliners of their town who are fighting to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Pude is an agricultural engineer by profession and an employee at the
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March 21-27, 2020
“One said we could produce
Provincial News facemasks since most of us knew how their group. to saw. Everyone agreed and by the next day we convened and started the “We are 12 now working to project,” she recalled. produce more facemasks for our frontliners here,” Pude said. Even with their talent in sewing, they initially encountered some As of Monday (March 23), the difficulties at first as most of them had group had already produced 200 not sewn facemasks before. facemasks that will be distributed to health workers, police personnel, the “The first day was trial and error. Army, and other frontliners involved in We only had one sewing machine. manning quarantine checkpoints in Despite the difficulties, we were able to Carmen town. produce 30 facemasks,” she said. “They need facemasks to protect They then borrowed hand sewing themselves. What will happen if our machines but most of these broke frontliners will also get sick? The efforts down, hampering their goal to produce to protect the people of Carmen from more facemasks. the threats of Covid-19 will be in peril,” Pude said. It was at that point that they turned to social media to crowdsource She added that the group will with their fellow residents for assistance. continue to make facemasks as donations start to arrive, particularly “We told them to just donate threads, sewing pins, and cloths. materials and they need not help us. We were also worried about breaking the Facemasks will also be distributed ‘social distancing’ rule if many people to clinics and health centers in the area, would turn up to help,” she said. including tricycle drivers and market vendors in Carmen. Pude also expressed gratitude to Esperanza Integrated School for “Thank you to the people of allowing them to use one of the senior Carmen for the support. In our little high school classrooms with sewing way we can help the government fight machines. Covid-19 by supporting our frontliners,” Pude said. “That was a relief. How can we produce more if we only have one The municipality of Carmen is a sewing machine? The school came to 5th-class municipality in the province the rescue,” she said. of Surigao del Sur composed of nine barangays and a population of 10,347 As of Sunday (March 22), four people based on the 2015 census. more youth with talents in sewing joined (PNA) March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News
MGB 13 conducts budget proposal consultations for FY 2021 By Melinda B. Navida
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-13) conducted the FY 2021 Budget Proposal Consultations with civil society organizations (CSOs) held recently at the MGB 13 training center, this city. In view of the Regional Development Council’s (RDC’s) approved Regional Guidelines for the Regional Budget Review for FY 2021 budget proposal, all agencies, state universities and colleges and other government instrumentalities shall conduct consultations with partner and interested CSOs, religious organizations and other stakeholders.
in order to generate feedbacks on MGB’s programs and projects from stakeholders prior to the endorsement of its proposed budget through the RDC of Caraga Region.
During the consultation, MGB 13 Planning Officer Carl Orven C. Eludo gave a comprehensive presentation on the FY 2021 budget proposal.
Engr. Leonel Z. Santos, Chairman of Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, Inc. and Arceli T. Napalan, Executive Director of REACH Foundation, attended the He expounded on the details consultations and took note of MGB’s of the Bureau’s work programs targets and accomplishments. and the corresponding budgetary requirements. All the stakeholders affirmed their approval for the said budget proposal’s The need to conduct budget endorsement through the RDC. (MGBreview and consultations is imperative 13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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March 21-27, 2020
Provincial News
Surigao City gov’t to observe 4-day work week By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The city government of Surigao will begin its four-day workweek on Monday (March 23) in a move to protect government workers from the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Mayor Ernesto U. Matugas, Jr. who made the announcement on March 20, said the time of work of City Hall employees will also be adjusted from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.
Zero Covid-19 case
The mayor reiterated that as of Friday (March 20), Surigao City has no confirmed Covid-19 case, although it has recorded six patients under investigation (PUI) and 135 persons Matugas also clarified city under monitoring (PUMs). government offices involved in medical, “Prevention is better than cure. This rescue, garbage collection and is why the city government has issued economic enterprise are not included several guidelines through executive in the four-day workweek and will orders, to continue our enhanced continue with their normal operations. monitoring, response, and prevention Last Friday’s public address also aims to allay the fears of residents on Covid-19 and to counter the spread of disinformation-- especially on social media--on the status of the city in the midst of the continuing threat of the said disease. “I know that all of you are troubled due to the health crisis we are facing. There are many speculations and fake news circulating in the social media on the status of the Covid-19 in Surigao City. These hearsays only make matters worse by creating panic in our midst,” Matugas said.
of Covid-19,” the mayor said.
He pointed out that upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s national public health emergency declaration on March 8, the city government immediately heightened its monitoring activities through its Covid-19 task force. “On March 11, we issued the health advisory on Covid-19, informing the public of the use of thermal scanners for all arriving passengers, and directing all establishments and offices to provide free use of rubbing alcohols or sanitizers to their customers,” Matugas said. Restrictions
March 21-27, 2020
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Provincial News The advisory, the public is also reminded to avoid unnecessary travels and mass gathering, to observe social distancing and observe proper cough etiquette and refrain from spreading fake news.
Authority base port. The transfer of the docking area, he added, was necessary to ensure that all arriving passengers in Surigao City will undergo thermal scanning.
“On March 12, after discussions with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders, we issued Executive Order No. 21-2020 declaring class suspension at all levels, from March 16 to 22, 2020. The class suspension was extended until March 30, 2020, through a memorandum ordered by Governor Francisco T. Matugas,” he said.
“We also issued Executive Order No. 23 that prohibits any mass gathering and activities in the city. We are doing this to prevent the possible spread of the virus by practicing social distancing measures since the inter-agency task force for the management of emerging infectious diseases said the Covid-19 can infect a large number of people,” the mayor said. He also asked the religious leaders Matugas said despite the issuance in the city to suspend religious gatherings of E.O 21, information continues to to prevent the spread of the disease. reach his office of some tertiary schools in Surigao City that opted to conduct “As much as possible, the city online classes. government will not use force. I know they are religious and devoted to their “May I remind again all the teachers church but they should not forget that and school administrators to prioritize they are citizens and they have the the safety of the students, since some responsibility. This is only temporary,” students live in far-flung barangays with Matugas said. The observance of curfew no internet access, while some students hours is also strictly implemented in the have no personal computers or laptops city and the limit of hours of operations at home,” he said. of business establishments. “Let us not compel them to come here in the urban barangay to access the internet at computer shops. It will defeat the purpose of class suspension. Make the students stay at home away from public places,” he added. Matugas also noted that Executive Order No. 21 issued on March 13 transferred the docking area of interisland passenger vessels, from the city port boulevard to the Philippine Ports
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“Instead of temporary suspension of business establishments, we decided to limit their operating hours by imposing a city-wide curfew, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.,” he said. The city government also conducted disinfection of public places such as the children’s playground, parks, the public market, waiting areas, the city boulevard, and other public places as part of preventive measures. (PNA)
March 21-27, 2020
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News
Frontliners fear PPE supply shortage
By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – Health authorities here have expressed concern on the dwindling supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by the frontliners in combatting the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Dr. Leopoldo Vega, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) medical center chief, said they are currently looking for suppliers in Manila to purchase the equipment.
and frontliners with more PPE. Meanwhile, Dr. Maridee Sebumpan, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (ERID) team member of Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), said “Were getting donations, but the they still have PPE supplies but also worry problem is sustainability. We are looking in case of an influx of Covid-19 cases. for suppliers for PPE’s so that we will have “We have the PPE’s but we don’t a constant supply,” Vega said in a press know how long we can handle this,” she briefing on Wednesday. said. He added that the PPE, which mostly are disposables, can easily be procured by the government and what they are only eying is the right supplier.
Apart from PPE, Sebumpan also said that N95 masks, which are also in short supply, are also important for the frontliners.
Vega added that they are not certain as to when the fight against Covid-19 will be over and they are in dire need to be provided with the desired resources during this time.
However, she said that they are also given intervention by various institutions in terms of other needed support by the frontliners, such as food, transportation, and accommodation.
“By that kind of strategy, the workers are given the support that they need especially the desired kind of protection so that they don’t get contaminated,” he said.
“We extend our thanks to everyone who helped us in this fight,” Sebumpan added.
SPMC and DRMC are the only two public hospitals in the region which have He also called on the help of the capability and expertise to handle donors who can provide health workers Covid-19 patients. (PNA)
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March 21-27, 2020
Mindanao News
Davao Region’s first coronavirus patient discharged By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – Davao Region’s first confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patient has fully recovered and has been discharged from the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
This was confirmed Monday by Dr. Annabelle Yumang, director of the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11), during a virtual presser where the health official also appealed to the public not to stigmatize recovered Covid-19 patients. Yumang said PH130 was already sent home to her family in Davao de Oro. The patient, a 21-year old female, from Pantukan town, arrived in the Philippines from the United Kingdom with layover via Doha, Qatar to Manila then to Davao on February 29.
anyone to stigmatize or spread rumors about Covid-19 patients, adding that neighbors and friends of any patient should instead help the patient ease the trauma wrought by the disease. “They do not want that to happen and they also have undergone difficult times dealing with the disease. So we need you to understand their situation,” the DOH-11 chief said. Meanwhile, the Davao de Oro Emergency Operations Center (DDOEOC) said Monday that seven out of nine patients under investigation (PUI) in the province have tested negative for Covid-19.
PH130 first sought consultation in a local health facility due to cough and was immediately isolated on March 9, Yumang said. She was transferred and admitted for isolation and testing to a The PUIs involved have been referral hospital last March 10. discharged over the weekend, Yumang said it was wrong for DDOEOC said. (PNA) March 21-27, 2020
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NATIONAL NEWS
National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PNP going after peddlers of fake news regarding nationwide lockdown – Sec. Andanar
“Kailangan meron talagang managot dito, kailangan meron talagang kasuhan dito. In fact, ito ay pinapatutukan na ng Philippine National Police sa kanilang anticybercrime team,” the PCOO chief said during DZRH’s Coffee Break. “Klaro-klarong na yung nangyari kagabi, na meron pinakalat na balita na ganyan, ay fake news,” he added. Andanar also told the public to only believe information coming from bonafide news agencies, which include member stations of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP); and government-owned networks like Radyo Pilipinas, and PTV-4. “Kung gusto ninyo ng bonafide na bonafide na news doon lang kayo tumutok,” he said.
Andanar also said that people can listen to the daily Laging Handa press briefing or access the website: http:// www.covid19.gov.ph, to learn more Presidential Communications about measures being implemented by the national government to prevent Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. the spread of the 2019 Coroanvirus Martin Andanar revealed that Disease (COVID-19).
the Philippine National Police (PNP) will go after anyone who is spreading rumors regarding the national government allegedly contemplating of implimenting a nationwide lockdown.
The rumor which started going viral Sunday night, states that Malacanang will implement a nationwide lockdown, which will cover wet markets and food will be rationed every three days.
Andanar said that he will ask an Andanar insisted on Monday, update from PNP spokesperson BGen. March 23, that charges should be filed Bernard Banac on their tracing of against those who continously spread peddlers of the said fake news. (DZRH NEWS) fake news. March 21-27, 2020
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National News
Gov’t virtual portal for Covid-19 safe from hackers: PCOO
MANILA – The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Sunday guaranteed that the government’s virtual portal that serves as one-stop source for the latest information about coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is protected from potential hackers. Princess Pebbles Duque, director of Bureau of Communications Services, said the PCOO is in close coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to secure the website www.covid19.gov. ph from anyone who will attempt to hack the online portal. Duque also ensured that the government is ready to fix any possible technical glitches that might affect the website’s operations. “Sa tulong po ng DICT team,
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sinisigurado po namin sa publiko na 24/7 po naming binabantayan ang website na ito (With the help of DICT team, we are assuring the public that the website is being monitored 24/7),” she said during the “Laging Handa” program aired on state-run PTV-4. Duque gave the assurance, after the PCOO launched a virtual portal that contains aggregated news, documents, and videos that the public can find useful as they monitor updates on Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
March 21-27, 2020
National News Fight fake news
to accessing basic needs.
PCOO Assistant Secretary and chief brand integrator Ramon Cualoping III said launching an online portal exclusive for the latest developments related to Covid-19 is one of the government’s ways to fight the proliferation of fake news. Cualoping acknowledged that there is now a “chaotic situation on social media,” as some online users tend to propagate fake news about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the implementation of Luzon-wide community quarantine, some fake news peddlers have begun spreading false information about the Covid-19 outbreak.
He said the government wants to fight disinformation by providing the public a “verified and vetted” information about the coronavirus disease. “Isa sa pinakaimportanteng parte para mapanatili ang trust and confidence ng bawat isa ay ang website (We created the website so that we can sustain the public’s trust and confidence),” Cualoping said. “Ang gobyerno ay nandito para sa inyo. Ilalahad ang tamang impormasyon (The government is here for you. We will provide you the right information).”
Duque said the government’s goal was to stop the proliferation of fake news that merely sows confusion among the public. “Magsi-silbi po itong gabay o proteksyon para din po sa mga nagkakalat na hindi valid or invalid information po, para ma-guide ang ating mga kababayan kung ano ang mga totoo (This virtual portal will guide the public about the truth and protect them against those who are spreading invalid information),” she said. Cualoping likewise appealed to the public to trust the government as it continues to fight Covid-19.
“Sa panahong ito (In this trying times), you have to trust your government, you have to believe your government. And when you trust and believe the government, mas Trust your government mapapadali po ang trabaho ng lahat, ng private sector, ng public sector (the The creation of the virtual private and public sectors can easily portal came after President Rodrigo fulfill their respective mandates),” he Duterte placed the entire Luzon under said. enhanced community quarantine until April 12 in an effort to contain Covid-19. As of Saturday, the number of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines People residing in Luzon are climbed to 380, the Department of required to observe strict home Health reported. (Ruth Abbey Gitaquarantine and limit their movements Carlos/PNA) March 21-27, 2020
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National News
PRRD to LGUs: Obey national government’s lockdown guidelines or face charges By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
CALOOCAN CITY - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on a televised message Friday past midnight warned local government units (LGUs) to abide by the rules set by the national government on the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon or otherwise face charges. “Now I call [upon] LGUs. The national government needs your help during this time, but I want to tell you: Do not make this quarantine or quarantine more difficult for our people than it
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already is. LGUs should take note of this --- that at this time let us make ourselves clear that we are not a separate from a republic or from each other,” Duterte said.
March 21-27, 2020
National News “There is only one republic here, the Republic of the Philippines. And therefore, you should abide by the directives of the national government when it sets abide by the directives of the whole for the good of the country and the protocols observed during the time of the lockdown,” he sternly added.
LGUs even reportedly enforced their own curfews and lockdowns that left many people stranded on the road.
“Let me be clear to everyone. So when the IATF says: “Do not restrict the flow of cargo of whatever type”, then no LGU should say that they only follow or allow food or essential goods to come in. You are setting already your Following a meeting with standards, and making this quarantine several members of the inter-agency more difficult for all,” he said. task force for the management of emerging infectious diseases (IATF) “I am ordering all LGUs that are earlier, the President emphasized doing this to stand down, and to abide to all the LGUs, and to the public as by the directives of the IATF, the task well, that the Philippines is currently in force not mine but the task force, a critical condition due to the rapid and those issued by the Office of the spread of COVID-19, and needed to President. And to make sure that what resort to this stringent measure or the the IATF says should be closed, is closed, enhanced community quarantine, and those that should be open, stays which, according to him is actually a open,” he added. total lockdown. “You know, the only reason why “Let me add that at this time you can impose these quarantine I do not think it is just a quarantine or restrictions and impose it on everyone quarantine. I think that we are already passing [through] your areas, is in the stage of a lockdown simply because the national government is because the contagion continues to allowing you to do so. But if you go take its toll in the countryside,” Duterte beyond the standards that we have said. set, you are abusing your authority, and you know that it can lead to – “I know you have the mandate administrative cases or even worse, to deal with emergencies affecting unless you stop what you are doing your localities. I was a Mayor myself, in and [cooperate] fully. Criminal cases case you have forgotten. But this is an cannot be far behind,” Duterte emergency of national proportions, and emphasized. therefore it is the national government that should call the shots,” he added. “I am therefore directing the DILG and DOJ to closely monitor the The President said it has come to his compliance of LGUs with the directives attention that some local government of the office and to file the necessary units are unintentionally creating cases against wayward officials,” he disorder by acting on their own. Some warned. March 21-27, 2020
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National News
Sen. Go supports proposal for National Week of Prayer amid nationwide COVID-19 situation
PASAY CITY - Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed his support for a proposed proclamation to hold a National Week of Prayer on the fourth week of March. The proposal outlines that the National Week of Prayer would unite all Filipinos, regardless of religion, to pray for all medical professionals, frontliners, the sick and coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-stricken Filipinos, as well as the rest of the country.
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“Marami na tayong pinagdaanang pagsubok. Pagputok ng bulkan, lindol, pagkaroon ng iba’t ibang kalamidad at lagi nating nalalampasan ang mga ito dahil sa ating pananalig sa Diyos para sa mga kababayan nating Kristiyano,
March 21-27, 2020
National News Allah para sa ating mga kababayang country faces uncertain times with Muslim,” Go said. the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and the state of calamity The Senator highlighted that now nationwide, Go deemed it fit that a more than ever, Filipinos need to pray. week of prayer can be a useful weapon He also highlighted that this is one of the to fight the epidemic. ways to encourage and promote unity among Filipinos to achieve a common “Alam niyo, sadyang relihiyoso purpose. ang mga Pilipino, at ito ang isa sa pinakamagandang ugali at sandata “Ang National Week of Prayer natin para masugpo na natin ang ay isinusulong para magkaisa tayong pandemic na ito sa ating bansa – ang lahat, kahit iba man ang ating mga laging paglingon sa Diyos sa hirap man relihiyon. Ang panalangin na iaalay o sa ginhawa,” Go said. natin ay para sa ating mga doctor, nurses, at iba pang health professional, With the quarantine measures mga frontliners, military, pulisya, mga in place, Go also reminded Filipinos kababayan nating elderly at persons to follow protocol, such as staying with disabilities, at mga maysakit at at home as much as possible and mga naapektuhan ng COVID-19, at washing their hands frequently. In higit sa lahat, bawat isang Pilipino na addition, the Senator has encouraged sana’y malampasan na natin ang public officials to help their constituents problemang ito sa lalong madaling through assistance and other needed panahon,” Go added. necessities to prevent transmission of COVID-19. In the proposed proclamation, the National Week of Prayer will Go also assured that the underscore the commitment and government is working tirelessly, sacrifices of all health workers and exhausting all efforts to stop the medical professionals who are at the outbreak as soon as possible. forefront of the response, police, the military and the government, and “all “Sinisigurado ko naman sa ating Filipinos who work tirelessly to protect mga kababayan na ginagawa namin the community.” at ng gobyerno ang lahat para matigil na itong virus na ito at masiguradong It will also enjoin people of all faiths, ligtas ang bawat Pilipino,” Go said. religious traditions and background to offer prayers to overcome the “Magtulungan po tayo. Ang COVID-19 situation in the country. pagsunod sa protocol ay isang civic As of March 20, 230 confirmed action na kinakailangang sundin hindi cases have already been reported lamang para sa kapakanan mo kundi by the Department of Health, with 18 para sa lahat ng taong nakapaligid sa deaths and eight recoveries. As the inyo,” the Senator added. (OSBG) March 21-27, 2020
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National News
Healthy forests sustain lives, provide protection vs. diseases
LAGUNA - Forests in the ASEAN region are among the most biologically rich and diverse in the globe. Among the world’s known species, the region has the highest average proportion of countryendemic, or naturally occurring, birds (9%) and mammals (11%). It also has the second highest proportion of country-endemic vascular plant species, or plants with tissues for water, minerals, and photosynthesis (25%), compared with other tropical regions in the world (ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2, 2017).
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March 21-27, 2020
National News This March, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) joins the international community in celebrating the International Day of Forests, with the theme “Forests and Biodiversity”. Forests and their rich biodiversity are our life support, providing the oxygen we breathe, our food, water, medicine, shelter, and fuel. More than half of the ASEAN’s population depend on forests for sustenance. Aside from these ecosystem services, forests also contribute to our health and safety. They are excellent nature-based solutions by purifying water and air, preventing soil erosion, and regulating climate by acting as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change, among others. Forests also regulate diseases, which is especially relevant amid the pandemic the world now faces. It is more difficult for one pathogen to dominate and for disease to spread in healthy forests supporting a great diversity of species, as opposed to degraded and fragmented forests with less biodiversity. Biodiversity-rich forests, thus, help safeguard us from infectious diseases. Our forests, however, are under threat. From an area of 233 million hectares in 2000, ASEAN region’s forest area decreased to 205 million hectares 10 years later, and to 202 million hectares five years later, in 2015. If not addressed, 1 out of 10 to 2 out of 5 of ASEAN’s forest plant and animal species will be gone by 2100 due to the loss of 70 to 90 per cent of habitats (ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2, 2017).
Indiscriminate logging, human expansions into forests, and land conversion, are among the drivers of the loss of forests, not just in ASEAN, but the rest of the world. This results in fragmentation and habitat loss for plants and animals, displacement of indigenous peoples and local communities, and more intense and frequent flash floods, typhoons, and forest fires. Forest loss may also lead to the spread of pathogens and infectious diseases. A study from the Asia-Pacific Institute for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases in the University of Hawaii associated human exploitation of forests with emerging infectious diseases. Ebola, for example, is linked with logging, hunting, and land conversion. Many of the Ebola outbreaks are in the forest fringes, where humans come into contact with wildlife and pathogens. Lyme disease, meanwhile, is connected to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Fragmented forests enable white-footed mice, which act as pathogen spreaders, to move freely. With fragmented forests, there are fewer predators and lesser diversity of species that would otherwise dilute the effect of pathogens. tt In the ASEAN region, the ASEAN Member States (AMS) are working to conserve, restore, and sustainably use forests. Their initiatives slowed the rate of forest area decline to 0.26 per cent every year from 2011 to 2015, compared with a 1.2 per cent loss
March 21-27, 2020
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National News yearly from 2000 to 2010. The AMS are placing terrestrial areas under protection, many of them forests. So far, 13 per cent of the region’s terrestrial areas are protected and will still be increasing. Among these protected areas are ASEAN Heritage Parks, a network of biodiversity-rich areas with high conservation importance. A variety of forests, from montane and alpine forests in mountains, to mangroves in beaches, are among these heritage parks. The AMS are also guided by the 2016-2025 Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation on Forestry. Reforestation and the enhancement of sustainable forest management and use of resources are among the plan’s thrusts. All the AMS have reforestation initiatives that promise to improve the region’s forest cover in the years to come. Strategic tree planting and restoration in particular can bring back lost species. In a forest restoration initiative in Malaysia, for example, the government worked with nongovernmental organisations, and planted tree species bearing fruits edible to orangutans. Eventually, the orangutans returned in the onceburned and degraded forest. AMS are also actively conserving forests while sustainably using forest resources. These initiatives rightly involve the local communities living in and around the forest area. Often,
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these local communities also have traditional knowledge and practices on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In Vietnam, indigenous knowledge is promoted and practiced in forest management. For example, the H’mong people have specific knowledge on species, forest animals, cultivation, weather cycle, among others. In Thailand’s West Protected Forests, the government and local community have agreed on a mutual objective: “People can live, forest can exist, tiger can survive.” The community works to look after the forests and observes a mutually agreed forest boundary for their land use, not going beyond that to help conserve forest species. All these efforts contribute to not just increasing the area of ASEAN’s forests, but also in conserving diverse forest plant and animal species. Let us continue to work for the conservation and sustainable use of our biodiversityrich forests and strategically restore degraded ones. Forests stretch beyond nations’ borders, and on the contrary, deforestation breaks forests’ connectivity and may enable the spread of pathogens, among other risks. Let us coordinate and cooperate to ensure this connectivity among our forests. Through these actions, we safeguard not just our forests, but our lives and our health as well. (TMSL/ ACB)
March 21-27, 2020
COVID-19 News
Senate passes bill granting PRRD special powers vs. Covid-19 By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – The Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading an urgent measure authorizing President Rodrigo Duterte to exercise additional powers necessary to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the country. Senate Bill No. 1418, titled “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” was approved by all 12 senators who were physically present in the plenary.
Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sonny Angara, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, and Francis Pangilinan voted in the affirmative, while Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed a negative vote Led by Senate President Vicente via the phoned-in manifestations. Sotto III, the other senators present were acting Majority Leader Sherwin Introduced by Sotto and Gatchalian, Senators Pia Cayetano, Cayetano, SB 1418 authorizes President Christopher “Bong” Go, Francis Duterte to “reprogram, reallocate, and Tolentino, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, realign any appropriation” in the 2020 Manny Pacquiao, Grace Poe, Ralph budget which will be used in the fight Recto, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and against Covid-19. Richard Gordon. The measure also empowers Meanwhile, eight senators the President to “direct the operation manifested their respective votes via of any privately-owned hospitals phone patch. and medical and health facilities, including passenger vessels, and Senators Ronald dela Rosa, other establishments to house health
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March 21-27, 2020
COVID-19 News workers, serve as quarantine areas, liberalize the grant of incentives for the quarantine centers, medical relief, and manufacture or importation of critical aid distribution locations.” or needed equipment or supplies; require businesses to prioritize and Should private business owners accept contracts, subject to fair and “unjustifiably refuse or signified that they reasonable terms, needed to boost are no longer capable of operating government’s fight against Covid-19; their enterprises” as directed by the regulate and limit the operation of all executive department, the President “ sectors of transportation through land, may take over their operations subject sea or air, whether private or public; to the limits and safeguards enshrined conserve, regulate and ensure an in the Constitution”. adequate supply of power, fuel, energy and water; and undertake such other Private entities that will be measures as may be reasonable and “directed” by the executive necessary to enable the President to department must be given “reasonable carry out the declared national policy compensation for any additional subject to the Bill of Rights and other damage or costs incurred by the owner constitutional guarantees. or the possessor of the subject property solely on account of complying with The President’s authorized powers the directive.” “shall be valid for three months, unless amended by Congress”. SB 1418 also authorizes President Duterte to, among others, expedite President Duterte will be required and streamline accreditation of testing to submit a weekly report to the kits and facilitate prompt testing; ensure Congress of all actions he performed that all Local Government Units (LGUs) under the proposed law. are acting in line with the rules issued by the national government; continue to SB 1418 also aims to provide enforce measures to protect the people “emergency subsidies” - amounting from hoarding, profiteering, injurious between PHP5,000 and PHP8,000 speculations, manipulation of prices, per month for two months - to some product deceptions, and cartels; and 18 million indigent families whose prioritize the allocation and distribution livelihood are severely affected by of medical supplies to coronavirus- enhanced community quarantine referral hospitals, public and private being implemented in Luzon. laboratories, and health facilities that have capacities to test and care for The bill also guarantees that suspected Covid-19 patients. public health workers tending to Covid-19 patients and other related It also authorizes the President to procedures will be entitled to additional ensure the availability of credit to the compensation on top of their usual productive sectors of the economy; hazard pay. (PNA) March 21-27, 2020
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COVID-19 News
Protective health gears allocated ‘rationally’ nationwide: DOH By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPEs), and not government budget, is affecting the supply and allocation in the country, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday. “Marami kami nababasa na sinasabi na ang budget ng DOH ay malaki at bakit daw di tayo bumili. Gusto man natin bumili ngayon, wala tayong mabilhan, kaya tayo umaasa sa donasyon ngayon (We read comments that DOH has big budget but we don’t buy PPEs. We may want to buy now, but
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there’s nothing available for us to buy, that’s why we rely on donations now),” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at the Laging Handa public briefing. Vergeire also said there is huge demand for PPE now used by health
March 21-27, 2020
COVID-19 News workers in fighting coronavirus disease test kits donated by China arrived in 2019 (Covid-19) not only nationwide the country. but worldwide as well. Senator Manny Pacquiao also “Kaya itong dumadating na donated 600,000 face masks to various donasyon, maingat nating pinag- frontliners serving the country amid the aaralan at ina-allocate rationally sa Covid-19 pandemic. lahat ng mga nangnangailangan. Pacquiao distributed 100,000 face (So, we carefully study and allocate masks to the Philippine National Police, rationally these donations to all those 50,000 to the Armed Forces of the who need it),” she said. Philippines, 75,000 to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, 75,000 Last Saturday, the 10,000 PPEs as to the DOH, 75,000 to the Metropolitan well 10,000 pieces of N95 masks, 100,000 Manila Development Authority, and surgical masks, and 100,000 Covid-19 50,000 to other medical workers. (PNA)
Unrestricted movement spreads Covid-19 ‘faster’: Palace By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Restricting people’s movement in the entire Luzon would prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country, Malacañang said on Sunday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the strict enforcement of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon was necessary since some individuals who are unaware that they are infected with Covid-19” went rushing to their home cities and towns.”
deadly virus.”
“The forceful imposition of a lockdown in Luzon was ordered by the President to put the coronavirus dead on its tracks,” he said in a press statement. “If we allow the untrammeled movement of our people, the greater Panelo said President Rodrigo and the faster the spread of the virus Duterte has to isolate areas with would be.” confirmed Covid-19 cases “to save the rest of the community from being The implementation of enhanced exposed to — or infected — by the community quarantine in the island of March 21-27, 2020
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COVID-19 News Luzon is effective until April 12. Imposing an enhanced community quarantine means all households must observe strict home quarantine and limit their movements to accessing basic necessities. An enhanced community quarantine also requires the regulation of the provision for food and essential health services, as well as the heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures. Individuals exempted from the implementation of Luzon-wide enhanced community include soldiers, policemen, authorized government personnel, health workers, media practitioners, and others rendering other essential services.
that he has already been exposed to or infected by Covid-19. He reminded the public that the virus can be transmitted by touching the surfaces of furniture, dining utensils and doors. He stressed that when a member of the household goes out of his house, he automatically has a direct contact with other people who are also outside of their respective homes. “This is where the spread of the virus go exponentially. It means you infect one individual and latter infects all the people he meets or come in contact with. The infected ones infect others, and the others transmit the virus to more people who instantly become corona virus carriers,” Panelo said.
Potential Covid-19 carrier
Panelo cautioned that the process continues until the contagion becomes Panelo admitted that each one unmanageable. of the people is already considered as “potential” carrier of the coronavirus. “That is why we need to stay at home and stay put, so that each one “The very purpose of a lockdown of us will not be contaminating one is for us to stay at home. If we go out other. By staying at home, we abruptly from our residences, we will be in close cut the chain of spreading Covid-19 physical proximity with those we will be because the virus will be at a standstill,” meeting on the streets, as well as with he said. those we will bump into, or interact with, in our respective destination. The Follow protocols exposure and infection to anyone carrying the virus happens at this Panelo renewed his call on the stage,” he said. public to follow the government’s precautionary measures against Panelo warned a person can Covid-19. contaminate others when he goes back to his home, since he was unaware He said everyone should always
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March 21-27, 2020
COVID-19 News
observe proper hygiene, wear face mask, and practice social distancing “so that if either one of us is infected, there is no chance for the virus to transfer to the next potential virus carrier.” “Our national survival is at stake. The protocols and guidelines established by the government are simple enough. All we need to do is to observe them. Self-discipline is the key to the success of the lockdown,” Panelo said.
trying times and under this restricted environ” Panelo said. “However, we are all called upon to sacrifice and to practice self-denial of pleasures and amenities to save ourselves and others, and ultimately this nation.” Panelo also asked the public to continue praying amid the threat posed by Covid-19.
He was optimistic that the country would be successful in combating the Panelo said Filipinos are also infectious disease through the “loving encouraged to do their part to stop the and caring grace of the Almighty, and transmission of Covid-19. the unity of all Filipinos.” Sacrifice He told them the implementation of enhanced community quarantine would be an opportunity for all to bond with their family. “To be sure, there will be inconvenience and discomfort as we go about our daily lives in these
“As we respond to the trumpeting call for unity among all Filipinos, regardless of political and religious beliefs, let us in unison pray to the omnipotent God of all nations, of whatever name it is known, for guidance and protection. Let us pray that It’s glorious divine rays shield us from this scourge of a disease that has engulfed the entire world,” Panelo said. (PNA)
March 21-27, 2020
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COVID-19 News
Gov’t eyes add’l aid for poor amid Covid-19 crisis By Joann Villanueva
MANILA – The government is now formulating additional programs for the informal sector to alleviate their situation amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and other areas that will last until April 12. Finance Secretary Carlos (DOH) “in consultation with LGUs.” Dominguez III, in a Viber message, said the additional economic package is This assistance, he said, “could result in a combination of providing food “in the works.” and/or cash subsidies for food, normal He said the additional sustenance health care, and other necessities.” package for quarantine-affected Dominguez added that the workers will be determined by the subsidies will be extended even to Department of Social Welfare and people who are not beneficiaries of Development (DSWD), Department the conditional cash transfer program of the Interior and Local Government Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (DILG) and the Department of Health (4Ps).
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March 21-27, 2020
COVID-19 News This planned assistance program for the poor is on top of the PHP27.1 billion earlier announced by the Department of Finance (DOF) for the affected sectors. Relatively, asked if the executive branch is amenable to the proposal of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) for an emergency calamity amelioration program Dominguez said: “Yes, we are.” FINEX, in a statement, call on Congress to “immediately authorize, in an enabling measure, President Rodrigo Duterte, to realign unspent or unobligated appropriations already embodied in this year’s General Appropriations Act for emergency calamity amelioration, as the President may deem necessary and appropriate under the circumstances and during the pendency of this public health and economic emergency.”
Priority persons for this program are vendors and tricycle and jeepney drivers as well as frontline workers, he said. “We now need force preservation and the only way to preserve that is to incentivize their performance out there since they are the ones who face the enemy that have no face but only a name,” he said, referring to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Salceda said “Congress, tomorrow, will approve, just one sentence — allowing the President to realign almost PHP275 billion” that will be given to those whose work were affected by the quarantine. He said even the senior citizens “will be given nutritional supplements” under the proposed aid, which he dubbed as “Pantawid Quarantine.”
It said the funds should be used He said the government “has as subsistence money for the poor the capacity to do it (the additional and support for small and medium incentives).” enterprises (SMEs). Also in the pipeline is the loan On Sunday, Albay 2nd District Rep. program with negative interest rate Joey Salceda, during a Laging Handa to be extended to businesses that PH briefing aired over PTV, said members are affected by the quarantine, he of the House of Representatives will said. muster to have a quorum on Monday to discuss a proposal to extend to about He said the structural reforms 80 percent of Filipinos an PHP8,000 one- implemented by the current month subsidy to lessen the impact of administration provides the government work stoppage due to the quarantine policy tools to extend this kind of loans period. to the businesses. (PNA) March 21-27, 2020
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