Caraga InFocus – May 23-29, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7

23 - 29 May 2020

7 8 10 12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

REGIONAL NEWS

LGU Butuan continues to impose prevention protocols amid preparation for new normal Butuan’s SK Federation initiates activities amid COVID-19 crisis DILG chief to LCEs: Assist OFWs, LSIs upon arrival Caraga LGUs’ good practices significant in fast, successful SAP implementation Caraga ARBOs continue to earn amid COVID-19 crisis Over a thousand stranded tourists in Caraga successfully sent home during lock down DOH Caraga confirms 5th COVID-19 case DSWD-Caraga completes SAP distribution for non-4Ps families 5th COVID-19 positive in Caraga recorded DOH Caraga reports more negative results Caraga Task Force vs COVID-19 heightens preparations for ‘new normal’

Volume IV, No. 22

PROVINCIAL NEWS

24 25 26 28 31 32 40 41 42

LTO office in Agusan Norte nets over P1.2-M revenues after ECQ Hulyo gitakdang ‘Blood Donors Month’ sa Carmen Agusan Norte scholarship program malaking tulong sa mga kabataang Agusanons na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral AgSur town relives Bayanihan during SAP implementation Mga guro at tricycle drivers, nakabenepisyo sa ayudang hatid ng LGU-Trento SAP aids crippled tourism communities in country’s surfing capital Caraga mining firms spend P73.5M for COVID-19 response COVID-19 referral hospital in Caraga receives donations from private sector Tandag City residents stranded in other regions, safely returned home

45 47

DPWH targets to complete 18-km Marawi Transcentral Road this December 2020 DA-10 hands over P6.1-M machinery to farmers in Bukidnon

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Andanar to LGUs: Be vigilant, not afraid, amid health crisis PRRD to study DOST proposal to create a virology institute DAR partners with DSWD for supplementary feeding program Modified IATF guidelines allow some businesses’ full ops

MINDANAO NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

COVID-19 NEWS

59 61 62 64 65

Duterte used all special powers to address Covid-19 PSHS-Ilocos reserves facility for Covid-19 suspect cases PH to join Covid-19 vaccine trials by last quarter of 2020 87% of Pinoys worry about family member catching Covid-19: SWS UNICEF mobilizes $3-M aid to PH Covid-19 response

News Briefs PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar stressed that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the government ensures balance between public health and economy. He further said that all should work and communicate as one to cope with the challenges in these trying times. xx

On March 6, 1965, Presidential Proclamation No. 374 was issued declaring May 28 as National Flag Day to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898. On May 23, 1994, Executive Order No. 79 was issued extending the period of celebrating National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12. All Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all offices, agencies and instruments of government, business establishments, schools, and private homes throughout this period. This is to give respect and reverence to our symbol of national sovereignty and solidarity. The Philippine flag is the embodiment of all our country’s ideals, culture and tradition. (DILG)

As part of the Environment Month Celebration in June with the theme “Protect Nature, Sustain Our Future,” the EMB Caraga will hold a Summit on Ecological Solidwaste Management cum Webinar to be participated by LGU solidwaste management focal persons, RIACEE members and other stakeholders in the region. In 5th COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Meeting, Aurora Ignacio, president and CEO of the Social Security System (SSS) shared the important highlights in the implementation of the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Program. She reiterated that eligible to avail the said program are those small business employers belonging to an industry classified as non-essential or quasi-essential.

PCR lab test almos complete: Mayor La B

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

UTUAN CITY - In today’s Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada reiterated that the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Laboratory in the city is almost complete.

“As of now, our preparation for completion of the laboratory is already in its final stage. We are currently completing the infrastructure after The establishment of the having ordered the facilities,” the laboratory is in line with the efforts to mayor said. hasten the identification process and control of the disease transmission. The city government is now complying with the requisites for Stages At present, samples of suspect 1 and 2 of the accreditation. Medical cases in Caraga that turned out workers such as medical technicians positive in the Antibody Test are still are now being trained to handle the being sent to the Southern Philippines laboratory. Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City

| May 23-29, 2020

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and laboratories in Metro Manila and Cebu for the confirmatory test. The city government of Butuan is in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga and national health authorities throughout the accreditation process.

the efforts of local authorities in the region. Earlier this month, National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. and medical experts in the country handed over 2,000 personal protective equipment (PPEs) and 15,000 rapid testing kits to be distributed in local The national government has government units (LGUs). (DMNR/PIAalso provided augmentation to boost Caraga) May 23-29, 2020 |

REGIONAL NEWS

LGU Butuan continues to impose prevention protocols amid preparation for new normal By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - With the majority of Caraga region now under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada stated that the city is preparing for the advent of the “new normal” but Caraganons, especially Butuanons, are still made to strictly follow protocol. The mayor disclosed during today’s Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar that the easement of protocols under GCQ, the Color Coding Scheme is still in effect in the city.

Even our public utility vehicles follow the same protocol so that there is a limit to the passengers that can be ferried,” Mayor Lagnada said.

At present, five barangays are still under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) while 18 are under “This is to ensure crowd control. Modified ECQ (MECQ). May 23-29, 2020 |

The city government is also gearing up its awareness campaign on adapting to the new normal. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials are being disseminated to the public. However, the mayor cautions on the arrival of a second wave of the pandemic, which is why pre-emptive measures are still being strictly imposed. “We are doing our best to prepare. There might be a second wave. Apart from imposing interventions to prevent the spread of the disease, we are also conducting more targeted testing,” he added. In addition to conducting rapid testing, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is also being established in the city. This is in line with the efforts to hasten the

control of the spread of the disease. By enabling efficient detection, contact tracing can be done immediately. Mayor Lagnada has previously reiterated that the establishment and accreditation of the said laboratory is near completion. The city government has also made sure that select establishments continue operations especially those that offer basic services such as access to food, basic commodities, and health care. Upon the implementation of GCQ in the latter part of May, other establishments approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-IED) have also resumed their operations. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

Butuan’s SK Federation initiates activities amid COVID-19 crisis By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation officials have been initiating and creating useful programs, projects and activities for the local residents of this city as they cope with the daily community quarantine life in the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. During the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Tuesday,

| May 23-29, 2020

May 26, 2020, Butuan City’s SK Federation president Cynth Zephanee Nietes, bared that they are now maximizing the power of social media to not only

let the youth participate in abiding the as well as social distancing as a way to protocols but also encourage them prevent the spread of the virus in their to take part in the eradication of the respective communities,” said Nietes. disease. She also called on the youths They launched contests and nationwide to be active volunteers in quizzes wherein winners will be given their respective areas and contribute prizes. Some contests also involved to nation-building amid the COVID-19 providing additional assistance to the crisis. She stressed that the youths should adopted families of the participants. take part along with the government in providing help to the locals who The Federation was also able to are greatly affected by the COVID-19 launch a contest wherein the youth pandemic, in any way possible. will be challenged to do backyard gardening. She took the time to “Be a true volunteer by helping encourage the youth, especially those the community. To all the youths in the with a heart for volunteerism, to help Philippines, we are all nation-builders the local governments in implementing and we build our nation through their initiatives. volunteerism,” Nietes bared. “We are working closely with the different concerned government agencies and stakeholders as we do various activities for the youths and locals that they still become productive amid the COVID-19 crisis. We always remind the youths to practice at all times the health protocols and preventive measures imposed by the government,

Andanar also expressed appreciation to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation members for being an inspiration to other youths and for helping the government in its effort to address the pressing issues and concerns of the locals in this crisis situation on COVID-19. (JPG/PIACaraga) May 23-29, 2020 |

DILG chief to LCEs: Assist OFWs, LSIs upon arrival By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo AĂąo appealed to local authorities to provide intended assistance upon the arrival of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and locally stranded individuals (LSIs) to their respective hometowns. This is in line with the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to secure that every Filipino who lives in the province be placed with their families during the pandemic.

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During the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar on

Tuesday, May 26, the secretary reiterated that the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program was designed to provide short-, medium-, and long-term assistance for its beneficiaries. Cash assistance will be given to the beneficiaries for their travel expenses while additional financial and livelihood assistance will be provided upon their arrival. Sec. Año called for local government units to cooperate and lend the intended assistance.

still a lot to be dealt with in the program implementation.

The secretary added the LGUs must permit entry to OFWs who have completed quarantine procedures and tested negative in the confirmatory test.

“That is a major violation on one’s human rights. Report them immediately to the authorities. I will personally deal with them,” the secretary said.

While schedules for OFWs to go home are fixed, those of LSIs are not, which is why the LGUs’ cooperation is greatly needed.

Meanwhile, he also addressed the circulating reports on the alleged “sex to pass”, wherein police personnel manning checkpoints coerce women to engage in sexual intercourse for them to be allowed entry in borders. “They have been staying Manila Although their office has not received and abroad for far too long. This is any official report, he urged the public their chance to reunite with their loved to report such incidents immediately to ones,” he added. hold responsible officials liable.

The same goes to violators in the A total of 24,000 OFWs were Social Amelioration Program (SAP) already sent home by the government implementation. A fair investigation in a span of three days. Sixty thousand will be conducted. Those responsible more are expected to be sent home. for creating anomalies will be dealt accordingly. While President Rodrigo Duterte issued a one-week deadline for Secretary Año reminded the agencies to send home LSIs and public to remain patient with the overseas workers, Año said that the governments’ initiatives to put an end sub-task groups were told to give LGUs to the pandemic. three days to prepare for their arrival. In addition, an OFW Desk was established “We all need to make sacrifices. We in every DILG field office to ensure that have to keep in mind that we are all each OFW is documented and will be responsible for protecting the health of included in the assistances provided by one another. Just bear with us and do the government. your part. Continue to abide protocols. This will have to be the norm for now,” The secretary bared that there is he affirmed. (DMNR/PIACaraga) May 23-29, 2020 |

Caraga LGUsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; good practices significant in fast, successful SAP implementation

The Local Government Units (LGUs) of Caraga Region have used different initiatives and strategies in the implementation of the Social Amelioration Programs (SAP), specifically for the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga.

These strategies purposely aim to hasten the cash aid distribution of P5,000 to low income-households who are heavily affected by the enhanced

| May 23-29, 2020

community quarantine brought about by the coronavirus disease or known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as this is also the directive of

the current administration – to address teams were assisted by the Barangay immediately the needs of the people. and Purok Officials since they are the ones who know the people on the Due to the limited capacity of ground better. The validated list was the department to implement the said then consolidated by the CSWDO program given a very short period of cluster in-charge for the consolidation time, the LGUs played a vital role since of the qualified list of beneficiaries. they were deputized to implement the programs. This includes the Prior the actual payout, potential identification of the eligible recipients beneficiaries were given “coupons” of the said program, since they know which serves as an invitation to their constituents better, and they can participate on the final validation. The identify families who belongs to the coupon holder then went through informal sector, or the poorest of the three levels of validation/verification/ poor. cross matching by the validating staff. The three levels of validation were The strategies crafted and used conducted to ensure that only eligible by the LGU is not just to hasten the beneficiaries will receive the ESP. distribution of the cash subsidy but also in the process of identifying the qualified Other than that, during the actual recipients of the program. This includes distribution of SAP assistance, the strategies in addressing complaints and LGU designated grievance personnel queries from the community. who were in-charge in addressing complaints and clarifications from the For Placer, Surigao del Norte, public. the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWDO) conducted However, even if the LGU was revalidation tapping the Barangay able to put up a good system for the Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay validation process, it still earned a lot of Nutritionist Scholars (BNS), and Day Care criticism from the public – especially from Workers after several unqualified families those who believe they were qualified were able to receive the assistance. from the program. This is why, the LGU They also created a task force headed will set-up a post-payout validation by the mayor and the vice mayor who task force to act on grievances and to acted as the chairperson and vice verify those families who have received chair in order to correct the erroneous but are subject to complaints. Once payout. proven ineligible, the recipients were asked to refund the said subsidy. While, in Bislig City, the BHW, BNS, Day Care Workers, and CSWDO For Lingig, Surigao del Sur, after staff were primarily responsible for the receiving the potential list from the validation of potential list from DSWD Department, the LGU created a (Listahanan Data). The validating team who conducted the table and May 23-29, 2020 |

house-to-house validation. The LSWDO immediately proceeded in meeting the BHWs and Day Care Workers, who were then tasked to do the validation of beneficiaries. “The LGU and BLGU don’t have participation in the identification of the eligible beneficiaries. I don’t want the program to be politicized by anyone, that is why I let the MSWDO do the identification. My order is to use the list from DSWD and use it to conduct validation immediately,’’ said Mayor Roberto of Lingig. However, on the actual payout, the LGU provided assistance by ensuring the safety of the front liners. This includes the augmentation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, additional manpower to speed up the payout, and ensure the observance of social distancing and wearing of masks. The payout only lasted for four hours in each barangay, as a result of the wellcoordinated plan. The LGU was able to release 100 percent of the fund allocation to the 1977 beneficiaries for the municipality of Lingig. They completed the payout is a span of 10-day, way ahead of the deadline. Another LGU who have done well in the ESP implementation is the municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, headed by Mayor Shem G. Garay. After receiving instructions from the DSWD Field Office, Mayor Garay instructed the BLGU to conduct the validation and finalization from the

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list of potential beneficiaries from the DSWD Listahanan database. Again, all BHW were deployed in the different barangays. Also, they hosted radio programs to inform the public about the criteria of the beneficiaries for the program, as well as the guidelines for the SAP implementation. Instant queries and clarifications from the listeners were answered on-the-spot. Eventually, this good practice led to 100 percent disbursement of funds following the allotted timeline. Aside from the well-organized implementation of the SAP/ESP, several LGUs have also ensured that they addressed the needs of those who were not covered by the program. Several LGUs have provided relief goods to their constituents. Field Office Caraga was able to document good practices related to this in the municipalities of Carmen, Surigao del Sur, and Malimono, Surigao del Norte (stories posted on the DSWD Caraga account). Whatever the strategies made by the 73 LGUs, these all led to the timely distribution of the financial assistance to the eligible beneficiaries in the region. Although the Department together with the LGUs are already used in providing aid to its constituents specially those who are in crisis or emergency situations, but this is the first time that such a program, with its guidelines, have been implemented. There were challenges met by the implementers along the way, but with coordination and good communication strategies, DSWD and

the LGUs were able to achieve its goals implementation of the program. and targets. The government was able to provide social interventions to the Caraga Region has been lauded people during this time of pandemic. as the Top Performing Region in the SAP aid distribution all over the Philippines. The role of LGU and DSWD have And this is because all players, all been critical in the implementation of stakeholders made sure they played the program. But also worthy of praise their part in providing maagap at and admiration is the gallant act of mapagkalingang serbisyo to the the PNP, the AFP, and the DILG, who people of Caraga. (Social Marketing have given their 100% support in the Section, DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga ARBOs continue to earn amid COVID-19 crisis By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in Caraga region, the livelihood of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) is still up and earning with the help of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). While the ARBOs ensure continuous production of rice, vegetables, and organic eggs, among others, DAR also helps in providing the potential market centers for the farmer sector in the region.

assistance to the ARBOs in order to help them cope with their daily needs during this crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, apart from the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Amelioration, DAR-Caraga has also extended food DAR-Caraga regional director packs to the ARBs and continues to Leomides Villareal bared that the ARBOs facilitate lending mechanism programs in the entire Caraga have earned more through the department of agriculture than P51-million. and other concerned government agencies. Villareal added that DARCaraga has constantly been providing Director Villareal also revealed May 23-29, 2020 |

that the ARBs have also been reaching out to the different local government units where they could sell their produce, hence, they were able to earn higher income and profit.

DAR-Caraga chief is also grateful to the LGUs for properly managing the COVID-19 crisis in the region, including the frontliners for their commitment and sacrifices. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Over a thousand stranded tourists in Caraga successfully sent home during lock down By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - Over a thousand foreign and local tourists stranded in Caraga were successfully sent home during lock down.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga facilitated the sweeper flights of 1,201 tourists during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period in the region. Eight hundred forty-one (841) of these were foreign tourists while 360 were domestic tourists.

products for the touristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; use.

According to DOT Caraga regional director Mary Jean Camarin, the department was able to facilitate 18 international flights, two domestic flights, 13 land transfers, and two boat transfers to ferry the tourists. During quarantine period, they also provided kits containing food packs and hygiene

Director Camarin bared that they had to ensure that every tourist could go home despite border restrictions as part of their Quick Response Kontra Pandemic.

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Since foreign tourists had to be sent home first, a P2, 000 cash allowance was given to the local tourists who were scheduled under the succeeding batches of sweeper flights.

She stated that gathering the tourists was definitely challenging.

While it was easier to gather the tourists who were from the Siargao Islands, additional transportation had to be provided to others who were stranded in farflung areas municipalities in other provinces. “There were times that we had to scout for tourists who happen to be near the airport just to replace the slots that protocols. were initially allotted to tourists who did The DOT Caraga is yet to schedule not show up on their flight schedule. the flights of the remaining 101 foreign tourists and 107 domestic tourists. We also took the time to urge tourists to avail of the sweeper flights The regional director hinted that since we also do not want to waste our DOT is yet to come up with interventions resources,” she added. to assist stakeholders in the tourism sector that will also be congruent to the The department also had to work regulations set under the “new normal.” their way around strict provincial border (DMNR/PIACaraga)

DOH Caraga confirms 5th COVID-19 case By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga confirms the fifth case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Caraga region. The patient is a 65-year-old male is also asthmatic and hypertensive. and a resident in the province of Agusan del Norte. The patient has a travel history DOH Caraga regional director Dr. in Manila on late February. The patient Jose Llacuna, Jr. bared that the patient May 23-29, 2020 |

is currently asymptomatic and is under strict home quarantine. “Since his arrival, the patient has been under strict home quarantine and isolation. He will be subjected to close monitoring and further evaluation,” he said. Dr. Llacuna added that the department and other concerned agencies are now conducting contact tracing. Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte provincial governor Dale B. Corvera appealed to Caraganons, especially those residing in Agusan del Norte, to continue to abide protocols and lend their cooperation to the authorities if needed be.

The patient’s sample was among the 47 samples sent to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). The remaining 46 samples tested negative in the confirmatory test. (DMNR/ PIACaraga)

DSWD-Caraga completes SAP distribution for non4Ps families BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has completed the distribution of the emergency cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Programs (SAP) first tranche. All 73 cities and municipalities in the region have accomplished 100 percent of their total targets for the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP). Caraga Region served a total of 305,096 low-income families who are Non-Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Non-4Ps) beneficiaries,

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amounting to P1,525,480,000.00. This was divided to the five provinces namely: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur,

and the Province of Dinagat Islands. Agusan del Norte was allotted 96,055 slots, and has the largest number of beneficiaries among the provinces. The Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP) through SAP of DSWD, is a cash subsidy granted under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11469, to the families qualified as â&#x20AC;&#x153;low-income-householdsâ&#x20AC;? that are most affected by the virtual economic standstill and most vulnerable to the economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis and are now unable to earn for their daily sustenance under the stayat-home or community quarantine conditions. The subsidy in Caraga Region was pegged at P5,000.00 based on the prevailing regional minimum wage rate. This addressed the basic needs of a family like food, medicine, toiletries, and other basic necessities.

DSWD has earlier commended the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Caraga for their prompt and efficient implementation of SAP. As early as April 08, 2020, several LGUs have already started delivering the financial aid to Non-4Ps beneficiaries, the municipality of Malimono, and Surigao City are among them. Among all the regions in the Philippines, Caraga is one of the few that was able to finish the distribution within the period allotted. This was made possible by the strong partnership between DSWD Field Office Caraga, the local government units, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the different agencies that took part of the implementation of the Social Amelioration Programs. (DSWD-13/PIACaraga)

5th COVID-19 positive in Caraga recorded

BUTUAN CITY - The departmet of Health (DOH) Caraga confirms today (May 24) the fifth case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region following receipt of results from the Southern Philippines Medical Center. A total of 47 lab results were released where 46 tested negative for the virus leaving one sample positive. The fifth COVID-19 case is a February, currently asymptomatic but 65-year-old Filipino male from Agusan recently turned positive in the Rapid del Norte who traveled to Manila late Antibody-based Test (RAT) conducted May 23-29, 2020 |

by the local government.

“There is still a lot that we don’t know about this virus. For this reason, we “The patient has been on strict urge everyone to never stop practicing quarantine since his arrival and will our health reminders against this time continue isolation for close monitoring of pandemic crisis,” Dr. Llacuna said. and further evaluation considering the “We also request high risk results now,” said DOH Caraga Regional individuals like the elderlies, children, Director Jose R. Llacuna. pregnant women and those with Contact tracing is presently underlying medical conditions to being conducted by the local health double your efforts in protecting your authorities. Identified close contacts selves and immediately consult health will be subjected for RAT and progress professionals if you don’t feel well,” he added. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga) of their condition will be observed.

DOH Caraga reports more negative results

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga receives on Sunday, 46 negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) results from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Sub-national Laboratory. The 46 negative samples are as follows: a) The second follow-up result of the fourth confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case, b) 28 close contact of the 4th case, c) seven suspect cases, d) two probable cases, d) eight Rapid Antibody-test positive cases from Butuan Doctors’ Hospital, Tandag City, and Agusan del Norte.

patient remains asymptomatic and in good condition,” DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.

DOH Caraga also stresses the importance of strengthening the immune system in fighting infection by being physically active, eating nutritious and well-balanced diet, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and “We are relieved that our health by not smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes worker has finally turned negative in and other tobacco products. (DOH the second follow-up RT-PCR test. The Caraga/PIA Caraga)

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Caraga Task Force vs COVID-19 heightens preparations for ‘new normal’ By Amethyst Joy A. Galos

BUTUAN CITY – The Caraga Regional Task Force for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (RTF COVID-19) One Caraga Shield deliberated on the region’s next steps towards the region’s gradual transition to “new normal” as the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) is being imposed in the five provinces in the region and select areas in the city until the end of May. May 23-29, 2020 |

During its 6th teleconference meeting last May 13, the Task Force decided to request the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) and the National Task Force (NTF) for COVID-19 to recognize the regional task force as the policy-making and coordinating body to address the COVID-19 situation in the region. The said request was intended to clarify and harmonize functions among the One Caraga Shield, the Regional Inter Agency Task Force (RIATF) chaired by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and RTF COVID-19 chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Members of the task force also agreed to expand its membership to include the regional offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Meanwhile, while the IATFEID denied the request of the city government of Butuan for an extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the entire city. The task force, however, concurred to the request of the Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada to place five barangays under ECQ, 18 barangays under modified ECQ (MECQ) while the remaining barangays will be placed under GCQ.

Given the rising number of suspect

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cases in the city, Mayor Lagnada stated that some of these barangays are still subjected to intense contact tracing and testing. Meanwhile, the RTF has also focused on accommodating the gradual recovery of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy during GCQ period, focusing on the continual operations of the wood industry. The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Economy Cluster, chaired by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, then passed Resolution 30-A, Series of 2020, enjoining local government units (LGUs) in Caraga to strictly comply and adhere to the economic provisions of the national guidelines issued by IATF-MEID. Three resolutions were issued to permit the resumption of the wood industry, namely Resolution Nos. 30B, 30-C, and 30-D, Series of 2020, requesting DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu resources grant authority to the DENR regional executive director to provisionally approve the applications of wood processing plants (WPP) permits in the region and the application for tree cutting permits for naturally grown trees affected by private development projects within titled properties during the community quarantine period, and requesting the city government of Butuan to allow WPPs to continue its operations during the extended implementation of ECQ in the city, respectively. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

LTO office in Agusan Norte nets over P1.2-M revenues after ECQ By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – Days after its operations resumed on May 13 after the lockdowns were lifted, the Land Transportation Office’s district office in Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte (LTO-ADN) collected PHP1.23 million from vehicle registrations, issuance of licenses, and law enforcement operations.

BACK IN BUSINESS. Engineer Eugene P. Rula of the Land Transportation Office in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte reports on Wednesday (May 27, 2020) a revenue collection of PHP1.23 million generated from May 13 to 19 after resuming their operations following the lifting of the lockdown. He said the bulk of the revenue came from the registration of motor vehicles, with 741 transactions, amounting to PHP931,493.50. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

“We are back in our operations after the lockdowns. Residents (of) Agusan del Norte, especially those who have pending transactions with LTO are glad that we can now serve them regularly,” Engineer Eugene P. Rula of the Land Transportation Office in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, said in an interview on Wednesday. Rula said during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), only law enforcement personnel were required to report for work to provide support

| May 23-29, 2020

to quarantine checkpoints and ferry front-liners and health workers to their destinations. He said the bulk of the revenue came from the registration of motor vehicles, with 741 transactions from May 13 to 19, amounting to PHP931,493.50. The office also recorded 411 license transactions over the same period, amounting to PHP152,835, while the law enforcement division logged 50 apprehensions with a total fine of PHP145,680.

Rula said the penalties on expired registrations and licenses during the ECQ period were waived by the district office in accordance with the directive from the central office.

to transact business at the office.

Rula pointed out they were expecting an increase in revenue collection by the end of May as clients continue to transact business at the “We are also reminding them office. of the protocols under the general community quarantine (GCQ). They Last year, LTO-ADN contributed are not allowed to transact business if considerably to the overall revenue they do not wear a face mask. Inside collection of LTO 13 (Caraga region). the office, they are also required to follow physical distancing,” he said, Records provided by Rula showed adding that clients are also required to that LTO-ADN’s total revenue collection wash their hands in a designated area, in 2019 reached PHP43.48 million, 15.83 step in a footbath, and check their percent higher than the 2018 collection temperatures before they are allowed of PHP37.54 million. (PNA)

Hulyo gitakdang ‘Blood Donors Month’ sa Carmen

MUNISIPYO SA CARMEN, Agusan del Norte - Gitakdang magpahigayon na ang lungsod sa Carmen ning probinsya isip Blood Donors Month matag Hulyo kada tuig human gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Municipal Ordinance No.03-2020 nga nagmugna niini pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 206-2020. Basi sa rekomendasyon sa Committee on Health and Nutrition nga gipangunahan ni Bokal Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, ang nasangpit nga ordinansa nga gi-aprobahan bagohay pa lamang nahiuyon sa Provincial Ordinance No. 449-2017 nga giilang Sandugo Ordinance of Agusan del Norte.

magpahigayon og Blood Donors kada buwan sa Hulyo aron mapauswag ug madasig ang mga katawhan sa pagboluntaryo nga pagdonar ug aron maila nga ang pag donar og dugo usa ka makatawhanong lihok.

Ang nag-unang tahas sab niini mao ang paghatag og igo, luwas ug barato nga suplay sa dugo ug ipahibalo Isip pakig-operar niini, ang sa publiko ang kahinungdanon Sangguniang Bayan sa Carmen sa boluntaryong pagdonar aron May 23-29, 2020 |

mapugngan ang mga peligro tungod Month matag bulan sa Agosto diin sa pagbaligya sa dugo. kini ubos sa Municipal Ordinance No.02-2020 nga naaprobahan sa Ang maong programa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa naglangkob sa pag-apil sa tanang Sanggunian Resolution No. 207-2020 sa establisamento, mga institusyon, non- pagpanginahan ni Bokal Calo. governmental organizations, people’s oraganizations ug mga indibidwal uban Ang maong programa nahisubay ang suporta sa Municipality’s Blood sa Department of Health No.40 ug Donation Program nga pangunahan Philippine Academy Opthalmology sa Rural Health Unit sa Carmen sa kun PAO isip “Sight-Saving Month.” koordinasyon usab sa concerned national government agencies ug Kini aron madugangan ang uban pang partner stakeholders. kahibalo sa katawhan sa kalidad sa pagatiman sa mata ug aron makunhuran Sa laing bahin gitakdang ang pagkaylap sa pagkabuta. (SVD, magpahigayon usab ang lungsod LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del sa Carmen og Eye Examination Norte)

Agusan Norte scholarship program malaking tulong sa mga kabataang Agusanons na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Mahirap man sa buhay, puno naman ng pagasa ang mga kabataang nangarap na makapagtapos ng pagaaral sa tulong ng scholarship program ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Norte.

| May 23-29, 2020

Tulad na lamang ni Jerry Ampo, Jr. na nakapagtapos ng Bachelor of Science in Business Adminsitration major in Operations Management sa tulong ng Provincial Scholarship Program ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte. Labis ang kanyang pasasalamat naturang programa ng gobyerno at aniya...sana’y pagbutihin din ng iba pang scholars ang kanilang pagaaral lalo’t hindi lahat ng kabataan ay nabigyan ng ganitong oportunidad. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga opisyales na nagging instrument sa scholarhip program, dahil sa kanila nakapagtapus ako na aking pagaaral. Malaking ang aking pasalamat kay governor Dale Corvera at congresswoman Angel AmanteMatba,” tugon ni Ampo.

Peoples na nakatira sa probinsya at maaaring matulongan hanggang sa 50,000) kada semester. Ang pangatlo ay ang Provincial Medical Scholarship Program (PMSP), ito ay para sa mga nakapasa ng national medical admission test.

Sila ay tutulongan na May tatlong uri ang Provincial at bibigyan ng Scholarship Program ng Agusan del makapagtapos hanggang P100,000 kada semester. Norte. Ang una ay ang Provincial Special Educational Scholarship Program (PSESP) na para sa mga kwalipikadong senior high school graduates, college level students o drop-outs na gustong makapagtapos ng kanilang kurso sa kolehiyo.

Dahil sa positibong tulong nito sa mga kabataan, ayon kay Maria Eleanor Tupaz, project evaluation officer ng Agusan del Norte, taontaon dinadagdag ng mga local chief executives ang mga scholarship slot upang mas marami pa ang matulungan nilang makatapos.

Maaari silang mabigyan ng Samantala, ginawa na rin itong hanggang P20,000 kada semester. isang ganap na ordinansa sa ilalim Pangalawa ang Provincial ng administrasyon ni Agusan del Indigenous Peoples Scholarship Norte governor Dale B. Corvera para mas marami Pang kabataan ang Program (PIPSP). matulungan. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Ito naman ay para sa Indigenous Norte) May 23-29, 2020 |

AgSur town relives Bayanihan during SAP implementation

Bayanihan is a Filipino term for teamwork. But for Filipinos, Bayanihan has a deeper meaning for it also symbolizes pagmamahal sa kapwa at pagmamahal sa bayan or patriotism. Traditionally, Bayanihan is practiced when a certain family is having a house makeover or is going to transfer to another place, and everyone in the neighborhood gives a helping hand in the process.

| May 23-29, 2020

Bayanihan is an act of kindness wherein a certain person or group of people offer their help without asking for payment in exchange for their services. Bayanihan is also exercised during calamities wherein neighbors

are helping each other in supplying the needs of everyone in the community. But sadly, as the time went by, the practice of Bayanihan is slowly fading away, especially in urban parts of the country.

cash transfer program and rice subsidy shall be taken into consideration in the computation of the emergency subsidy as provided for on this Act,” as stated on the Section 4 C of the said law. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Offices, acted on the guidelines through the Joint Memorandum Circular in the implementation of the program. DSWD has been tasked to distribute financial subsidy through Social Amelioration Programs (SAP) to the most affected families belonging to the informal sector. Due to a hectic timeline, the Field Offices was faced with great challenges. So the agency turned to its different partners to ensure that the implementation would be effective.

But nowadays, due to our current pandemic that the country is facing, Bayanihan is slowly making its mark – it is now being revived and is even making the rounds on social media. Netizens are posting their act of Bayanihan through helping those who are greatly affected by the Enhanced Community Qurantine because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With the help of the different stakeholders, most specifically the The Philippine Local Government Units (LGU), through government, headed their City/Municipal Social Welfare by President Rodrigo Development Office (C/MSWDO), and Roa Duterte, crafted other government agencies, DSWD the Bayanihan to had high hopes in the implementation Heal as One Act of the SAP. (Republic Act 11469). It is a law which One of the municipalities in Caraga aims to “provide an who handled the implementation of emergency subsidy to around 18 million SAP confidently was the Municipality low-income households: provided, of Rosario, Agusan del Sur. According that the subsidy shall amount to a to Jeanette Celedio, the MSWD officer minimum of 5,000 pesos to a maximum of Rosario, the SAP implementation in of 8,000 pesos a month for two months: their municipality was very challenging, provided, further, that the subsidy but they were able to manage it well. shall be computed based on the She said that right after they had their prevailing regional minimum wage orientation (through teleconference) rates: provided, finally, that the subsidy with the DSWD Field Office, she received from the current conditional immediately had a meeting Mayor May 23-29, 2020 |

Jupiter Abulog and Municipal Administrator Cristina Basan to come up with strategies on how to implement the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After sa teleconference namo with Regional Director Lim, nagmeeting dayun mi ni Mayor with Admin unsaon namo pag-implement sa SAP. Then katong naa na mi plan, gimeeting dayun namo ang mga barangay captains with the DILG (After the teleconference with the [DSWD] Regional Director Lim, we immediately had a meeting with our Mayor and Administrative Officer on how to implement the SAP. After that, we set a meeting with the barangay captains together with the DILG),â&#x20AC;? said Celedio. One of the strategies they had during the payouts was that they did the house-to-house distribution of the P5,000.00 subsidy. Mayor Abulog along with Municipal Administrator Basan ordered the different division chiefs of the LGU to act as the paymasters, and were accompanied by two representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), two Police Officers, the Purok Chairperson, one Barangay Kagawad, one Barangay Health Worker, a representative from the MSWDO, and two representatives from the augmented staff of DSWD FO Caraga.

time of the transactions. One person would prepare the forms, another would prepare the payroll where the beneficiary would sign, another would take the photo of the beneficiary, another would check the Social Amelioration Card/Form. And above it all, there were those who made sure the team was kept safe, especially that they were bringing a large amount of money. This approach was also advantageous to the team since there are members who knew the beneficiaries well, especially those who are from the barangay. They could easily identify recipients who have been poorly validated, and were not qualified. They easily took them down from the list of beneficiaries. And also, some of the members of the team were quick to take in grievances or queries from the community. So they were quick to address the issues properly. The Municipality of Rosario showed the Bayanihan spirit through their strategy in implementing the SAP. All were working hard, from members from the barangay up to the high ranking officers from the LGU. The SAP implementation has been a good venue to rekindle the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation among those who serve the welfare of the people.

The team approach in the The Municipality of Rosario has distribution of the subsidy was in a way indeed risen above the challenges a Bayanihan approach since it fast- of this pandemic, and it is through tracked the distribution process. Bayanihan that they were able to surpass the challenges. (DSWD-13/PIA More hands meant shorter Agusan del Sur)

| May 23-29, 2020

Mga guro at tricycle drivers, nakabenepisyo sa ayudang hatid ng LGU-Trento By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Sa harap ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, patuloy ang pamimigay ng ayuda ng lokal na pamahalaan sa ibat-ibang sektor. Kabilang sa nakabenepisyo ang dalawang magkaibang displaced workers sa bayan ng Trento, Agusan del Sur. Mahigit 800 guro mula sa ibatibang pribado at pampublikong paaralan ng nasabing bayan ang tumanggap ng isang sakong bigas mula sa lokal na pamahalaan.

na hindi nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa eskwelahang kanilang pinagtatrabahoan.

Samantala, tumanggap din ng tig-P2,000.00 ang bawat isa ng may Paglilinaw ng LGU-Trento, na mahigit 300 tricycle drivers bilang ang mga benepisyaryong guro ay ayuda sa nasabing sektor mula sa lokal yung napabilang sa â&#x20AC;&#x153;No work, No na pamahalaan. pay statusâ&#x20AC;?, special education fund at Parents-Teachers Asociation (PTA)- Base sa tala ng Business Permit paid, at mga volunteer teachers and Licensing Office ng Trento, naging May 23-29, 2020 |

batayan ng pamamahagi ng ayuda tricycle drivers. ang pagkakaroon ng driver’s license at bagong permit to operate ng bawat Ayon naman kay Trento Municipal benepisyaryo. Mayor William Calvez, sadyang ipinatupad ng kanyang administrasyon Tiniyak din ng LGU-Trento na ang ang pamamahagi ng nasabing mga mga guro at tricycle drivers na binigyan ayuda sa layuning maibsan ang ng ayuda ay hindi benepisyaryo ng hirap na dinaranas ng mga sektor na social amelioration at hindi kabilang sa lubhang naapektuhan sa krisis na dulot Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ng COVID-19. (4Ps), Indigenous Peoples (IPs) o anumang grupo na tumatanggap ng “Nang dahil sa kinakaharap social pension. natin na krisis sa COVID-19 kung saan apektado ang kabuhayan ng ating Sa kabuuan, umabot sa halos mga guro at tricycle drivers, pinaabot P2.5-million ang dagdag na ginastos ng nasabing LGU mula sa kanilang Gender din natin sa kanila ang tulong mula and Development (GAD) fund para sa gobyerno. Umaasa tayo na sa magkaibang ayudang kanilang malalampasan din natin ang lahat ng ipinamahagi sa grupo ng mga guro at ito,” ani ni Calvez. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

SAP aids crippled tourism communities in country’s surfing capital The island of Siargao is considered as one of the preferred destinations and one of the most coveted tourist hotspots in the country. Every year, specifically during the summertime, the local government units (LGUs) in the province are preparing for foreign and local tourists to flock the breathtaking spots in the island, to enjoy sand, sea and surf, in what surfing aficionados consider as the best surfing spot in the country.

| May 23-29, 2020

The 5th class municipality of General Luna (GL), Surigao del Norte, one of the nine municipalities in the island, is considered the busiest and most sought-after tourism destination in Siargao. It is home to one of the wellloved surfing spots, not just in the island, but in the world – the Cloud 9 surfing area. It is one of the few places in the country where surfing can be done throughout the year.

GL also offers tourists a run for their money with their tri-island (Daku, Guyam, Naked island) hopping tours, if they are not into the extreme activity of surfing. Aside from these activities, the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nights light up with its superb parties and events. And if people had their fill of General Lunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spots, the entire island has a lot more to offer. One could always have a side-trip to the Tidal Pools of Magpupungko in Pilar; go swimming with stingless jellyfishes in the crystal-clear waters of Sohoton Cove in Socorro; enjoy the calm waters of Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen; and enjoy cliff jumping and explore the top of Taktak Falls in Sta. Monica, all of Surigao del

Norte. Indeed, the island is a dream destination for a lot of tourists, especially those who love the beach. The Local/Municipal Tourism Office has recorded a total of 274,547 (86,144 international/188,403 local) tourists visiting the island, in 2019 alone. This had a major impact in the lives of the communities in the municipality, giving jobs to thousands of families. HOPING FOR A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR With the influx of tourists coming in and out of GL in 2019, the LGU had high hopes for 2020. Arceli Gallentes, Local/ May 23-29, 2020 |

Municipal Tourism Officer of GL shared that they were expecting a recordbreaking year for 2020. “We had quite a number of reservations already for 2020, some had their reservations as early as late last year. We were hoping that more tourists would come in, and boost livelihood in the island, especially that a lot of local shops have opened,” Gallentes said. Though there were already reports of a deadly virus ready to spread havoc in Asia as early as December 2019, thousands still flocked the island in the 1st quarter of 2020. It was only mid-March that people began seeing the seriousness of the threat when local transmission was recorded in the country.

With the lockdown in place, everyone in the island whose livelihood is connected to the tourism industry was now in peril. Hotels/bed and breakfast/ home stays, restaurants/café/bars, souvenir shops, beach resorts, were now being closed. Only a few shops selling the necessities were allowed to operate. This meant loss of jobs to workers, artists, and loss of income to entrepreneurs’/business owners.

Most affected were those who belonged to the informal economy – workers who did not have security of tenure, those who were earning on a day-to-day basis. Hospitality industry workers, surf instructors, boatmen (island hopping), tricycle/habal-habal drivers, tattoo artists, tourist guides – these were the most affected during “We gave tourists some time to the community quarantine period. leave the island before we had our lockdown. Once we closed our borders, Mark Anthony Ayuda, a 32-yearwe never let anyone in, to ensure the old surf instructor, was among those safety of everyone,” Gallentes said. who were affected by the lockdown. “Sa pagsarado sa mga resort, General Luna was placed on naundang pud akong pag-tudlo. Lisod lockdown, as the provincial LGU tried kay duna koy tulo ka anak, singko, tres, preventive measures to ensure that the ug uno anyos. Ang gamay kailangan COVID-19 pandemic spared the island pa palitan ug gatas (When the resorts communities in Siargao. No tourists were closed, I also stopped having surfing sessions. It was hard for me since I am allowed to travel to Siargao. And with raising 3 kids – five, three, and 1 yearno tourists, and with no definite end to old. The youngest is still consuming the pandemic in sight, their dream of a formula milk),” Mark shared. record-breaking year was now fading. There was a total shutdown of the Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, municipality’s tourism industry by the Mark said that he was able to provide end of March. for the needs of his family since he was an “on-call” instructor in several resorts INDUSTRY DOWN – FAMILIES FEELING in GL. He would earn P300 for a 1-hour DOWN session. In a week, he would be able to

| May 23-29, 2020

have at least four sessions, and during peak seasons (April/May and AugustSeptember), he would be able to have sessions daily.

brought about by the tourism trade, island hopping guides and boatmen were among the most affected also. When tourists were banned from the island, the boatmen, who used to have “Dako gyud nga kawalan kay daily trips in the summer, now lost their sa wala pa ang virus, makakuha man jobs. ko ug hantod upat ka kliyente kada semana. Sa peak season, kada-adlaw Tomasito M. Crisologo, 64, head of duna koy matudluan. Karon, wala na, a family composed of nine members, wala na koy income (It is a big loss for is among those affected by the us, since prior to the virus hitting us, I lockdown in General Luna. He works could have at least 4 clients a week as a boatman, catering to boat rentals – even having daily clients during the of those who would avail of the island peak seasons. Now, I do not have any hopping activities in GL. What made more income),” Mark said. their situation worse was that his son, Tomasito Crisologo, Jr., who is married The lockdown started on March and lives with him, is also a boatman, 18, and all surfing activities were and equally affected by the pandemic. banned starting April 1. So this forced Mark to try fishing, just to provide for “Lisod among kahimtang sugod the needs of his family. He also started nagka COVID, kay nawala ang mga some gardening in a vacant lot beside turista. Pagkawala sa turista, nawala their house. pud among trabaho kay bawal na man mag island hopping. Ang lisod pa “Buhi-buhi sa gyud karong gayud sa among sitwasyon kay akong panahuna kay unsaon man, wala anak nga pamilyado, si Junior, nga naman koy income. Maayo nalang kauban nako ug puyo sa among balay, maka-uban ko panagat sa akong lakip pud walay trabaho kay boatman mga kauban. Naa pud ko gisugdan man pud siya (We have a problematic tanom-tanom sa among kilid kay wa situation since COVID hit us since it man ta kahibalo hantod kanus-a ning affected tourism in the island. When lockdown (I needed to find ways to the tourists stopped coming, we lost our provide for my family since I no longer jobs since island hopping was banned have a source of income. I would tag in the municipality. What made the along with my neighbors when they situation worse was that my son who’s go fishing. I have also started some married, Junior, who lives with me, was gardening since we all do not know also affected, since he also works as a how long this lockdown will last),” he boatman),” Tomasito Sr., said. said. Since both father and son lost their jobs, Aside from the surf instructors it was hard for them to provide for their who were living off the opportunities families. May 23-29, 2020 |

“Okay ra unta ug usa sa amo naa pay trabaho kay makapakaon pa mi sa pamilya, ug makahatag pa mi sa panginahanglanon sa among pamilya. Pero pareho man mi apektado ni Papa mao nga lisod gyud sa amo (It would have been okay if one of us still had a job, we would still be able to provide for the needs of the family. But sadly, Papa and I had the same job, so we were both affected),” Tomasito Jr., said. Tomasito Sr. and Jr. looked for ways to provide food on the table. Junior, who was the better fisherman, borrowed a small bangka (boat) so that he could fish. He would go out to sea twice or thrice a week to fish for liplipan (black marlin).

For Junior, catching at least one or two black marlins was a good week for him and his family. But for Clementino Cabadonga, a 33-year-old fisherman who is expecting his second child, the lockdown affected his livelihood differently. There was no problem with the catch. His problem was more on the buyers of his catch. Clementino used to directly sell his catch to the restaurant and hotel owners. Compared to those who sell their catch at the market, those who directly sold the fresh catch to private resorts, earned bigger. Clementino used to have a ‘suki’ or a patron, who would always get his catch. But with the restaurants closing, he no longer has a regular customer.

“Akong mga kuha diretso na sa akong suki. Mas taas man sila mo presyo kay sigurado man sila nga presko unya pilian gyud pud nako sila ug nindot nga kalidad sa isda. Pero karon nga nanirado na sila, maglisod nako ug baligya kay naa man pud lain mamaligya sa merkado (I sold my catch directly to my patrons. They bought my catch on a much higher price since they were sure I only gave them the freshest catch, and they were sure I gave them the best quality of fish that I caught. But since they no longer are open for business, I now have a It was hard for the Crisologo hard time selling my catch since there family, but they tried their best to earn are also those who are selling fish in the a living despite the limitations due to market),” Clementino shared. the community quarantine. Fishing With the growing needs of his provided for their needs. But they would still prefer the island-hopping job family, especially that his wife is 4 months they had since fishing was not Junior’s pregnant, Clementino is worried of what the future holds for them. bread and butter. “Nanagat ko aron naa mi makaon. Maayo nalang makakuha ko ug usa or duha ka liplipan kada semana. Mga 20 kilos, okay na kay makatabang na sa mga panginahanglanon namo. Ako na ibaligya sa mga taga merkado dayon (I went on to fish so that we would have something to eat. It was of great help when I get to catch one or two 20-kilo black marlins in a week. I would sell my catch to those selling in the market, so that I would be able to buy stuff that we need),” Junior said.

| May 23-29, 2020

“Kinahanglan ko makatigum kay buros akong asawa sa among ikaduha. Wala ta kahibalo hangtod kanus-a ning COVID. Mao nga nabalaka ko kay ang among kita karon panahuna igo ra sa among konsumo. Wala nay sobra nga akong ma tago para sa pagpanganak sa akong asawa (I need to save up for my wife’s delivery of our second child. What worries me is that nobody knows how long the COVID problem would affect us. This is why I am very worried since the income I get for fishing could only cover our daily needs. There is no extra that I could save for my wife’s impending delivery), Clementino exclaimed. With the effects of the pandemic affecting the lives of all three families, the first thing that they wanted to do was to call out the government for aid. With government implementing strict quarantine protocol, they thought that it was just right that government would address their needs since it was impossible for them to have a decent income.

1,368 slots to aid the affected families. Tomasito Sr., was among those identified to receive P5,000 emergency subsidy under the Social Amelioration Programs implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Through the program, the LGU is deputized to identify lowincome earning families belonging to the informal sector, most affected by the community quarantine. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat nga naapil mi sa programa kay naglisod na gyud mi sa among kahimtang. Pagkadawat namo sa ayuda, nagpalit gyud mi diretso ug is aka sako nga bugas para sa among tanan. Salamat kayo kang Presidente Duterte kay nahunahunaan mi niya mga pobre (I am really thankful that we were considered for the program because we were really affected by the situation. I immediately bought a sack of rice for all of us when I received the aid. I am really grateful to President Duterte for thinking of the poor’s welfare), Tomasito Sr. said.

Mark and Clementino’s families SAP TO THE RESCUE also qualified for the program. But they almost did not make the final list The government needed to step of beneficiaries since the validating up its provision of emergency subsidy teams had a hard time locating their to the most affected families due to addresses. the Enhanced Community Quarantine. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was “Halos walay makatuod sa ilang given special powers to realign P200 mga panimalay. Naa man sila sa lista billio to aid 18 million low-income gikan sa DSWD, so amo gayud sila earning households who are most gipangita aron ma validate. Apan affected by the economic standstill mismo mga barangay officials dili due to the pandemic. makatuod ug asa gyud sila nagpuyo (No one really knew where their houses General Luna was allocated were. Their names are in the DSWD list of May 23-29, 2020 |

probable qualified families, so we really tried locating them for the validation. But even the barangay officials could not pinpoint where they exactly live), Marilou P. Gonzaga, Municipal Nutritionist Action Officer, and one of the lead of the validation team shared. With the economic boom spreading all over GL like a brushfire in the past few years, several new buildings (houses, homestays, shops) would pop up from time to time, changing the landscape of communities drastically. Small houses visible from the road are now covered with huge buildings, making it difficult for people to locate homes of the locals, especially those whose houses have been moved further back after their lots where rented out by business establishments. Naglisod ug pangita sila ni Ma’am sa among balay kay natabunan naman sa sementado nga building among atubang. Mao niadto gyud ko sa opisina nila aron magpavalidate ko kay wala man ko naapil. Maayo nalang ila ko giadtoan unya nalakip ko sa programa. Dakong tabang ang P5,000 nga among nadawat. Gipalit gyud nako dayon ug bugas, vitamins, ug gatas para sa akong mga anak (The validating team had a hard time locating us since a new cemented building was built in front of our house. So I really went to their office and demanded that I be validated. Good thing they really went out of their way and visited us, so we qualified. The P5,000 we received really helped us. I immediately bought a sack of rice, vitamins, and milk for my children),

| May 23-29, 2020

Mark said. Clementino also had the same fate. He was also excluded from the initial list because his house was located just behind a big, cemented house. So the barangay officials thought he was not qualified. But again, the validating team from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office made sure to really locate the possible beneficiaries, so they found Clementino’s house. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay natud-an gyud nila among panimalay. Kay kung wala pa mi na validate, sigurado ko dili gyud mi maapil ug hantod karon maglisod gyud unta gihapon mi. Salamat sa DSWD ug kang Pres, Duterte sa ayuda. Dako kaayo ni ug tabang sa amo. Nakapalit gyud ko ug vitamins sa akong asawa ug gatas sa akong anak. Naa pud ko gitago para sa pagpanganak (We are really thankful that they were able to locate our house. Because if we were not located properly, we would have been left out of the program – we would still be suffering right now. We thank the DSWD and Pres. Duterte for the aid. This has really helped us in this time of crisis. After receiving the money, I bought some vitamins for my wife and milk for my son. I also made sure to save some of the money for my wife’s delivery),” Clementino emotionally shared. Marilou, who was tasked to lead the validation teams, admitted that they had a hard time locating the families who were on the initial list from DSWD’s Listahanan Database. “Naglisod gajud kami kay dili na

matuod ang mga balay nila, ang uban natabunan na sa mga dagko nga balay ug building. Apan ako mismo naniguro nga makita sila kay luoy pud ug dili sila makadawat labi na nga apektado sila sa (We really had a hard time locating their houses, especially that some houses were hidden in plain view due to the newly built buildings and houses. But I made sure that they be located and identified since it would be unfair on their part since they are qualified for the program because they are affected by the pandemic),” Marilou said. But amidst the challenges, the LGU of General Luna made sure that they did all the necessary preparations, especially in the validation of qualified families. “Wala kami nagpa pressure sa timeline, wala kami nagdali-dali. Kay mas importante sa amo nga mavalidate ang mga pamilya aron ang mahatagan kadtong qualified gajud (We did not rush the process. We did not succumb to the pressure of meeting the timeline. What we did was we ensured the calidation process to ensure that we identify those qualified families),” Marilou added. DSWD – LGU PARTNERSHIP The implementation of the SAP was a challenge not just for DSWD, but also to the LGUs. This has been the first time that such a critical program was implemented in a short period of time. This includes the orientation, preparation of documents, fund transfer, validation, the payout, and eventually the liquidation. The partnership of DSWD,

the LGUs, the Philippine National Police, The Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Interior and Local Government made the SAP implementation successful, especially in Caraga region. Everyone understood how important the program was to the most affected families, so the cooperation and coordination between DSWD, the LGU, and the other partners was kept tight. For a 5th class municipality which is basically dependent on its tourism industry, the pandemic was more than a challenge – it was a crippling force that brought the economy, the life in the island to a standstill. It was a big problem to the families who were dependent on the influx of tourist in the island, especially that majority of the job opportunities in the tourism industry is informal. But with the Social Amelioration Programs, the affected families were given a lifeline. It was a breath of fresh air for them, a chance to at least provide for the needs of their families. DSWD and the LGUs are continuously working to provide a more sustainable service to the communities affected by the pandemic. No one knows how long the COVID-19 virus would post as a threat, so no one is backing down, or relaxing. Continued efforts are being done to address the needs of the communities, even those who have yet to receive any aid from the government. (DSWD-13/PIACaraga) May 23-29, 2020 |

Caraga mining firms spend P73.5M for COVID-19 response

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Member-companies of the Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region Incorporated (CMCRI) have already spent a total of P73.567 million in their respective mining communities and surrounding areas to help the government ease the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. CMCRI is composed of large-scale mining firms and mineral processing companies that either have active operations in Caraga region or are in ‘care and maintenance’ status.

spread in the region’s five provinces immediately heeded to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has earlier signed the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act [Republic Act No. 11469] to boost the government’s response to Based on the consolidated the pandemic. reports received by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 13 Of the total cash aid as of May 13, (MGB-13), a total of 14 mining and CMCRI member-companies released mineral processing companies under the following amount per province: CMCRI have readily responded to the Agusan Sur - P5.19M; Agusan Nortecall of the national government to P4.001M; Surigao Sur - P9.043M; Surigao help affected communities that are Norte - P52.388M; Dinagat Islands struggling following the imposition of P2.945M. lockdowns or quarantine measures. CMRI emphasized that the running These containment measures figures are still subject for auditing and restrict the movement of people and validation of MGB-13. temporarily shuttered businesses, prompting the government to ration Further, the region’s premier food and other essential services to mining organization has also committed residents, even as it called on the to spend some P105.903 million based private sector to help. on the realigned budgets mandated by MGB for COVID-19 assistance and CMCRI member-companies other relevant purposes. (CMCRI)

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COVID-19 referral hospital in Caraga receives donations from private sector By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

The Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) received donations from private donors on May 19, with the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Go facilitating the turnover.

Sacks of rice, face masks, and thermal scanners were given to the hospital through the Medical Center Chief, Dr. Cheryl A. Gotinga, MD, FPPS, hospital nurse Grace D. Platil, supervising administration officer Atty. Clayton Edgar M. Delgado, and Malasakit social worker Luo Francis P. Solana.

The donations were intended to further equip the medical and health workers of the hospital, as well as the workers of the 27th Malasakit Center in the country hosted by the hospital. Dr. Gotinga expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donors and the government for ensuring that May 23-29, 2020 |

they be imparted with such assistance. “Our hospital will definitely need more equipment to better accommodate COVID-19 patients. Apart from the medical equipment, the food augmentation will surely boost the determination of our frontline workers, making them even more effective in their service,” she said.

The CRH is a Level 2, Department of Health (DOH)-run hospital in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte and is one of the two COVID-19 referral hospitals in Caraga that accommodates both suspect cases experiencing severe symptoms and confirmed COVID-19 cases. The other referral hospital is the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) located in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Senator Go commends the donors The Office of Senator Go has who continue to show selflessness and previously successfully turned over compassion amid the pandemic. similar donations to other hospitals in Mindanao namely the Northern “These donations are from our Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) generous countrymen. This proves in Cagayan de Oro City; Dr. Jorge P. that even in times of difficulties, there Royeca Hospital (DJPRH) in General are people who are willing to lend a Santos City; Southern Philippines helping hand to those who truly need Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City; it. Bayanihan is indeed still very much and Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) alive,” the senator added.

Tandag City residents stranded in other regions, safely returned home By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local government unit (LGU) of Tandag City has warmly welcomed the local residents as they arrived back in the province of Surigao del Sur from being stranded in different areas of the country due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. And as part of safety and preventive measures, they all have undergone the required process and protocols imposed by the concerned LGU.

| May 23-29, 2020

According to Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, all those who were stranded from areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases were subjected to 14day mandatory quarantine in the LGUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designated facility.

Mayor Pimentel thanked the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for extending some 250 test kits for the Rapid Antibody Test.

Apart from this, the LGU-Tandag City has also purchased some 200 test This quarantine facility could kits. accommodate some 200 individuals. As of May 20, there have All their needs such as food, been some 72 individuals who are personal hygiene kits and supplemental undergoing the 14-day quarantine at vitamins were shouldered by the LGU. the Buenavista National High School as the designated facility in Tandag City. After five to seven days, they should have to undergo the rapid The first 40 individuals have already antibody-based test and another test undergone the rapid test and all were right before leaving the quarantine tested negative from COVID-19. facility. Meanwhile, Pimentel emphasized For the returning Overseas Filipino that with or without the COVID-19 Workers (OFWs) who have already crisis, the LGU of Tandag City has undergone the required 14-day been providing livelihood programs quarantine in other areas where they to the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizations in the 21 come from, shall then observe the strict barangays, wherein each barangay home quarantine as they arrive in their will receive P500,000.00 every year. hometown. (JPG/NGB/PIA-Caraga) May 23-29, 2020 |

MINDANAO NEWS

DPWH targets to complete 18-km Marawi Transcentral Road this December 2020 MANILA - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is optimistic that the on-going rehabilitation of 18.97 kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road in Lanao Del Sur will be completed by December 2020 despite nearly two (2) months of suspended construction activities due to COVID-19 pandemic.

DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations & Technical Services Emil K. Sadain said that progress of works for the 18.97-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road Project under stage 1 of the reconstruction and development plan for Greater Marawi has restarted to accelerate with the resumption on May 4, 2020 of construction activities. Funded under the P970 Million grant from Government of Japan thru Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ongoing Marawi Transcentral Road Project which is clustered into three (3) contract packages has made remarkable progress since work resumed towards achieving the completion goal.

meeting with UPMO Project Directors, Project Director Virgilio Castillo and Project Manager Francisco Sawali of UPMORoads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) exhorted the Marawi road contractors to step-up construction activities and compensate for the time lost during area lockdown to improve work progress and eventually advance the completion of the project which is expected by June 2021.

Undersecretary Sadain, DPWH Focal Person in the Inter-Agency Task Force Bangon Marawi, said that DPWH UPMO-RMC1 immediately coordinated with the contractors upon lifting of local community lockdown in Marawi City to resume work, subject to compliance with DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issued Acting on the the instructions of construction safety guidelines for the Undersecretary Sadain during a recent implementation of infrastructure projects May 23-29, 2020 |

during the “new normal” so that the road and support the revitalization of socio project can be completed soonest. economic conditions. Based on latest accomplishment report, contract package 1A is now 24 percent completed with 5.6 kilometer of single lane paved road and 480 linear meter of concrete lined canal.

Undersecretary Sadain reported that under detailed engineering design stage is the P12.86 Billion Marawi Transcentral Roads Phase 3 (stage 3) with a total length of 23.9 kilometers together with the 19.9 kilometers Marawi City Ring Road to be funded by signed loan agreement with JICA under the Road Network Development Project in ConflictAffected Areas in Mindanao or RNDPCAAM.

The CP-1A under contractors Unimasters Conglomeration, Inc./M.M.A. Achiever Const. & Dev’t Corp./CDH Construction/Flying Seven Construction (JV) cover the two (2) sections of BacongIligan-Marawi Road with a total length of 9.41 kilometers. RNDP-CAAM also includes the construction of new roads to Five (5) road sections of Bacong- link inaccessible communities of Poona-Marantao-Marawi Road, GMA Maguindanao Province that will Terminal Access, Marawi-Cadre-New contribute to the consolidation of peace Capitol Road, Marcos Boulevard, and in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Idarus Road, with combined length of particularly the 35 kilometers Parang 5.45 kilometers comprises CP-1B which Balabagan Road, 7 kilometers Parang is 46 percent completed by contractors East Diversion Road, and 16.8 kilometers Al Hussein Const. / N.B. Sabo Const. Manuangan-Parang Road. (JV). Also under detailed engineering On the otherhand, CP-2 with a total design stage is the P6.84 Billion Asian length of 4.11 kilometers covering two Development Bank (ADB) loan for the (2) road sections of MSU-GMA Terminal Transcentral Roads Phase 4 (stage 2) with Road and Lumidong-Amaipakpak Road a total length of 21.87 kilometers including is 35 percent completed by contractor construction of 1.6 kilometer Malabang Kouzbary Builders with 4.58 kilometers of Viaduct, construction of three (3) bridges single lane concrete pavement and 400 along Rorogagus Road, and five (5) other lineal meters of paved shoulder. projects listed under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and In line with the efforts for Recovery Plan. the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City, DPWH will Data gathering for the feasibility also soon implement other significant studies of two (2) lanes Malabang Viaduct development projects in Marawi City is on-going with detailed engineering and its surrounding areas to ensure better design expected to commence by mobility that will propel economic activity November 2020. (DPWH)

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DA-10 hands over P6.1-M machinery to farmers in Bukidnon By Nef Luczon

AGRICULTURAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM. Representatives of farmer organizations in Talakag, Bukidnon receive a farm tractor which is part of the Department of Agriculture Region 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (DA-10) agricultural intervention program. The DA-10 has provided PHP6.1 million worth of machinery to farmers organizations in the area. (Photo courtesy DA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has provided PHP6.1 million worth of machinery to farmers organizations as part of its agricultural interventions program. Under the DA-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) machinery and equipment, the local government of Talakag, Bukidnon received three units of 35-horsepower mini four-wheel drive farm tractors with implements and two units of corn

mechanical sheller amounting to PHP3.2 million. The Upper Patag Growers and Farmers Associations, Inc. of Lantapan, Bukidnon got one unit rice combine harvester and one unit 35-horsepower May 23-29, 2020 |

four-wheel drive farm tractors with assistance),” Reynaldo Berdi, president of implements which include rotavator and Dominorog Small Farmers Association of trailer worth PHP2.6 million. Dominorog, Talakag, Bukidnon, said. “The need to increase the level of farm mechanization to produce more food efficiency and quality will be beneficial both for farmers and consumers,” Carlene Collado, officerin-charge-regional executive director of DA-10, said on Saturday.

DA-SAAD is a locally-funded program of the agency that addresses poverty alleviation among the marginalized sectors in agri-fishery.

Collado thus underscored the need for farmers to adopt the different agrimachinery and equipment innovations to increase the country’s mechanization rate from 2.31 horsepower per hectare to 4 horsepower per hectare.

The incubator comes with a module of 10 male and 100 female chicken or ducks as start-up agribusiness kit.

Through this program, provinces with high poverty incidence rates have been given assistance in agri-fisheries He said the machinery will boost since 2017. farming activities and ensure high production and reduce postharvest Also included in the turnover of losses. agri-interventions were six units of 500egg capacity automatic egg incubators Collado cited a DA-Philippine amounting to PHP306,372 under the Center for Postharvest Development and livestock program of the agency. Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) report indicating that postharvest losses in corn The project aims to provide and rice are 7.18 percent and 16.47 livelihood enterprise to qualified recipients percent, respectively, from harvesting, who may engage in balut business, selling piling, hauling, shelling, drying and of days-old-chicks, and production of live storage. chicken or poultry meat.

“Dako ug ikatabang ang mga makinarya kay ang wala na develop nga yuta tungod kay kulang sa galamiton maka expand na. Dako pasalamat namo sa Ginoo nga natabangan mi sa DA (The machinery would be a big help in developing and expanding our farm. We’re thankful to God with DA’s

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Six association-beneficiaries in Bukidnon received one unit each of egg incubator, comprising the Quabra Farmers Cooperative and Ambong Women’s Organization of Impasug-ong; Dologon Fisherfolk Livelihood Association of Maramag; Bethany Christian Home for Children of Talakag; Kalilangan Cassava Farmers Association of Kalilangan, and J.A Agro Employees Farmers Beneficiary Association of Quezon. (PNA)

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Andanar to LGUs: Be vigilant, not afraid, amid health crisis MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday urged the local public officials to remain vigilant and sustain the gains of the government’s hard work to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In his opening remarks during the fourth Covid-19 virtual town hall meeting, Andanar said local government units (LGUs) need not be afraid of the threats posed by Covid-19.

continues to persist, we must not fear. Instead, we must step out in faith without letting our guards down,” Andanar told local government officials who participated in the virtual conference. The national government has implemented stringent quarantine measures to address the Covid-19 pandemic. LGUs are also helping the national government in its Covid-19 battle by imposing the quarantine rules within their respective localities. Andanar said local public officials should help President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration in boosting the efforts in containing Covid-19. “A whole-of-nation urgency is the directive of the President. Let us speak as one, write as one, and heal as one,” he said. Be a guiding light Andanar expressed optimism that LGUs would become a “guiding light” of the public amid the Covid-19 crisis. “This may be the purest manifestation of communication and the reality of our new world. Be the guiding light because of, and despite, the threat of Covid-19,” he said.

Andanar said that local public “As we step out of our homes, we officials played an important role in the find ourselves in a different world – a fight against the Covid-19 pandemic place where sickness and death are and in the transition to the so-called just around the corner. While Covid-19 “new normal.”

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Understand recovery program More establishments have reopened following the implementation of ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ in the country.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Secretary Martin Andanar

Office

He was confident that each LGU would act as a “fiber that makes up the entire communication network” of the government. “Your words must give strength and confidence to our people. Compel the public to take these basic health practices to heart: wearing a mask outside of homes, observing physical distancing, washing of the hands regularly, and avoiding touching the face,” Andanar said. A new normal can only be achieved in the country when places nationwide are no longer under community quarantine. Enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest community quarantine, was imposed in Cebu and Mandaue cities until May 31. Metro Manila, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga were placed under modified ECQ (MECQ), while the rest of the areas in the country were put under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Andanar told LGUs that the country now arrives at a state where life and livelihood must be put “in balance.” He said local public officials should understand the government’s recovery program that aims to reboot the country’s economy. To make it happen, LGUs should be aware that people do not have money and have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, Andanar said. Andanar added that local governments need to know that food production must be supported and prioritized by the government and private sector. He said that infrastructure development is fundamental to the country’s growth because it would create more job and business opportunities for many Filipinos. He also noted that financing, loans, and grants have been programmed, in accordance with the specific needs of micro and small businesses. “Help shall be given to all – this is what the President assured his people,” Andanar said. The Philippines has so far recorded 13,434 Covid-19 infections, with 846 deaths and 3,000 recoveries. (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/PNA) May 23-29, 2020 |

PRRD to study DOST proposal to create a virology institute By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo Duterte

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; President Rodrigo Duterte will study the proposal of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to reactivate the pharmaceutical development unit at DOST-ITDI (Industrial Technology Development Institute) and establish a virology institute in the country, MalacaĂąang said Sunday.

In a statement, Presidential Task Force for the Management of Spokesperson Harry Roque made Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFthis remark after the Inter-Agency EID) approved the DOST proposal for

| May 23-29, 2020

possible legislation. “The President will review the recommendations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to establish the Pharmaceutical Development Center and the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP), which have already been approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) last Friday, May 22,” he said. Roque said that if Duterte approves the proposal, the establishment of both research centers could commence this year. “If and once approved by PRRD, both can start in 2020, with the Pharmaceutical Group and the Virology Research Group evolving out of DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI),” Roque said.

the field of virology encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants and animals.

The establishment of the VIP would also be for the development of He also acknowledged that the vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, DOST has included the establishment of he added. the research centers in its 2021 budget “It will conduct innovative scientific proposal. research on viral agents requiring high Earlier, DOST Secretary Fortunato or maximum containment (biosafety dela Peña said the pharmaceutical level-2 to biosafety level-4) following the development unit at DOST-ITDI may be World Health Organization’s guidelines reactivated as a Tuklas Lunas Center on the establishment of a virology laboratory in developing countries,” he for pharmaceuticals development. said. Dela Peña, in a Facebook post, The DOST’s proposed creation also said the agency has submitted a proposal for possible legislation in order of research centers is expected to initiate and strengthen local vaccine to establish the VIP in New Clark City. development toward the country’s self-reliance and self He said the institute is envisioned vaccine to be the premier research institute in sufficiency. (PNA) May 23-29, 2020 |

DAR partners with DSWD for supplementary feeding program

Remate online

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will join forces with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to implement the supplementary feeding program (SFP) during the community quarantine period and any other similar emergencies that the country may experience in the future to address hunger and food security among Filipino children. DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Office Emily O. Padilla has directed all the DAR regional directors (RDs) to collaborate with the local government units (LGUs) and to tap organized groups such as Sustainable Livelihood Program

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Associations, agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs), local community cooperatives farmers/ fisherfolk associations as partner/ service providers to implement the supplementary feeding program.

“The DSWD is one of our partners in the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program that addresses hunger and poverty issues through the merging of essential services of various government agencies that would directly benefit the poorer sector of the country,” Padilla said.

emergency throughout the Philippines and Republic Act 11469 otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” directing all agencies to provide support services to curtail the impact of health and economic emergencies to all vulnerable sectors which include children of formative years. The SFP shall cover the continued implementation of the feeding program during the community quarantine period, covering the 2019 and 2020 cycles, until the required 120 feeding days has been completed.

The SFP, one of the various programs being collaborated by the DAR with the DSWD, is the provision of food, in addition to the regular meals, targeting children 3 to 4 years old enrolled in Child Development Centers and 2 to 4 years old children in The program may be stretched Supervised Neighborhood Play. into the succeeding cycles in case the period of community quarantine will Padilla has instructed all the DAR be extended longer than the original regional directors to assist the ARBOs for schedule. An amount of PHP15 per child their active engagement in SFP and to per day is allocated for a maximum of coordinate immediately with the DSWD 120 feeding days. local counterpart. “The funds may be downloaded to She clarified that the guideline the LGUs, collaborating EPAHP partners addresses the disrupted implementation or government agencies and may utilize of DSWD’s SFP due to the cancellation Community Participation Procurement of classes brought about by the modality in the procuring of goods. coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Field offices may conduct a twice-apandemic. day feeding for severely underweight and underweight children,” she said. The SFP is DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Padilla said the LGUs, donors, Development based on Republic Act and other partner stakeholders may 22037 or the “Masustansyang Pagkain augment the existing fund for any Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act” of 2018. additions in the quantity of the items, either food or non-food or any other Due to the national crisis brought administrative cost that the program about by the Covid-19 pandemic, may require. She said the fund for milk President Rodrigo Duterte issued is only for identified areas in partnership Proclamation No. 922, series of 2020, with the National Dairy Authority and declaring a state of public health Philippine Carabao Center. (DAR-PR) May 23-29, 2020 |

Modified IATF guidelines allow some businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; full ops By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has revised the guidelines for the nationwide community quarantine to allow more businesses to operate at full capacity. The revisions were adopted by the IATF-EID through its Resolution 38 inked on May 22, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement on Saturday.

Private establishments involved in the provision of essential goods and services, media establishments, establishments offering utility relocation work and specified limited works are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent in areas under ECQ and at full IATF-EID Resolution 38, which capacity in places under MECQ and contains the fresh guidelines, authorizes GCQ, according to the fresh guidelines the full operation of public or private issued by the IATF-EID. hospitals; health and emergency frontline services; and manufacturers of Medical, dental, rehabilitation, medicines, medical supplies, devices and optometry clinics; pharmacies and and equipment in areas under drug stores; veterinary clinics; banks enhanced community quarantine and money transfer services; capital (ECQ), modified ECQ (MECQ), and markets, water supply, and sanitation general community quarantine (GCQ). services and facilities; energy and power The IATF-EID also allows industries firms; telecommunications companies; airline and aircraft maintenance can involved in agriculture, forestry, and also resume partial operations in ECQ fishery, as well as those rendering zones and full operations in MECQ GCQ delivery and courier services that zones. are transporting food, medicine and other essential goods to operate at The IATF-EID also allows partial full capacity in ECQ, MECQ and GCQ operations in ECQ areas and full zones. operations in MECQ and GCQ areas

| May 23-29, 2020

of manufacturing companies; staterun Philippine Postal Corporation and Philippine Statistics Authority; business process outsourcing (BPO) and exportoriented businesses; essential projects; funeral and embalming services; and funeral rites.

preparation establishments; and food delivery services in areas where GCQ was enforced.

Health-related establishments; the logistics sector; information technology and telecommunication firms; and media establishments are still Humanitarian assistance authorized to operate at full capacity personnel; security personnel; printing in GCQ zones. presses; companies engaged in repair and maintenance of machinery and Mining and other manufacturing equipment; and real estate activities and electric commerce companies, limited to leasing can also partially as well as other delivery, repair and operate in areas under ECQ and fully maintenance, and housing and office operate in places under MECQ and services, can also operate “between 50 GCQ. percent up to full operational capacity” in areas put under GCQ, according to For areas under MECQ, the the guidelines. IATF-EID permits the full operations of media establishments; BPO and The IATF-EID also authorizes export-oriented companies; electric financial services; legal and commerce firms; other postal and accounting, and auditing services; courier services; establishments involved professional, scientific, technical, and in rental and leasing; recruitment other non-leisure services; and other and placement agencies; and those non-leisure wholesale and retail firms offering housing services. to operate at “50 percent work-on-site arrangement, and without prejudice to The new guidelines still allow the work-from-home and other alternative full operations of media establishments; work arrangements in GCQ areas. BPO and export-oriented firms; electric commerce companies; other postal ECQ in Cebu and Mandaue and courier services; establishments cities and MECQ in Metro Manila, involved in rental and leasing; Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, recruitment and placement agencies; Pampanga, and Zambales will lapse and those offering housing services in on May 31. GCQ zones. The rest of the areas in the country The IATF-EID also permits the full are under GCQ until May 31. operations of power, energy, water, and other utilities, agriculture, fishery and Malacañang earlier said that the forestry industries; food manufacturing nationwide GCQ may likely be imposed and food supply chain businesses; food in August this year. (PNA) May 23-29, 2020 |

Duterte used all special powers to address Covid-19 By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

President Rodrigo R. Duterte (Presidential photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte was able to exhaust all the emergency powers granted to him by Congress to allow his administration to stop the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said on Tuesday. With barely a month before the expiration of Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Duterte did his best to respond to the crisis brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

“Sa tingin ko po, kahit kailan pa yung date ng expiration ng Bayanihan Act, nagamit naman po ang lahat ng special powers na binigay sa ating Presidente (I think, the President was able to use all his special powers granted to him even before the date of expiration of Bayanihan Act ),” Roque said. May 23-29, 2020 |

RA 11469, inked on March 24, gives Duterte special powers for a limited time to help his administration combat Covid-19.

kasama na po ang mga ventilator (When it comes to procurement, we now have the stockpile of PPE and we are able to purchase all the medical equipment we need, including The law only takes effect for three ventilators),” he said. months, unless extended by Congress. To address the health crisis, Duterte Under RA 11469, Duterte is allowed wielded his emergency power to to provide cash aid worth PHP5,000 realign the government’s national to PHP8,000 to 18 million poor families budget, Roque said. for April and May, realign the national budget to fund Covid-19 response “We have exercised all the powers measures, and procure PPE sets and given to the President. Una po diyan other supplies for front-line health (One of the emergency powers used workers. by Duterte is) the power to realign the budget. Na-realign na po natin iyan Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District (We were able to realign the budget),” Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Monday he said. stressed the need to extend until September the granting of emergency Malacañang announced on powers to Duterte, as provided under Saturday that some PHP150 billion from RA 11469. the budget items of the executive branch would be realigned to boost Rodriguez said the end of the funding for Covid-19 response. Covid-19 pandemic is “not yet in sight” two months after the effectivity of RA This developed after Duterte 11469. earlier directed Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado to look for additional Rodriguez is expected to file funds that can be used to stop the Tuesday a bill extending Duterte’s further transmission of Covid-19. emergency powers. Roque said Duterte also used his special power to expedite the procurement of sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies for front-liners battling Covid-19.

He added that if Congress fails to pass the bill before Saturday, Duterte will have to ask lawmakers to hold a special session during recess, in case the President wants his special powers extended.

“Pagdating po sa procurement, meron na po tayong kumbaga, stockpile ng PPE at na-order na rin po yung mga ibang kailangan natin

As of Monday, the Philippines has recorded 14,319 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 873 deaths and 3,323 recoveries. (PNA)

| May 23-29, 2020

PSHS-Ilocos reserves facility for Covid-19 suspect cases

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

MANILA – The Philippine Science High School (PSHS)-Ilocos Region Campus has reserved its housing facility to accommodate suspect cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday, PSHS director Lilia Habacon said the facility serves as “plan B” of the local such as Magsingal Hospital District, and government as to where it could Gabriela Silang Medical Center,” she added. accommodate the suspect cases. “It has been reserved for the municipality of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur, in case the quarantine facilities in all their barangays are already crowded. Mayor Christian Purisima requested the use of this facility so they have a place to use especially for returning OFWs (overseas Filipino workers),” she said.

Habacon said the Board of Trustees had approved the use of PSHS-Ilocos’ Community Center 2 to accommodate Covid-19 suspect cases last April 15.

Habacon said the local government of San Ildefonso has been using day-care centers as quarantine facilities for returning residents.

“Community Center 2 used to be a students’ dorm, but it now serves as a housing facility for teachers,” she added.

The housing facility could accommodate 10 patients and four health workers, she said.

To date, no suspect case has been “They (local government) bring the PUIs (persons under investigation brought yet to the PSHS Community or probable cases) to nearby hospitals Center 2, Habacon said. (PNA) May 23-29, 2020 |

PH to join Covid-19 vaccine trials by last quarter of 2020 By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – Malacañang on Sunday said it expects the Philippines to join clinical trials for a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) by the last quarter of 2020.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque pic

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism over news that some clinical trials for the development of Covid-19 vaccine are showing early promising results.

Roque said the DOST has been tasked to provide the country’s collaborating organizations with the Department of Health (DOH), World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines guidelines on vaccine clinical trials.

“We expect involvement in the vaccine clinical trials by the last quarter of 2020 with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) taking a lead role,” Roque said in a statement.

The DOST will also be in charge of identifying the sites, the local institutions and the Filipino researchers who will be involved in the collaborative trials, he said.

| May 23-29, 2020

Moreover, the DOST will also be tasked to assist local participating institutions in their proposals and budgets; to obtain Ethics Board approvals and to formalize the agreements, he added. “The President wants to save the life of each and every Filipino; and thus places great interest to these clinical trials,” Roque said. Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the Philippines’ planned participation in the clinical trials for a vaccine against Covid-19 through Resolution No. 39 FDA is directed to advise on the process signed on May 22. to facilitate the issuance of a permit for “IATF Resolution No. 39 mentions the conduct of the clinical trial in the the approval of the recommendations Philippines,” the resolution read. of the DOST on the participation of The DOST has been in talks with the Philippines in the clinical trials for Chinese and Taiwanese organizations Covid-19 vaccines,” Roque said. and research groups for possible clinical The IATF-EID approved the trials of a Covid-19 vaccine, based Philippines’ collaboration with on Duterte’s eight weekly report to organizations Adimmune Corporation, Congress on his administration’s efforts Academia Sinica, Chinese Academy to arrest the spread of the Covid-19. of Science-Guangzhou Institute Once finished, the clinical trials of Biomedicine and Health, and Sinopharma-Wuhan Institute of will also be one of the requirements Biological Products and Beijing Institute. for the vaccine registration process by the FDA for issuance of the Certificate The resolution states that the of Product Registration for market collaborating organizations will be release in the Philippines, according to provided with the WHO’s requirements Resolution 39. for Covid-19 vaccine target product Duterte, in his public address profiles; pre-qualification process for WHO approvals; and the FDA’s delivered on May 19, sought the immediate purchase of a vaccine for updated guidelines on clinical trials. the treatment of Covid-19, once it is “Pursuant to the foregoing, the available. (PNA) May 23-29, 2020 |

87% of Pinoys worry about family member catching Covid-19: SWS By Azer Parrocha

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; At least 87 percent of Filipinos are worried that anyone in their immediate family might catch coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), results of the latest survey released by pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Sunday showed. The May 4-10 SWS mobile phone survey, which interviewed 4,010 working-age Filipinos nationwide, found that 13 percent are not worried about catching the highly-infectious virus.

The survey also found that worry about catching Covid-19 is also higher among Filipinos than among Britons, Australians and Americans, based on similar surveys.

Compared to past SWS surveys, worry about catching Covid-19 is greater than worries about catching Ebola at 82 percent in 2014, swine flu at 82 percent in 2009, bird flu at 83 percent in 2006 and 80 percent in 2004, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) at 78 percent in 2003.

Seventy-eight percent of Britons and 75 percent of Australians fear that they may catch the virus, according to the Roy Morgan Research online surveys of March 18-20 and March 2829, 2020.

Seventy-nine percent of Americans worry about getting The worry about catching the virus infected by the virus, based on the hardly varies in enhanced community ABC News/Ipsos Poll May 13-14, 2020 quarantine (ECQ) areas at 88 percent online survey. and general community quarantine (GCQ) areas at 86 percent. As for awareness, nearly all or 94 percent of Filipinos are aware of the It is higher in Metro Manila and Covid-19 symptoms, most mentioned Visayas at 93 percent and 91 percent, of which are fever at 87 percent and respectively compared to Mindanao cough at 86 percent. and Balance Luzon at 85 percent and 84 percent, respectively. Other symptoms mentioned by

| May 23-29, 2020

respondents were colds (50 percent), difficulty breathing (46 percent), throat pain (33 percent), body pain (20 percent), headache (15 percent), diarrhea (11 percent), and constant fatigue (2 percent) while 10 percent mentioned other unspecified symptoms.

at 94 percent, and Mindanao at 90 percent.

Meanwhile, the awareness of Covid-19 symptoms is highest in Metro Manila at 98 percent, followed by the Visayas at 96 percent, Balance Luzon

There are currently 14,035 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country, 868 deaths and 3,249 recoveries as of Sunday (May 24). (PNA)

The two other most mentioned symptoms are fever and cough in all areas.

Colds is the third most mentioned symptom in Metro Manila (51 percent), The awareness of Covid-19 the Visayas (59 percent) and Mindanao symptoms is high in both ECQ and GCQ (54 percent). Difficulty in breathing is areas, at 96 percent and 92 percent, the third most mentioned in Balance respectively. Luzon (48 percent).

UNICEF mobilizes $3-M aid to PH Covid-19 response

MANILA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines scales up its support to the government through the Department of Health (DOH) in its efforts to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In support of the country’s battle The PPE kits for health workers against Covid-19, UNICEF Philippines include face shields, masks (either surgical or N95), gloves and coverall suits. recently procured supplies which include 72,000 sets of Personal Protective The cleaning and disinfection kits Equipment (PPEs) for health staff, 450,000 include soaps, mops, buckets, dippers, alcohol dispensers, cleaning cloths and masks (N95 and surgical masks) for health brushes, as well as bleach, ethyl alcohol staff, and 500 PPEs for cleaning staff. and laundry detergent. May 23-29, 2020 |

UNICEF is also providing 64 multi- child health services in their communities. purpose tents to scale up ward capacities for hospitals in affected regions. “Aside from immunization, we encourage parents to access other The supplies and protective essential child health services. We are also equipment are complementing UNICEF’s exploring to implement other effective ongoing support and the technical vaccination strategies such as scheduled assistance to the Department of Health fixed-post vaccinations (i,e. scheduled (DOH) and other partners. vaccination in designated areas such as barangay health stations, gymnasiums, A total USD3 million have been etc.) in adherence to community mobilized to date through UNICEF, quarantine protocols and the call for including donations by the Government Filipinos to stay at home,” the DOH chief of Japan, the Korea International added. Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the UN Foundations’ Solidarity Response Fund, “We are one with the Department and United States Agency for International of Health, WHO, and other United Nations Development (USAID). agencies in the country’s response to Covid-19. We continue employing every This assistance is crucial for effort to contribute to the safety of healthcare institutions and community frontline health workers, while supporting frontliners in conducting contact tracing the continuity of essential health services and in the continuous provision of non- for children across the country,” UNICEF Covid-19 community health services Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan such as the expanded program on Dendevnorov said. immunization. UNICEF is complementing DOH’s “Children’s health remains to be efforts to train health workers. a priority of the department during this pandemic. Parents and caregivers Around 3,500 health workers, are encouraged to have their children sanitary engineers and inspectors have vaccinated because vaccines have been trained in infection prevention and been proven safe and effective in control. preventing life-threatening diseases in children,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Over 66 million people have Duque III said. been reached with health and hygiene messages on Social Media, Radio and Parents and caregivers are reminded SMS, also translated into Maguindanaon, to follow the vaccination schedule of their Maranao, Sama, Tausug and Teduray children and closely coordinate with their languages. local health office for any adjustments amid the ongoing Covid-19 response. With the latest shipment of supplies, UNICEF is also stepping up assistance to DOH also enjoins Local Health the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Offices, Rural Health Units, and Barangay Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as it responds Health Stations to continuously provide to Covid-19 cases across the region. (PR)

| May 23-29, 2020

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Caraga InFocus – May 23-29, 2020

Articles inside

Modified IATF guidelines allow some businesses’ full ops

DAR partners with DSWD for supplementary feeding program

PRRD to study DOST proposal to create a virology institute

Andanar to LGUs: Be vigilant, not afraid, amid health crisis

DA-10 hands over P6.1-M machinery to farmers in Bukidnon

DPWH targets to complete 18-km Marawi Transcentral Road this December 2020

Tandag City residents stranded in other regions, safely returned home

COVID-19 referral hospital in Caraga receives donations from private sector

Caraga mining firms spend P73.5M for COVID-19 response

SAP aids crippled tourism communities in country’s surfing capital

Mga guro at tricycle drivers, nakabenepisyo sa ayudang hatid ng LGU-Trento

AgSur town relives Bayanihan during SAP implementation

Agusan Norte scholarship program malaking tulong sa mga kabataang Agusanons na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral

Caraga Task Force vs COVID-19 heightens preparations for ‘new normal

Hulyo gitakdang ‘Blood Donors Month’ sa Carmen

DOH Caraga reports more negative results

LTO office in Agusan Norte nets over P1.2-M revenues after ECQ

5th COVID-19 positive in Caraga recorded

DSWD-Caraga completes SAP distribution for non-4Ps families

Over a thousand stranded tourists in Caraga successfully sent home during lock down

DOH Caraga confirms 5th COVID-19 case

LGU Butuan continues to impose prevention protocols amid preparation for new normal

DILG chief to LCEs: Assist OFWs, LSIs upon arrival

Caraga ARBOs continue to earn amid COVID-19 crisis

Butuan’s SK Federation initiates activities amid COVID-19 crisis

Caraga LGUs’ good practices significant in fast, successful SAP implementation