Volume V, No. 14 March 27-April 2, 2021
REGIONAL NEWS
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CARAGANON STAKEHOLDERS CELEBRATE 2021 WOMEN WITH DISABILITY DAY
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RTWPB CARAGA CONDUCTS CAREER COACHING FOR PRODUCTIVE WORKERS
PROVINCIAL NEWS BOOST EYED BY DINAGAT ISLANDS LGU AS 13 TOURISM LOCAL ECONOMY RECOVERS FROM PANDEMIC DINAGAT ISLANDS CONDUCTS CAPABILITY-BUILDING 15 DTISEMINAR TO LOCAL PRICE COUNCIL MEMBERS 13 CONDUCTS CULTURAL SENSITIVITY TRAINING 16 DA IN SURIGAO CITY PROGRAM ORIENTATION GIPAHIGAYON SA 17 TUPAD LORETO KICKS OFF VACCINATION DRIVE WITH 18 BISLIG SINOVAC SHOT 19 BISLIG CITY STARTS ASTRAZENECA VACCINATION ARREST TOP MOST WANTED NPA 20 AUTHORITIES MEMBER IN CARAGA BENEFICIARIES COMPLETE TAILORING NCII 21 47TRAINING IN SURSUR JOINS PRLEC IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 23 ARMY LAUNCHING FOR IP COMMUNITY IN AGUSAN NORTE AMNESTY SA DELINQUENT REAL PROPERTY TAX 25 TAX APROBADO NA SA SP AGNOR 26 3 KA IRRIGATION SYSTEM GIPLASTAR SA AGNOR BUHATAN SA PASSO SA AGNOR 27 BAG-ONG TUKORON GULAYAN GIPAHILUNA SA AGNOR 28 DUGANG KAABAG ANG DOLE UG UBANG AHENSYA VENDORS IN AGSUR TOWN THANKFUL TO 29 MARKET SEN. BONG GO’S ASSISTANCE
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MINDANAO NEWS
32 34 36 37 38 40 41 43 44 47 49 51
CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
LAKE MAINIT DRIED FISH MAKERS GET STEAMSOLAR ‘PIJANGA” DRYER
MINDA LEADS BARMM TEAM IN CATTLE FEEDLOT EXPOSURE
NATIONAL NEWS
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
ANDANAR’S LENTEN MESSAGE: ACT WITH ‘LOVE, HOPE, COMPASSION’ PCOO PREMIERES ANTI-TERRORISM DOCU ‘CTG’
PRESIDENT DUTERTE APPROVES IN-KIND AID TO ECQAFFECTED COMMUNITIES
GOV’T ALLOWS PRIVATE FIRMS TO IMPORT COVID-19 VACCINES
QUIRINO PROVINCE, SANTIAGO CITY PLACED UNDER MECQ STARTING APRIL 1 DUTERTE ADMIN ENHANCES STRATEGY AGAINST COVID-19
COVID-19 NEWS
GO ASSURES ANEW STEADY SUPPLY OF COVID-19 VAX
GALVEZ LAUDS PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT IN NAT’L VAX PROGRAM PH TRIES TO KEEP UP WITH RICH COUNTRIES IN VACCINE PURCHASE
Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the Observance of the Holy Week We are one with the whole Catholic community in the Philippines and in the world in observing the Lenten season. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, let us remind ourselves of the ultimate sacrifice, rooted in love and compassion, by our Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of all. May the Lenten period be a time of reflection and may its essence guide us to act with love, hope, and compassion towards others as we collectively endure the present challenges. May it further inspire us to persevere with faith and peace in our hearts, and to help bring significant changes in our society, especially as we continue recovering from this pandemic. Let us continue to observe the health and safety protocols to protect ourselves from the virus, and ensure our safety and those of our loved ones. We also ask those in the areas that have been placed under ECQ to stay at home as religious gatherings have been prohibited and to adhere to the 6pm to 5am curfew hours. We wish everyone a safe observance of Holy Week.
- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR
Dinagat Islands LGU continues to promote jabs for COVID-19 By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
More locals of the municipality of Loreto in the province of Dinagat Islands are now more willing to get jabs for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Municipal Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga said on Wednesday, March 24. In an interview for the Network Briefing
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
News with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar, the mayor said this is a result of the information drive they continuously launched for the vaccination program.
iba daming mga tanong. But eventually, lalo na nung dumating mismo yung mga vaccines, nagpasalamat naman kami na nag cooperate lahat, nagtutulungan,” the mayor said.
“Nung una, alam naman natin before, karamihan medyo hesitant eh, yung
Mayor Ladaga also said public confidence on vaccines increased Caraga INFOCUS
government continues to advocate for the vaccines to its people. “Sa ngayon po, tuluytuloy po yung information drive natin. Ang ating mga barangay officials ay tumutulong naman kaya etong mga health care workers natin, binibisita nila ang bawat barangay at tingiin ko po, mukhang handa naman po ang karamihan para sa vaccination.” Despite the availability of vaccines, the local chief executive continues to remind Loretonhons to abide by minimum health standards particularly those set by the provincial government.
“Padayon ta na magsunod ug malaumon na makabangon gyud ta diani na dungan ug inyung lauman na kami, uban ang mga opisyales sa lungsod ug barangays, na maningkamot mi na kutob sa among mahimo na maghatag ug suporta alang sa katawhan sa lungsod [Let us continue to follow (protocols) and be hopeful that we can rise together (from this pandemic). Have faith in us, the local officials in the municipal and barangay levels, because we will continue to do all that we can to provide support for the people of this town],” he said. (DMNR/PIACaraga)
especially after the successful vaccination of some 30 local health care workers on Sunday, March 21. “So maganda yung resulta, marami po yung nagpabakuna. Nakausap naming yung ilan, wala naman talagang nakikitang mga side effects,” the local official added. With the first batch of its health care workers now given immunity for the deadly disease, the local Caraga INFOCUS
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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News Briefs SSS ADVISORY: Dahil sa darating na Mahal na Araw, matatanggap ng Batch 1 pensioners (ang mga may contingency dates mula ika1 hanggang ika-15 araw ng buwan) ang kanilang pension para sa buwan ng Abril sa ika-31 ng Marso, 2021. Ang Batch 2 pensioners (ang mga may contingency dates mula ika-16 hanggang huling araw ng buwan) naman ay sa ika-16 ng Abril matatanggap ang kanilang pension. xx
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga joins the nation in today’s celebration of Women with Disability Day, commemorated every last Monday of March of each year as stipulated in Presidential Proclamation No. 744 (2004). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Women with Disabilities in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”
Lugaw is one of the earliest documented food of our ancestors. The 1613 Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala by Fr. Pedro de San Buenaventura, OFM defines it as rice mixed with milk or water or of both (porridge). This April, the country will celebrate Filipino Food Month, coinciding with the ongoing 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is set to launch this April 13 in Cebu City a book on the food of our ancestors, ‘Pigafetta’s Philippine Picnic: Culinary Encounters During the First Circumnavigation, 1519-1522’ by food historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria. (NQC) Please be advised that all DBP branches will be closed from April 1 (Maundy Thursday) to April 4, 2021 (Easter Sunday) in observance of the Lenten Season. Regular banking hours will resume on April 5, 2021. We encourage you to plan your banking transactions ahead of time. Thank you for your continued support and patronage.
REGIONAL NEWS
CARAGANON STAKEHOLDERS CELEBRATE 2021 WOMEN WITH DISABILITY DAY By Jennifer P. Gaitano
The different stakeholders in Caraga region actively took part and participated in the celebration of this year’s Women with Disability Day via online platform on Monday, March 29 along with the member agencies of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA). In his message, regional director Ramel Jamen of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga highlighted how women with disability strive to contribute to nation-building and in solving the problem, issues and concerns in the society. “The rights of the women with disability should be respected at all times and their welfare should be given due attention. Despite their disability, they have shown us their courage to help in solving the pressing issues we have today, even during this time of the pandemic,” Jamen cited. Engr. Emerito Rojas, executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) also emphasized that the women with disability sector have continued to show their passion and determination to fulfill their goals and achieve their aspirations in life despite their disabilities. “They always strive for excellence in all they do. They
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
underscored.
continue to learn and relearn everything. They begin in empowering themselves and later become good leaders, who will not only be part in identifying the occurring problem in the society but also in solving those problems,” bared Rojas. Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of Protective Services Division of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and focal person for the Regional InterAgency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) recognized the women with disability, who should not go unnoticed especially during Women’s Month celebration. “We are hoping that our partner government agencies and private stakeholders in the region will continue to give their full support to the committees that protect the rights and welfare of our women and the women with disability sector, and we continue to be very aggressive in implementing the programs for them especially during this time of the pandemic,” Aranas
The 1987 Philippine Constitution enshrined a State policy for the total development and empowerment of women which specifically provides that “The State recognizes the role of women in nationbuilding, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men” (Section 14, Article II). Women with disabilities are also part of society and deserve equal rights in the field of law and in all aspects of human endeavor. Their desires of full participation and inclusion in all fields of endeavors are brought about by international mandates and national policies instituted for their empowerment. In response to this and fully commemorate this celebration, the Women with Disabilities Day is being observed every last Monday of March of each year which is supported by Proclamation No. 744 (2004). For this year, Women with Disability will celebrate its 17th year with the theme “Women with Disabilities in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”. This theme seeks to celebrate the tremendous efforts not only for women but also for women with disability around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)
Caraga INFOCUS
RTWPB CARAGA CONDUCTS CAREER COACHING FOR PRODUCTIVE WORKERS By Sara Mae Cassion-Dahuyla
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) – Caraga recently conducted a Training of Trainers on Work Ethics of a Productive Worker here. The training is intended for DOLE-Provincial Heads, DOLE-Career Guidance Focal persons, Provincial PESO Managers and PESO Managers in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between National Wages and Productivity Commission and Bureau of Local Employment. Naomi Lyn C. Abellana, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE Caraga, said career coaching is no longer the traditional one wherein you talk of topics that are keep repeating every year, it has an add-on specifically on productivity. She encouraged the
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PESO managers to take advantage of the activity for them to be equipped in introducing the new system, new methods of re-engineering the attitude of our new entrants to become a productive worker. During the activity, DOLECaraga Regional Director Chona M. Mantilla also said that in competing in this kind of training, productivity plays a very vital role and work ethics can be a useful tool in helping our new entrants to be more competitive. “Knowledge and skills can be developed but possessing a set of work values once imbedded into a person is a tough task to change or influence,” she emphasized. Also, an overview of the Memorandum of
Understanding between NWPC and BLE was shared by Atty. Claire L. Jamero. She also shared the RTWPBCaraga basic programs and services and its mandates and composition. Earl D. Dela Victoria, Board Secretary VI, discussed the module on Work Ethics of a Productive Worker. During his discussion, he elaborated that, the region has a glut in the supply of labor force especially nowadays given the impact of the pandemic to businesses resulting to the displacement of a lot of workers. “Hence, it is of utmost importance that our new entrants to the labor force who would be competing with more experienced workers be equipped with positive work values,” he said. (RTWPB Caraga/PIA Caraga)
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
TOURISM BOOST EYED BY DINAGAT ISLANDS LGU AS LOCAL ECONOMY RECOVERS FROM PANDEMIC By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
While it was able to control concerns on public health and maintain low confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the local government unit of Loreto town in the Province of Dinagat Islands is still confronted by the impact of the pandemic. And to address this, the municipal government is turning to boosting local tourism in hopes of reviving its local economy. “Kami po ay hindi naman masasabing totally Caraga INFOCUS
affected considering ang dinagat ay kung sa kaso ay mababa naman yung naging kaso ng Dinagat [Islands] pero ang pinaghahandaan po talaga naming ay yung pagbangon. Ang ekonomiya, ang economic side natin, kung paano yung mga tao na muling makabangon , kumita. At alam kong sa pamamagitan ng tourism, malaki-laki po itong maitulong,” said Town Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga during his interview with Presidential Communications
Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar on Wednesday, March 24, for the Network Briefing News. The town is known for its robust ecotourism and houses the famous Mount Redondo Natural Bonsai Forest as well as the historic Campintac Black Beach No. 2, where the American liberation troops during the World War II landed on October 17, 1944. While travel restrictions are still being implemented, the mayor said local tourists continue to flock to March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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their tourist attractions and even observed an influx of tourist arrivals. To better accommodate them, the local government is eyeing on providing better and accessible accommodation, with investors joining the project. “Meron na po tayong ginagawa na mga buildings o mga villa houses sa [Sitio] Campintac. Nagplano pa kami na maglalagay ulit ng mga facilities at yung mga investors din natin, yung mga lokal na mga negosynate, natutuwa naman kami na dumadami na yung nagtatayo ng mga lodging houses.”
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Local laws on environmental protection also come into play in their | March 27-April 2, 2021
efforts to improve tourism, as they continue to strictly implement regulations on mining activities and disallowed mining to take place in certain areas. But these preparations might be extinguished as mobility and ease of transportation going to Loreto remains a problem. Visitors will have to take a two-hour ride from Surigao City to get to the town; travel time is even longer for those coming from Siargao Islands, as they will have to endure a two-hour land trip and another hour traveling by sea. “Kami po ay nag e-encourage ng mga investors na sana po meron ng magkakalakas ng loob para iupgrade natin yung transportation natin para sa ganun ay
mas lalong maattract yung mga turista na pumunta sa lugar,” Mayor Ladaga said. He also called on the national and provincial governments to help address this problem and also grant the municipal government projects to improve their access roads leading to local tourist sites. Meanwhile, travelers coming from outside the province are still prohibited from entering the province. Both the provincial government and the League of Municipal Mayors of Dinagat Islands agreed to have at least a month for local chief executives to observe their area while COVID-19 cases continue to fluctuate in Caraga region. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
DTI DINAGAT ISLANDS CONDUCTS CAPABILITYBUILDING SEMINAR TO LOCAL PRICE COUNCIL MEMBERS The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Dinagat Islands recently conducted the Capacity Building Seminar to the members of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of San Jose town.
Provincial Director Arnold Faelnar said the activity also tackled the issues and concerns they received about the complaints on alleged overpricing of basic goods such as medicines, chicken, pork, and fish.
The activity aims to make the members more aware and equipped on certain provisions of the Price Act and the Joint Administrative Order No. 13-1 series of 2013. DTI Dinagat Islands
He said that one recommendation of the DTI is to establish a Consumer Care Center (CCC) to consolidate price and supply monitoring reports from concerned
Caraga INFOCUS
agencies, facilitate and endorse complaints, disseminate information, and coordinate LPCC meetings and joint monitoring activities. Meanwhile, San Jose Mayor Yngwie Hero B. Ecleo and the rest of the LPCC members agreed on the recommendation and vowed to establish the said Consumer Care Center by the second quarter of this year. (DTIDinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands) March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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DA 13 CONDUCTS CULTURAL SENSITIVITY TRAINING IN SURIGAO CITY The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga conducted recently a three-day Cultural Sensitivity Training and Technical Orientation for DA 4Ks Program Implementation in Surigao City. The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo or 4Ks is a new special program of the DA in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous People
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
(NCIP). The program provides assistance to the Indigenous Cultural Communities / Indigenous Peoples (ICCs / IPS) in the form of agricultural and fisheries-related livelihood opportunities, investments, and various support services through targeted Community Needs Assessments (NCA). According to DA 4Ks Focal Person Edelmira R.
Luminarias, it is important to know the culture and rights of the ICCs / IPs to have a better understanding of their needs and identify appropriate interventions for a sound program implementation. The said orientation was participated by identified beneficiaries of the 4Ks program from different indigenous communities in Surigao City. (DA Caraga/PIASurigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
TUPAD PROGRAM ORIENTATION GIPAHIGAYON SA LORETO
Ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Dinagat Islands mipahigayon og pagbansay-bansay alang sa programa nga Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa Ating Disadvantage/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) o emergency employment sa lungsod sa Loreto niadtong March 18, 2021.
Tinguha sa TUPAD program nga mahatagan og temporaryo nga trabaho ang mga nahisakop sa impormal sektor ilabi na kadtong wala’y igong trabaho, selfemployed, o aduna’y mga gagmay nga negosyo sama sa sari-sari store ug uban pa nga labing naapektuhan sa pandemya nga COVID-19. Sila magtrabaho upat ka oras kada adlaw sulod sa 15 ka adlaw. Mao kini ang first batch sa pinakaunang programa sa TUPAD ilalom sa Provincial Government nga gipondohan ni Senador Joel Villanueva ug sa pagpaningkamot ni Gobernador Kaka Bagao nga magahinan kini ug pondo gikan sa Provincial Labor, Employment, and Manpower Office (PLEMO). Sa iyang mensahe madasigon si Gob. Kaka nga taliwala sa pandemya misaka ang pang-ekonomiya sa probinsya kini pinaagi sa suporta nga gipakita sa mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda
Caraga INFOCUS
sa panahon nga aduna’y pandemya ug gidasig niya ang mga katawhan nga padayon kining suportahan aron molungtad kini.
Nanghinaot siya nga pinaagi sa programa nga TUPAD mas modaghan na ang tanom nga punoan alang sa pagsulbad sa problema sa tubig ug pinaagi usab sa pagtinabangay sa mga katawhang Dinagatnon ug pinaagi niana aduna na usab dugang kapanguhaan sa panginabuhian ang mga katawhan alang sa pagpalit sa nag-unang panginahanglanon. Personal usab nga gipasabot ni Gob. Kaka ang kabahin sa gipagawas nga patakaran sa paggawas ug pagsulod sa probinsya diin iyang gipahingusgan nga kinahanglan ang doble nga pag-ignay ug dili magkompyansa mahitungod kay nisaka na usab ang confirmed cases sa COVID-19 sa ubang lugar. Malipayon nga gipadayag ni Gob. Kaka ang mga proyekto nga naimplementar sa lungsod sa Loreto sukad pa niadtong anaa pa siya sa kongreso hangtod karon nga gobernador na siya ug iyang ibutyag usab nga aduna na’y pondo nga iyang gitagana ug nanghinaot siya nga daghan pa ang oportunidad nga moabot diin usa usab
siya sa makabenepisyo niini isip lumulupyo sa naasoy nga lungsod. Sa laing bahin, gibutyag usab ni Gob. Kaka ang kabahin sa pagsugod sa vaccination sa COVID-19 sa duha ka district hospitals ug ang sunod niini ang Loreto District Hospital (LDH) diin iyang gihatagan ug assurance ang mga Loretonhon nga safe ang bakuna nga gipili sa probinsya. Pagkahuman sa pagbansaybansay gipapirma sa ilang kontrata ang 70 ka mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo nga gikan sa Barangay Magsaysay, Helene, Liberty, Panamaon, Ferdinand, Santiago, Esperanza, San Juan, Carmen, ug Sta. Cruz isip pagpamatuod nga ligal ang ilang sudlan nga trabaho adeser sila magsugod. Mitambong sa maong tigum mao sila Board Member Lyn Dialde (District 1) diin mibati usab ug dakong kadasig sa mga programa alang sa kaayuhan sa mga katawhan. Hugot usab nga gisuportahan sa bag-ong provincial head sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nga si Supervising LEO Buhawi C. Correa ug Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Lilibeth Paragamac ang gipahigayon nga kalihukan. (Dinagat IslandsPIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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(Photo by: CIO Bislig)
BISLIG KICKS OFF VACCINATION DRIVE WITH SINOVAC SHOT The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination drive in the city kicked off recently with a staff nurse of Bislig District Hospital (BDH) and a medical doctor of Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative (ASMHC) receiving the first dose administered. Staff Nurse Esbie Imperial of BDH and Dr. Angelo Dimaano of ASMHC were among the first batch of health care workers who agreed to be inoculated with Sinovac’s CoronaVac to boost the public’s confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Gracing the ceremonial vaccination were the officials from the Department of Health
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
(DOH) Caraga Region led by Assistant Regional Director Dr. Sadaila Rakiin, and witnessed by Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Eric Montesclaros, and officials from the ASMHC, and Bislig District Hospital. A total of 300 doses of Sinovac vaccine arrived in the city last March 9, 2021, from the DOH Caraga in Butuan City, which was then transported by its personnel, escorted by men in uniform bound for BDH and ASMHC. Each hospital received 150 vials, face shields, face masks, safety collector boxes, and vaccine carriers in preparation for the COVID-19 vaccination rollout for the healthcare workers.
Before the arrival of the vaccines, the city government under Mayor Florencio Garay, in collaboration with the BDH and ASMHC, conducted a simulation exercise to ensure the smooth flow of the administration of the first dose of the vaccine. The simulation exercise had its designated venue in one place for the smooth flow of the process, which included: pre-vaccination screening, waiting area, registration, screening, health education, vaccine administration, and observation. The Provincial Health Office and DOHProvincial Health Team supervised the simulation. (with a report from CIOBislig/PIA Bislig City) Caraga INFOCUS
BISLIG CITY STARTS ASTRAZENECA VACCINATION Frontline workers, uniformed personnel and barangay health workers in the city received their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine last Mar. 23 at the Bislig City Cultural Sports Center (BCCSC). Based on the report, the city government received the 45 vials of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) AstraZenica vaccine with a total of 450 doses coming from the Department of Health (DOH). Criselda C. Gallego, Nurse III of the City Health Office, received the first shot of AstraZenica vaccine. “No pain at all, normal rajud akong gibati. Akong gi-awhag ang mga Bisliganon nga magpa bakuna na kita ug dili mahadlok kay kini mohatag Caraga INFOCUS
kanato ug proteksyon ug makaluwas sa kamatayon (I feel normal. I urge the Bisliganons to get vaccinated and not to be afraid because it will give us protection),” she said. The second dose of Astrazenica vaccines will take place after four
weeks, it was learned. Earlier, the Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative and Bislig District Hospital kicked-off their COVID-19 vaccination after they received the 300 doses of Sinovac vaccines for their healthcare workers. (with a report from CIOBislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur) March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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AUTHORITIES ARREST TOP MOST WANTED NPA MEMBER IN CARAGA Authorities arrested the “Top Most Wanted” New People’s Army (NPA) member in the Regional Priority Target in Brgy. Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City in a joint policearmy operation conducted around 5:30 AM, on March 21, 2021. By virtue of the warrant of arrest for murder under Criminal Case No. 202085 without bail bond, and multiple attempted murder under Criminal Case No. 2020-116 with bail bond fixed at Php120,000.00, Renalyn G. Tejero a.k.a. “Tiray/Teray/ Lyn”, 25 years old, and resident Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur was captured by the authorities. Based on the report, Tejero was one of the primary suspects of the killing of former rebels, Zaldy Acidillo Ybañez and Datu Bernandino Astudillo, in Sitio Inadan, Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, of this province on March 19, 2020. The intelligence report also bared that the arrested personality was the Secretary of Kabataang Makabayan, an underground Sectoral Youth Organization of the NPA; member of the Executive Committee, Regional United Front, Regional White Area
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Committee, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); and a full-time member of SubRegional Sentro De Grabidad Southland, NEMRC. Accordingly, Tejero was involved in organizing the youth/student to become NPA members in the guise of front organizations, actively participated in the underground movement of the NPA, and was implicated in numerous NPA-initiated atrocities. In a statement, Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr, Police
Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director, affirmed that her apprehension was based on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by the local court. “With the help of the community, AFP, and all stakeholders, I believe that the days are numbered against those NPA members with warrants of arrest,” he said. PBGen. Caramat has vowed to keep the substantial gains of PRO-13 in ending local armed-conflict with the guidance of PNP Chief, Police General Debold M. Sinas. (with a report from PRO-13/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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47 BENEFICIARIES COMPLETE TAILORING NCII TRAINING IN SURSUR By 1lt Emmanuel Magsanoc II
A total of 47 beneficiaries from Barangay Tigabong and Barangay Buntalid all of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur completed their training on Tailoring National Certificate (NC) II facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36th IB), held in Barangay Tigabong, Cantilan town on March 12, 2021. The graduates are Caraga INFOCUS
composed of seven former rebels, five mass supporters, and 35 residents who received their respective NC II after completing the training and passing the Competency Assessment required by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The activity is in line with the efforts of the
Community Support Program (CSP) of 36th IB in collaboration with the Lorenz International Skills Training Academy, Inc., TESDA-Caraga Region, and the Local Government Unit of Barangay Tigabong. During the activity, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, Commander of 36th IB, congratulated the new graduates and expressed March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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his confidence that those who gained the knowledge and skills in tailoring will become more productive in this time of the pandemic. He added that the activity is another manifestation that the government is very sincere in helping the community to uplift the economic condition of the people in Cantilan. He further added that the government has offered much training which will serve as a means to have better earnings and livelihood opportunities particularly to the former rebels, mass supporters, and their families. The graduates, who are now well-equipped with skills
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
in tailoring, have now the ability to address the basic needs of their families. “This training will greatly help individual graduates to have other sources of income as they applied their new sets of skills to earn a living,” Lt. Col. Diagmel said.
paglambo kauban ang akong pamilya (As a former member of the New People`s Army, I was also given a chance by the government to live a normal life and a chance to avail of a program that I could use to help grow with my family),” he said.
A certain alias “Kem,” a former rebel, lauded the government for this project intervention.
As one of the short courses offered by TESDA, the Tailoring NC II trains the individual in cutting and sewing textiles into presentable and casual attires. According to the graduates, they also become knowledgeable in maintaining the sewing machines and creative in designing ordinary outfits. (CMO Officer 36IB/PIASurigao del Sur)
“Ako isip usa ka kanhing myembro sa New People`s Army, gitagaan usab og higayun sa gobyerno nga mabuhing normal og higayon nga maka kuhag programa nga akong magamit arun makatabang sa
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ARMY JOINS PRLEC IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM LAUNCHING FOR IP COMMUNITY IN AGUSAN NORTE By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army joined the members of the Provincial Task ForceEnd Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTFELCAC) and the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of Agusan del Norte during the conduct of the mass graduation and the launching of the Barangay Development Program (BDP) in Sitio Bokbokon, Barangay Caraga INFOCUS
Lawan-lawan in Las Nieves town.
A total of 104 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) belonging to the Higaonon The mass graduation tribe received their and the launching of the Certificates of Training BDP, led by the Technical during the activity. Education and Skills Development Authority Of the 104 IPs who of Agusan del Norte graduated from the (TESDA-ADN) under the TESDA-ADN training, 50 leadership of Provincial have completed their Director Rey M. Cueva Land Preparation for was also in time with the Organic Crop Production conduct of the two-day Training, 25 completed immersion activity of the the Fishpond Preparation Provincial Peace and Training while 29 Order Council (PPOC) of completed the Basic the province. House Wiring Training. March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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During the graduation ceremony, Dir. Cueva urged the new graduates to apply what they have learned during the sets of training to help them improve their lives. “We are now doubling our efforts to reach more communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to ensure and promote sustainable livelihood for the people. May they use the skills taught to them in order for them to pull themselves out from poverty,” Cueva said. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commanding officer of 23IB, also witnessed the graduation of the IPs and expressed gladness
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
over the milestone they achieved in their lives. “Through the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach, the PTFELCAC and PRLEC in Agusan del Norte have provided different opportunities and the prioritization of the IP communities, especially those that need assistance and help them become productive citizens,” Paulo said. He added that through the services and projects implemented by the government, residents, especially in remote areas, will have a chance to be given
different sustainable livelihood programs to support their daily needs. “These programs and services are implemented with the aim to end the insurgency. The Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) are using poverty issues in their propaganda to deceive people,” Paulo said. He emphasized that by addressing the problems of poverty, the affected residents, particularly those in the countryside will be given the great opportunity to emancipate themselves and eventually defeat the insurgency. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIAAgusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
TAX AMNESTY SA DELINQUENT REAL PROPERTY TAX APROBADO NA SA SP AGNOR By Ramil Pasco
nga pagdani sa mga magbubuhis nga magbayad.
Mohatag ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte og amnestiya sa buhis o tax relief sa accrued interest sa mga penalties sa tanan delinquent real property taxes (RPT) sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte isip tubag sa kalisod dala sa pandemya nga coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Gi aprobahan na bag-ohay pa lamang sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Proposed Provincial Ordinance No.4072021 nga naghatag og lugway sa nangaipon nga buhis o mga silot sa tanan nga mga wala nag sunod sa balayranan sa buhis sa yuta sa probinsya taman Disyembre 31,2020 ug apil usab ang mga balayranan sa mga miaging tuig. Gihangyo kini ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera isip suporta sa mga tag-iya sa real properties nga naningkamot pa og balik gikan sa pinansyal nga kalisod tungod sa pandemya. Matod pa ni Gob. Corvera nga ang paghatag og logway sa buhis makatabang sa ilang lakang sa rehabilitasyon ug sa parehas nga paagi Caraga INFOCUS
Ang mga properties nga ma apil sa amnestiya mao ang mosunod: • kadtong wala gideklara ug napailalom sa mga back taxes • Gideklarar apan ang mga buhis sa yuta ug balay dili pa hingpit nga nabayran • kadtong apil sa mga pampubliko nga subasta nga gihimo sa mga lokal nga gobyerno, ning lalawigan, apan wala mapalit sa mga pribadong tawo o entidad. apan ang titulo o pagdeklara sa buhis alang niini wala na ibalhin sa hingtungdan ngadto sa local government unit • katong naapil sa mga pending nga kaso sa korte alang sa mga RPT delinquencies. Ubos sa Section 276 of R.A. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, inkaso kung adunay kalamidad sa bisan unsang probinsya, syudad, o munisipyo, ang hingtungdan nga Sanggunian, pinaagi sa ordinansa nga gipasa sa wala pa ang unang adlaw sa enero sa bisan unsang tuig ug sa ang Local Disaster Coordinating Council, mahimong maminusan o moubos ang mga buhis ug interes alang sa mga nagasunod nga tuig sa probinsya nga naapektuhan sa kalamidad. Ang maong lakang giaprobahan pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot ni Francisco Y. Chan Jr., tsirman sa Committee on Cooperatives and Community Organization. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte) March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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3 KA IRRIGATION SYSTEM GIPLASTAR SA AGNOR By Ramil L. Pasco
Giprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte atol sa sesyon regular kaniadtong Marso 8, 2021 ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 123-2021, nga naghatag pagtugot kang Gobernador Dale B. Corvera nga pirmahan ang kasabutan sa kontrata alang sa implementasyon sa Rice production-rehabilitation of Communal Irrigation System (CIS) sa tulo ka municipyo sa Agusan Del Norte nga mokabat sa P13,607,269.60.
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Ang rehabilitasyon sa CIS Construction nahisubay sa tulo ka munisipyo mao ubos sa Section 465 ang mosunod: (b) (1) (vi) sa Local Government Code of 1. Rehabilitasyon sa 1991. Baleguian CIS, Maraiging section, Jabonga, Naaprobahan ang Agusan del Norte; maong resolusyon ubos 2. Rehabilitasyon sa sa pagpangamahan Aclan CIS, Nasipit, nila ni Board Member Agusan del Norte; ug James T. Reserva, 3. Rehabilitasyon sa Rizal- tsirman sa Committee on Malpoc CIS, Buenavista, Laws, Ethics and Good Agusan del Norte. Government ug ni Board Member Dick Victor B. Ang pag pirma sa Carmona, tsirman sa kasabutan tali sa Committee on Public probinsya ug sa Works. (LGU Agusan del Olin Development Norte/PIA Agusan del Engineering & Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
BAG-ONG BUHATAN SA PASSO SA AGNOR TUKORON By SV Deligero
Pagasugdan na ang konstruksyon sa Provincial Assesor’s Office (PASSO) building human giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Sanggunian Resolution No.124-2021 nga naghatag otoridad kay Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa pagpirma sa Contract Agreement tali sa probinsya ug sa Olin Development Engineering and Construction nga maoy mangamot sa implementasyon niini. Caraga INFOCUS
Ubos sa maong kasabutan tali sa nasangpit nga construction firm ang proyekto mokabat sa kantidad nga P11,829,599.66 alang sa kompletong pagtukod niini. Gilaumang mapadali ang pagtukod sa bagong buhatan sa PASSO aron mahatag na sa buhatan ang mas kalidad nga serbisyo ngadto sa katawhan. Sa karon temporaryong
naka-basi ang ilang opisina nga makita tapad sa Provincial Economic and Enterprise Development and Management Office kun PEEDMO. Ang paghatag otoridad giaprobahan sa SP sa rekomindasyon sa Committee on Laws, Ethics and Good Government, diin tsirman si Board Member James T. Reserva. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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DUGANG GULAYAN GIPAHILUNA SA AGNOR KAABAG ANG DOLE UG UBANG AHENSYA By Shena Mae Pabia
mag-uuma sa hustong paagi sa pagpananum ug gihatagan og vegetable seeds sa mga personahe sa Department of Agriculture [DA] Region.
Gihimo bag-uhay pa lamang ang oryentasyon ug site validation sa gulayan sa mga maguuma ubos sa Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Disadvantage Workers [TUPAD] Program sa probinsya sa Brgy. Casiklan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. Mokabat sa 366 ka mga benepisyaryo ang gitarget ubos sa TUPAD nga gilangkoban sa mga lungsod sa Las Nieves, Carmen ug Nasipit. Ubos sa programa, pundohan sa DOLE ubos sa TUPAD program ang sweldo sa mga benepisyaryo sulod sa 15
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Nagpahigayon usab ang Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority [TESDA] og individual profiling aron mahibaw-an unsay mga skills nga ilang gusto matun-an ug gikinahanglan sa maong ka adlaw aron mapahiluna lugar. ang gulayan. Mahinumduman nga Gi-orient sa personahe gihimo usab ang maong sa Provincial Planning kalihukan niaging semana Development Office sa Brgy. Camagong ug [PPDO] ang mga magAclan sa Nasipit, Brgy. uuma bahin sa TUPAD ug Rojales ug Kabayawa sa mga mando niini sama sa pila ka-oras ilang trabaho, Carmen ug Brgy. Durian sa Las Nieves. pila ilang sweldo, ug gipasabot kanila nga isa Ang pagpananum og lang ang benepisyaryo gulay kabahin sa Food matag pamilya. Security Enhancement Project ubos sa AGUSAN “Dako mi ug pasalamat UP!, ang kampanya kay gihatag ni nga sa pagpalambo sa kahigayunan sa administrasyon ni amo, kay kini para sa Gobernador Dale B. among mga anak nga Corvera kaabag ang makapa eskwela mi ug buhatan ni Kong. Angel makapakaon mi sa ila” Amante-Matba. (LGU Matod ni alias TM. Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Gitudloan usab ang mga Caraga INFOCUS
MARKET VENDORS IN AGSUR TOWN THANKFUL TO SEN. BONG GO’S ASSISTANCE The drastic economic effects due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have hampered the lives of many Filipinos in the country, particularly the market vendors in the province of Agusan del Sur. Priscilla Duqueline, a market vendor from the municipality of Prosperidad, expressed in an interview that with the current status of the pandemic, she has been having a hard time earning for her family. Their source of living was limited due to the possible transmission of the disease in everyday transactions. Duqueline is one of the 212 market vendors in Prosperidad who received assistance from Senator
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Christopher “Bong” Go. Through his team, Go distributed meals, food packs, masks, face shields and vitamins to the market vendors in a distribution activity held at the Barangay Poblacion Covered Court on Tuesday, March 16. “Nagpapasalamat ako at nabigyan kami ng tulong ni Senator Bong Go. Nagpapasalamat ako kasi ganito ang aming sitwasyon pero natulungan kami. Salamat talaga (I’m thankful as I received the aid from Senator Bong Go. Despite of our situation, we were able to receive help from the government),” Duqueline said in an interview after receiving aid from the Senator.
On the other hand, the Senator expressed that he will continue to support Filipinos especially those in crisis. In his short message to the beneficiaries, Go said that everyone must work together in order to survive the pandemic. “Sa mga kababayan ko diyan sa Prosperidad, sana nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Mayroon akong kaunting tulong na ipinadala diyan sa inyo dahil alam kong hirap ang pamumuhay ninyo ngayong panahon na ito kaya magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan, kung hindi tayong kapwa Pilipino lang (We hope that all the AgSurnons are in good health condition. I have
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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vaccines to poor and vulnerable sectors, particularly those in crisis situations, so they can safely earn a living. Until then, he reminded them to strictly follow the health and safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19.
something for all of you to help lessen the burden that you feel during this time of the pandemic. Who should all be helping each other as Filipino people),“ Go said. Selected beneficiaries were given new shoes while some received bicycles so they can commute to work with ease while transportation remains limited. Another set of residents were provided computer tablets to help their children access educational materials while studying at home. The Senator, also chair of the Senate Committee on Health, assured struggling beneficiaries, like Duqueline, that after frontliners, the government would prioritize the distribution of
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
government at the nearest Malasakit Center located at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital in Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Valley. According to the Senator, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop where agencies, such as the DSWD, Department of Health, PhilHealth and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are housed under one roof to provide convenient access to medical assistance to cover hospital and medicalrelated bills, especially of poor and indigent patients.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present during the distribution activity and provided beneficiaries with separate financial assistance. The Department of Trade and Industry also validated potential recipients for their Go also thanked local livelihood program. The government officials for Department of Agriculture their untiring service to their distributed vegetable seeds. constituents, particularly Prosperidad Mayor Additionally, the Technical Frederick Mark Mellana and Education and Skills Punong Barangay Alicia Development Authority Demecillo. also provided scholarship grants and livelihood training to the market vendors. The Department of Labor and Employment provided a temporary livelihood for displaced or disadvantaged workers.
Go also offered to help those who need major health operations and urged beneficiaries to conveniently seek medical assistance from the
Since Typhoon Vicky struck last December, the Senator’s team has assisted more than twenty thousand other victims from various towns in Agusan del Sur. In February, Go continued to distribute aid to nearly 8,000 residents from Bunawan and Trento who were affected by the typhoon. (Office of SBG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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MINDANAO NEWS
PRACTICAL INTERVENTIONS!
LAKE MAINIT DRIED FISH MAKERS GET STEAMSOLAR ‘PIJANGA” DRYER The tasty “Pijanga” dried fish, a delicacy produced by fisherfolk of Lake Mainit, the country’s deepest, will soon be available in the supermarkets in sanitary and neat vacuum packs. This week, the women dried fish makers of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, received from the
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) a Steam-Powered Fish Dryer designed and fabricated by an inventor from Butuan City. “Pijanga,” which belongs to the Goby family, thrives in the deep waters of Lake Mainit which has a depth of 223-meters.
It is a sought after delicacy for dried fish lovers. The marketing of the Dried “Pijanga,” however, is constrained by poor drying process which relies mainly on sunlight leaving the fish open to flies and dirt. The Steam-Solar Fish Dryer was promised to the Caraga INFOCUS
women of Lake Mainit following a visit I made in September last year to the town of Jabonga, one of the towns of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte located in the shores of the 17,000-hectare lake.
The set-up was designed by multi-awarded Mindanao inventor Engr. Rudy Cane after he was briefed by MinDA on what poor fisherfolk families needed to add value to their produce.
Unlike the traditional fish drying method where the “Pijanga” was dried under the sun, the Steam-Solar Fish Dryer uses the heat of the steam and hot air blown into the plasticroofed dryers.
The set-up also includes either a Retort Machine which would allow the fisherfolk to produce bottled Spanish Sardines or a Vacuum-Packing Equipment.
The heat of the sun complements the drying process and since the dryers are covered, the dried fish is protected from dust or flies. The Steam-Solar Fish Dryer, which includes a miniboiler powered by biomass that heats the water to produce steam, allows the fishermen to dry fish even during rainy days or at night.
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Jabonga is the second fishing village in Mindanao to receive the SteamPowered Fish Dryer which is one of the equipment to be included in the Fish Centers which MinDA will establish in 26 fishing grounds all over the region under the Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Program (MINFAD). The Fish Centers,which had been proposed to be
funded by the European Union Grant for the MINPAD RISE Program, would also include icemaking facilities, blast freezers, cold storage and processing facilities. While awaiting the release of the EU funds, MinDA is using its meager resources to immediately respond to the needs of fisherfolk families in the fishing villages of Mindanao. The next towns to receive the Steam-Solar Fish Dryers would be Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, where fishermen produce dried Mudfish (Dalag) and Catfish, and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte where women produce bottled Spanish Sardines. At least 10 other fishing villages, including island communities in Basilan, Sulu and Tawitawi, will also get the Steam-Solar Fish Drinh equipment.(MinDA)
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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HALAL BEEF PRODUCTION!
MINDA LEADS BARMM TEAM IN CATTLE FEEDLOT EXPOSURE MAFAR and BDA last week, Minister Yacob and BDA Chairman Mangontawar Macacuna expressed interest in the Cattle Fattening and Breeding Program which MinDA is promoting for LGUs in Mindanao. The program involves the establishment of Cattle Fattening Feedlots and the Upgrading of local cattle through Artificiial Insemination or Embryo Transfer. Early today, I will lead the team from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) which will guide officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government as they take the first step in starting the production of the Bangsamoro Halal Beef. The MinDA team will also include Asst. Secretary Cherry Santos-Akbar and MinDA livestock consultant Arnel Corpuz, a former OFW who worked in a 50,000-head Wagyu Feedlot in Australia for 11 years.
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Today’s activity will include BARMM Agriculture Minister Mohammad Yacob and officials of the Bangsamoro Development Agency. This will be mainly an orientation tour of a Cattle Feedlot Facility in Glamang, Polomolok, South Cotabato where the Adelaide River Farm fattens at least 500 Cattle at any given time for a period of 100 days. During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation between MinDA, BARMM-
Minister Yacob and Chairman Macacuna expressed the intent of BARMM to participate in the program supported by the Australian Government. Their objective is to produce a banner commodity for the Bangsamoro Region, Halal Beef. After the orientation tour today, MinDA will assist BARMM-MAFAR and BDA in laying the groundwork for the establishment of Cattle Feedlots in the five provinces of the region. Caraga INFOCUS
NATIONAL NEWS
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 I would like to confirm that I have, unfortunately, tested positive for COVID-19. Though I am asymptomatic, I was immediately isolated and placed on home quarantine. Contact tracing of those I have interacted with has also been done in accordance to the rules set by our authorities, and to ensure the safety of my staff, of my family, and of the public.
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Rest assured, I am okay and I will still continue to work hard and to perform my duties well, including hosting regular shows to inform the public, as I recuperate from the virus.
jeopardize the well-being of others.
At this time, I would like to remind everyone that we are all still susceptible to COVID-19. Anyone can be infected, which is why Do not entertain the we need to strictly adhere claims of malicious gossip to the safety protocols. I mongers, that are being also call on those in areas circulated through text under ECQ to be extra messages. I would not violate travel restrictions, as vigilant and to follow the these strict protocols are in extra measures set in place by our government, they place for our safety, more are for everyone’s safety. importantly, I would never Caraga INFOCUS
ANDANAR’S LENTEN MESSAGE: ACT WITH ‘LOVE, HOPE, COMPASSION’ By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday expressed hope that the Lenten season would inspire Filipinos to live with “love, hope, and compassion,” especially now that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Andanar gave the message, as he joined the Catholic community in commemorating the religious occasion. “May the Lenten period be a time of reflection and may its essence guide us to act with love, hope, and compassion towards others as we collectively endure the present challenges,” he said in his message for Lent. Andanar said the Lent period is a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for
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the salvation of all. He was optimistic that Filipinos would renew their faith and find peace despite the challenges they are currently facing due to Covid-19 pandemic. “May it further inspire us to persevere with faith and peace in our hearts, and to help bring significant changes in our society, especially as we continue recovering from this pandemic,” Andanar said. This year’s observance of Holy Week falls from March 28 (Palm Sunday) to April 4 (Easter Sunday). Christians celebrate Easter Sunday which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after he was crucified and died on the cross on Cavalry. This is the second time the country observes Holy Week with restricted movement
because of the threat posed by Covid-19. Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal have been placed under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 4 in an effort to stop the alarming rise in Covid-19 cases. Andanar, who recently contracted Covid-19, urged the public to continue observing the health and safety protocols to protect themselves against Covid-19. “We also ask those in the areas that have been placed under ECQ to stay at home as religious gatherings have been prohibited and to adhere to the 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew hours. We wish everyone a safe observance of Holy Week,” he said. (PNA)
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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PCOO PREMIERES ANTI-TERRORISM DOCU ‘CTG’ The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) premiered Sunday an in-depth documentary focusing on the gains and challenges of our government in eradicating the New People’s Army (NPA) and their acts of terrorism against the Filipino people. “Aside from the intensive campaign against illegal drugs, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has also strongly pushed for ending
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
the communist armed conflict nationwide,” PCOO Secretary Martin M. Andanar said.
in the economy but also in attaining peace and security for our country,” he said.
Andanar said the 52 years of existence of the communist terrorist group has been a major contributor to the disruption of peace and security in the whole country.
He added that for decades, the Filipino people have experienced brutal abuses, fraud, and bloody violence that have hampered our collective development as a nation.
“As time goes by, the communist armed struggle has had extremely negative effects not only
The full-length documentary explains the organizational structure of the movement as told by former rebels who are now Caraga INFOCUS
working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Viewers will also learn about the tragic stories of the victims of atrocities committed by the communist terrorist groups (CTGs). The late Ka Ruben Guevarra, former Central Committee member and Military Commission of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said he had to leave his loved ones and go to the mountains to serve the terrorist group. Meanwhile, according to Lola Agnes, a former rebel who was the first female commander of the NPA in the Bicol region, she once embraced the ideology of the terrorist group. Later on, she realized she was deceived. She recalled that they recruit by taking advantage of the poor people. One of those who lost faith in the movement was Louie. He shared that the sacrifices he made while he was still a member of the NPA were all for naught. Now, the former rebels only hope for one thing – that no one gets to be Caraga INFOCUS
deceived by the NPA anymore. The “CTG” documentary shows a group of former rebels in Bukidnon, trained to recruit back the people they once deceived and help them return to the folds of the government. It also follows the untold stories of our modern heroes – the valiant members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are at the forefront of our battle against the terrorist group. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Vice-Chair, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., said the over five decades of government intervention to dismantle the Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA - National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) has resulted in 113,000 casualties. There were 100,000 deaths recorded related to the CPP-NPA-NDF’s terror attacks on civilians and uniformed personnel. “Ang number one political security threat ay ang Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National
Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) dahil gusto nilang pataubin, patalsikin ang gobyerno, upang sila ang mamuno sa Pilipinas at ginagawa nila ito ng 52 years na (The number one political security threat is the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF), because they want to topple the government, so they can take over the leadership in the Philippines and they have been doing this for 52 years),” Esperon said. The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines The “CTG: An Antiterrorism Documentary” was aired at 9:30 pm on PTV-4 and IBC-13. It was also live-streamed on the Presidential Communications Operations Office and other governmentaffiliated social media pages. Media outlets are free to share and use the video materials and short documentaries. For inquiries, please e-mail pcooglobalmedia@pco. gov.ph. (PR) March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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PRESIDENT DUTERTE APPROVES IN-KIND AID TO ECQ-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved Monday night the Supplemental Amelioration Program giving P1,000 worth of food and non-food assistance per individual in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), utilizing P23 billion government funds. In his report to President Duterte during a meeting on government’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) interventions, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the government assistance would be given to ECQ-affected individuals and families through the local government units (LGUs).
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allocate nito base po doon sa approval ninyo na at least 1,000 pesos per person,” said Avisado.
Commission on Audit (COA) a report of disbursements and utilization detailing how the funds were spent.
According to the budget chief, the assistance will cover 80 percent of the total affected population with an estimated 11.2 million people in Metro Manila, 3 million in Bulacan, 3.4 million in Cavite, 2.7 million in Laguna, and 2.6 million in Rizal.
“Ang mga LGUs talaga po ang kailangan kumilos dito at siguruhin nila na maibibigay nila. Kung hindi, mananagot po talaga sila, ang mga mayors natin lalo pa dahil sa kanila po nakasalalay ang madaliang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he explained.
The aid, to be extended in-kind to ECQ-affected communities, will be worth P1,000 for every person and will not exceed P4,000 for every family.
The balance from certified sources of the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) will be utilized in the Supplemental Amelioration Program, Avisado explained, saying that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and other involved agencies will fast-track the processes to ensure speedy distribution of funds to the local government units (LGUs).
“So wala po tayong cash po dito po. We will leave it to the local government units dahil sila naman talaga ang first line of pinupuntahan ng mga tao na sila po ang mag-
Before distributing the government aid, LGUs are required to submit the list of beneficiaries. After completing the distribution, LGUs are then required to submit to the
| March 27-April 2, 2021
President Duterte placed areas in the National Capital Region Plus bubble, which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, under enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 4 to curb the spike of COVID-19 infections. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 10, 016 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 731,894 as of March 29 with 603,213 recoveries and 13,186 deaths. PND
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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 29, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
GOV’T ALLOWS PRIVATE FIRMS TO IMPORT COVID-19 VACCINES
Private entities can now import COVID-19 vaccines “at will” after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gave the go ahead allowing them to bring in the vaccines they need for their workers in addition to those secured by the government.
In a public address Monday night, President Caraga INFOCUS
Duterte said countries now compete over vaccine supply as they grapple to inoculate their respective population against the highly contagious coronavirus that has put the world in a standstill. “Nag-aagawan sila ngayon at ang sabi ko hinold (hold) ang ano, hinold. Now, dapat
sabihin ‘yan kasi para malaman rin natin na how unfair it is really, especially if we are on the side of the poor na ‘yong ma-hold ‘yong bakuna,” President Duterte said.
“So wala man tayong magawa. Ang akin ng decision is I have ordered Secretary Galvez to sign any and March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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stop their illegal activities citing their threat to public safety. “Ito bang nagpapabili ng mga fake, itong nagi-import na ‘yong walang ano, walang source tapos peke, tapos ang mga tao magpabakuna, magbayad nang mahal dahil nga may bakuna available hindi na maghintay,” he said. Contributed photo
all documents that would allow the private sector to import at will. Maski magkano o ilan ang gusto nilang ipasok okay sa akin,” he added. There’s no assurance that the private sector can secure COVID-19 vaccine supply, the President said, noting dozens of business entities have shown intention to buy the vaccine for their workers. Private companies are eager to vaccinate their workforces so that the economy could reopen and their business operations could return to normalcy, according to the President. The Palace has said
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
previously that all private firms could opt to procure COVID-19 vaccines by getting into a tripartite agreement with the national government since procurements for commercial purposes are still not possible. On Monday afternoon, President Duterte welcomed the arrival of one million vaccine doses procured by the government from China’s Sinovac BioTech, which are intended for the country’s healthcare workers. Meanwhile, President Duterte warned those importing and distributing counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines to
“I’m just warning you, huwag na huwag kayong magkamali dito na hirap na ang Pilipino tapos dagdagan mo ng ganitong pamaraan ng hanapbuhay, pupulutin ka talaga kung saan.” Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal were placed under enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 4 to curb the increasing number of COVID-19 infections. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 10, 016 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 731,894 as of March 29 with 603,213 recoveries and 13,186 deaths. PND Caraga INFOCUS
QUIRINO PROVINCE, SANTIAGO CITY PLACED UNDER MECQ STARTING APRIL 1
Quirino province and Santiago City in Isabela will be under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to contain the spread on COVID-19, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced Monday. In a televised public address, President Duterte said the MECQ in Quirino province would last from April 1 to 15 while the restriction in Santiago City will be from April 1 to 30.
Meanwhile, areas that will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning April 1 until April 30 include the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao City, and Lanao del Sur. “Aside from those places that I have mentioned, iyon ‘yong mga strikto, itong the rest of the Philippines modified general community quarantine lang,” President Duterte said. The President has previously approved the
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recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to place National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 until April 4. “For de-escalation of the quarantine the --it will be loosened or stricter depending on the result of the surveys,” the President said of the lockdowns. The IATF-EID has recommended a stricter quarantine measure anew following the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces. As of Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) put the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines at 731,894 after reaching a record-high of 10,016 new cases in one day. Active cases are now at 115,495, while there are 603,213 recoveries and 13,186 deaths. PND
March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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President Rodrigo Roa Dutete discusses matters with Presidential Spokesperson Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III prior to the start of the 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 29, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
DUTERTE ADMIN ENHANCES STRATEGY AGAINST COVID-19 The government has calibrated its strategy against COVID-19 to defeat the virus and restart the economy, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday. In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte,
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said 2021 is intended for containment strategy with the government securing steady vaccine supply and scaling up its vaccination through the mobilization of the national government, LGUs, and the private
sector. Under the strategy, the government will boost vaccination in April and May, targeting to inoculate 500,000 to one million per week, said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of Caraga INFOCUS
the National Task Force Against COVID-19. And then in June and July, once the bulk of the vaccines arrive, the government eyes two million to three million per week. In August to December, three million to five million per week. To achieve herd immunity, Galvez said there’s a need to maximize the vaccination drive, with the government administering more or less 450,000 to 500,000 doses a day. “Ang parang pinakatarget po natin is we will have a better Christmas sa 2021.” The main goal is to completely eliminate COVID-19, according to Galvez. To achieve that objective, he said they are communicating with the different vaccine manufacturers developing booster vaccines. Those are second generation or third generation vaccines that can prevent and neutralize new COVID-19 variants. The government will authorize local Caraga INFOCUS
pharmaceuticals companies to directly communicate with their foreign counterparts in order for the country to attain vaccine security by 2022, he added. The Philippines is looking at India’s selfsufficiency strategy, he said, stressing if the country can establish its own manufacturing capability, there is no need for importation of vaccines and other medicine. “So iyon po ang isang nakita po namin na magkaroon po tayo sana ng aside from the Universal Health Care Law, magkaroon po sana tayo ng Health Security Act na ‘yong ating DOH at ang ating health care system will
be modernized,” he said. “So to 2023, at least we can start ‘yong health self- sufficiency to next pandemic so that we can prepare just in case na magkaroon po ng next pandemic.” The government has vaccinated 668,018 healthcare workers comprising 81.65 percent of its target for the first vaccine dose, Galvez reported. It targets to inoculate 1.7 million health workers. Some one million vaccine doses from Chinese drugmaker Sinovac BioTech arrived in the country on Monday, the first tranche of the 25 million procured by the government from China. PND March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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GO ASSURES ANEW STEADY SUPPLY OF COVID-19 VAX
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reassured the continued deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines into the country based on the agreements signed by the government with the vaccine manufacturers and suppliers. He said the government can expect to fulfill its target to vaccinate 70 million Filipinos by the end of 2021 should supplies of Covid-19 jabs arrive on time. “Tuluy-tuloy ang pagbili ng gobyerno. Hopefully, sa Abril, may 5 million doses ng bakuna na naka-line up. Pagdating ng Mayo, mayroong additional na naman. Sana tuluy-tuloy ‘to. By second quarter, marami na ang mabakunahan at target mabakunahan ang 70 million by the end of the year para unti-unti natin ma-attain ang herd immunity (The government keeps on procuring vaccines. Hopefully, by April, 5 million doses are ready. Then by May, we have Caraga INFOCUS
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (Contributed photo)
additional. By second quarter, more will be inoculated and by end of the year, 70 million will be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity),” Go said in a radio interview on March 26. Go, chair of the Senate committee on health, said the government has already secured necessary number of doses of Covid-19 vaccine for the country’s frontline healthcare workers. He said the government’s vaccination priority list
must be followed amid reports of individuals jumping the vaccination line. “Mayroon na tayong around 1.5 million [doses] na mga donated. Kalahati nito ay good for 750,000 frontliners. Ang good news, darating na sa Lunes ang mga binili ng gobyerno. Sasalubungin ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte ang 1 million doses ng Sinovac. Mayroon pa mga 900,000 na darating mula sa COVAX Facility soon. Magtu-total ito March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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“After which, the vaccine program can already start inoculating other sectors in the priority list and eventually reach the general public,” he added. Contributed photo
ng (around) 3.4 million [doses] so enough ito sa front-liners natin (We have 1.5 million donated doses. Half of these are good for 750,000 front-liners. Good news, on Monday, President Duterte will welcome the 1 million doses of Sinovac bought by the government. We have also 900,000 that will arrive soon through COVAX Facility. So the total is around 3.4 million. So these are enough for our front-liners),” Go said. The country’s first batch of 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine arrived on Feb. 28 while additional 400,000 doses were shipped to the country on March 24, all donated by the Chinese government. The World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility has also so far delivered a total of 525,600 doses of
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
AstraZeneca. On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte is set to welcome the arrival of 1 million doses of CoronaVax vaccine bought by the government from Sinovac Biotech. “Ang priority sa ngayon ay mga frontline health workers, tapos senior citizens, tapos essential workers at indigents. Huwag kayong magalala. Bababa din ‘yan patungo sa lahat (The priority now are frontline health workers, then senior citizens, essential workers and indigents. Don’t worry it [vaccine] will reach to everyone),” Go said. Go reiterated that the country is on schedule to acquire more than 3.4 million doses by the start of the second quarter of this year -- enough to inoculate the country’s 1.7 million front-liners.
He said President Rodrigo Duterte and the executive branch remain focused on obtaining enough vaccines for the people amid a limited global supply. “Kaya kami sa Senado, ipinasa namin ang indemnification law... Iyun ang hiningi [ng mga manufacturers]. Ibinigay natin ang batas na ‘yun. Ang probema ngayon supply. Agawan talaga pero expected natin ‘yan (That’s why, we passed in the Senate the indemnification law, the one being required by the manufacturers. We gave that law. The problem now is supply. That’s is expected),” he said. Go urged the people to trust the government to provide enough, safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines for every Filipino. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS
GALVEZ LAUDS PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT IN NAT’L VAX PROGRAM
By Lade Jean Kabagani
The recently passed Republic Act (RA) 11525, or the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, would strengthen the publicprivate partnership and push for an orderly immunization program, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Saturday. Galvez, also the country’s vaccine czar, said RA 11525 is a timely measure to secure steady supplies of vaccines. “We have been pushing for the passage of this legislative measure that will not only address issues regarding the indemnity clause but also provides protection and support to the Caraga INFOCUS
National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (PNA file photo)
private sector and local government units (LGUs) that have volunteered to help in carrying out our national immunization program,” he said in a news release. Earlier, the NTF and the Department of Health (DOH) jointly clarified that all private companies and LGUs are allowed to procure coronavirus vaccines provided that they would enter into a tripartite agreement with the national government and pharmaceutical companies. The tripartite agreement is part of NTF’s strategies to acquire equitable access to vaccines. Galvez said the government does not force private
companies to give half of their procured jabs to the government and thanked the donors who did so. “We are very grateful to the private sector, especially to the group led by Mr. Joey Concepcion, Ms. Tessie Sy-Coson, Fernando and Jaime Ayala, Mr. Enrique Razon, Mr. Lance Gokongwei, Mr. Ramon S. Ang, and other business conglomerates for volunteering to give 50 percent of their vaccine supply purchased from AstraZeneca to the national government,” he said. Galvez said even if the donation was not imposed nor required, private firms “generously March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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Contributed photo
offered to give a percentage of the vaccines they procured to the government, while also ensuring an adequate supply for their employees.”
our collaboration with other sectors as we continue our fight against this pandemic.”
Some 39 LGUs also entered pacts with drugmaker AstraZeneca.
Galvez praised the vital role of the private sector in the acquisition of safe and effective anti-Covid vaccines intended to inoculate at least 70 million Filipinos this year.
“With the Implementing Rules and Regulations in place, we have now set a clear pathway for LGUs and the private sector to actively take part in the nation’s vaccine procurement,” he said. “Likewise, we are looking forward to strengthening
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
Public-private collaboration
He also thanked BritishSwedish manufacturer AstraZeneca for agreeing to the tripartite agreements. Concepcion, also the
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, earlier said the private sector recognizes the importance of vaccinating more people as much as possible to revive the economy. He said private companies vowed to support the government’s pandemic responses. “The private sector would like to extend and further assist in the end-to-end flow of the donation,” he said. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
PH TRIES TO KEEP UP WITH RICH COUNTRIES IN VACCINE PURCHASE By Lade Jean Kabagani
Despite the challenges in acquiring vaccines, especially the limited global supply, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., assured that the government is exerting all efforts to secure coronavirus jabs for all Filipinos. “Sa ngayon po (so far), most probably baka magkaroon po tayo ng (we are expecting to acquire the) vaccine ng (in the) first quarter, most probably by March, and then also, ang mga (the acquisition of the) second tranche is [in the] second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter,” Galvez said Thursday. He earlier noted that about 80 percent of the available vaccines globally have already been procured by rich countries, resulting in limited supplies hence, the Philippines is experiencing slight delays in vaccine deliveries due to “global logistics constraints.” A New York Times (NYT) Caraga INFOCUS
CHALLENGES. The Philippines is eyeing the purchase of at least 148 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from seven manufacturers. Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said everything will depend on available supplies as higher-income countries are given more access. (PNA file photo)
report published March 31 said “86 percent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high- and upper-middleincome countries. Only .1 percent of doses have been administered in lowincome countries.” The same NYT report, based on data compiled by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef), added that “low-income countries made their first significant vaccine purchase agreements in January 2021 – eight months after the United
States and the United Kingdom made their first deals.” PH 48th among 141 countries in vaccination The Task Group on Diplomatic Engagement and Negotiation, Galvez said, showed the Philippines is 48th among 141 countries in terms of administering the Covid-19 vaccine, as of March 30. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines is ranked third behind Indonesia and Singapore, according to financial and media company Bloomberg’s March 27-April 2, 2021 |
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tracker.
Expand vaccination
Bloomberg data showed that more than 590 million doses have been administered across 141 countries, enough to vaccinate 3.9 percent of the global population.
It targets to expand the vaccination of more priority groups in the next coming weeks. NTF added that the current deployment of the vaccine is limited to priority groups A1 (medical front-liners) and A3 (aged 18 to 59 with comorbidities) who were given the option to choose between CoronaVac and AstraZeneca, while the priority group A2 (elderly) will receive AstraZeneca.
The latest rate was approximately 15.3 million doses daily.
The NTF reported some 738,913 doses have been administered to priority groups, such as healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities. Galvez assured that the nationwide vaccine rollout Of this number, 68 percent, “is doing good amid the equivalent to 737,569, limited supply.” received the first dose, while 1,344 or 0.1 percent The country’s vaccination have completed two rate has increased from doses. 35,000 within the first week of March to 271,459 this Around 58 percent week. of 1,468,200 on-hand vaccines have also “Ibig sabihin, ‘yung been distributed to capacity natin (That 2,596 vaccination sites means, our capacity) nationwide. to inoculate will go on exponentially with the “With the recent arrival of availability of more 1 million doses of procured vaccines in different local vaccines, the total number government units,” he of available doses have added. doubled, and doses distributed throughout the Bulk of vaccines country have significantly The government expects increased, with a total of to secure the bulk of 1,468,200 doses delivered,” Covid-19 vaccines by the the NTF said in Viber third quarter of this year, message. once ongoing negotiations
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| March 27-April 2, 2021
with pharmaceutical companies push through. “Based on our current negotiations, we will be able to purchase at least 148 million doses from more or less seven manufacturers. However, it will be dependent on the global supply,” Galvez said. Around 800,000 out of 1.4 million doses of CoronaVac vaccines, he said, will be deployed in areas under enhanced community quarantine, such as Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal. The shipment of 2.6 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine initially procured by the private companies are expected to arrive in May. The government is also finalizing supply agreements with pharmaceutical firms Johnson&Johnson of the United States and Gamaleya Research Institute of Russia by the second week of April, he added. The government has already sealed supply deals with Sinovac, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Novavax. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
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