Volume V, No. 48 November 20-26, 2021
14 REGIONAL NEWS
8 10 11
3 YOUNG AGRI-PRENEURS EMERGE AS REGIONAL WINNERS FOR KABATAANG AGRIBIZ MINDANAO PEACE STUDIES CONFAB SET IN CARAGA REGION ADLAW SA MGA KALALAKIN-AN GISAULOG SA CARAGA
PROVINCIAL NEWS SUR PMRB INKS CONTRACT FOR 13 AGUSAN SMALL SCALE MINING EXTENDS AGRICULTURAL SERVICES TO 14 DAR-13 ARBS IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN
16 17
MINDANAO NEWS MANDANAS RULING AND ITS IMPACT TO MINDANAO LGUS MINDANAO COOPS GET P160-M FARM MACHINERY FROM RCEF
NATIONAL NEWS
19
SECRETARY ANDANAR OPPOSES BUDGET CUT FOR ANTI-INSURGENCY CAMPAIGN
20
STATEMENT OF SEN. BONG GO ON THE PRESIDENCY
8
19
20 COVID-19 NEWS
22 23 24
34.9M FILIPINOS ALREADY FULLY VACCINATED VS. COVID-19 PH GETS 700K ASTRAZENECA COVID-19 JABS DONATED BY AUSTRALIA PH RECEIVES OVER 682K MODERNA DOSES
CONTENTS
INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
Davao City breaches 1M Davao City has breached the one million mark for COVID-19 first dose jabs as of November 19, 2021. Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte bared this on Monday, November 22, during her Special Hours program aired over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). Mayor Duterte said 1,010,811 Dabawenyos received first doses or 84.23 percent of the 1.2 million target herd immunity while 908,101 individuals got their second doses or 75.67 percent of the herd immunity target. She, however, said the current turnout of the vaccination rollout does not guarantee that the city will be able to hit its herd immunity target as mandated by the national government before 2021 ends. “Dili lang ta musulti, dili lang ta mu-promise (We can’t say, we can’t promise). Dili lang pud na musulti
4
|November 20-26, 2021
(We can’t say) that we are truly confident. Paningkamutan nato kining ma-achieve ang demand sa atoang (Let us strive to achieve the demand of our) national government to hit the target of 100 percent herd immunity sa (in) Davao City,” the mayor said.
Of the 1,010,811 first dose vaccinees, 62,269 are medical healthcare workers (priority A1), 100,634 are senior citizens (A2), 182,184 are adults with comorbidities (A3), 2,456 pediatric 12-17 years old with comorbidities (pediatric A3), 493,711 essential workers (A4), Caraga INFOCUS
mark for 1st dose jabs and 1,024 from ROAPI.
118,298 indigents/poor population (A5), and 14,210 rest of the adult population (ROAPI). For the 908,101 who had their second doses, 57,647 are from A1, 93,671 from A2, 163,836 from A3, 70 from pediatric A3, 500,120 from A4, 91,733 from A5, Caraga INFOCUS
The mayor also said that the Department of Health (DOH) and the Davao COVID-19 Task Force are studying other ways or systems that can be done to hasten the vaccination rollout and achieve herd immunity.
She also said that they expect a significant increase in the numbers during the national government’s three-day Bayanihan Bakunahan from November 29 to December 1, 2021, which will be conducted in all “Magremind lang ko operational vaccination sa tanan. Don’t wait sites in the city. for this big event para magpabakuna. Daghan But Mayor Duterte was na kaayo, atong drivequick to add, “No need thru dinha sa Lanang to wait for that big event, Hospital (I’m reminding you can do it as early everyone. Don’t wait as karon, November for this big event to get 22, muadto ta sa mga inoculated. We have vaccine centers nga many options for you dunay walk-in (as early to avail of the vaccine, as now, November 22, our drive-thru at Lanang just go to the vaccine Premier Doctors Hospital) centers that cater is open. The vaccination to walk-ins), you can centers are open, less participate in the mobile na ang linya karon vaccination sa mga (of (the queue is shorter the) councilors.” now). As early as today, She reiterated that once magpabakuna na an individual decides sila kung naka-decide to get vaccinated, he na sila (they must get or she can immediately vaccinated once they avail of the vaccine have decided). Vaccine since the City centers operated by the Government of Davao private sector, are still has already opened a lot open,” Mayor Duterte of options for them. added. CIO November 20-26, 2021 |
5
News Briefs President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1253, declaring 29 November to 01 December as Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination Days. xx
Another episode of the Kapihan is hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga and the SM City Butuan, Butuan City. The episode will highlight the celebration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and the activities of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Justic Peace Integrity of Creation - Integrated Development Center (JPIC-IDC), Inc., a non-government organization, in line with the celebration as well as the programs and services of the said agencies and organization for the women’s sector.
In line with the observance of the National Rice Awareness Month this November, the National Program Management Office (NPMO) of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, affirms its commitment to help the farmers amid the Covid-19 pandemic. During the National Vaccination Days on 29 November to 1 December 2021, all concerned agencies, GOCCs, state universities and colleges, and local government units are directed and encouraged to actively participate and provide the necessary support and assistance to the DOH, the DILG and the NTF for the effective implementation of Proclamation No. 1253, the National Vaccination Days.
REGIONAL NEWS
3 young Agri-Preneurs emerge as regional winners for Kabataang Agribiz From the 11 qualified provincial winners who pitch their Business Proposals, three young farmers emerge as regional winners and will represent Caraga Region at the national level, during the Provincial Level Competition of Young Farmers Challenge: Kabataang Agribiz held in Watergate
8
|November 20-26, 2021
Hotel, Butuan City on November 22. Erico Calumba and Patricia Botecario of Pinamanculan, Butuan City with their agribusiness ‘LAPAQUEÑO, a hand sanitizer product derived from Nipa, ranked first among all the presenters. Ranking second is Jomarie
Jovellar of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur with his agribusiness title ‘JOLO Mushroom Delight’, a value-adding venture made from mushrooms. Meanwhile, Francis Joseph Perdigon of Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City ranked third for his ‘Duck Raising for Balut/Penoy and Salted Egg Production’ project. Caraga INFOCUS
“As we all know agriculture is the backbone of the economy and I see it as a vital aspect for us since we rely on this sector. Through this, we can be an inspiration for the other youth, and we can also make an impact at a very young age,” Perdigon said. DA-13 Regional Technical Director Nicandro Navia, Jr. also added, “We are always committed to helping our youth reach their full potential in The provincial winners help our family and the will receive an additional community as well,” they the agriculture sector, we have seen so many working capital of said. successful young agriP150,000 that they can prenuers who made it use to improve and In terms of the and we can’t wait for acquire additional preparation for the you to be part of that.” equipment, machinery, competition, Jovellar or materials for their said that with the limited Agribusiness and chosen agribusiness. time and resources, he Marketing Assistance was still able to pitch Division (AMAD) Chief According to Calumba his agribusiness about Lynn Pareñas also and Botecario, they mushrooms confidently. expressed her gratitude anchor their agribusiness on the nipa plant since it Jovellar also said that he to all of the participants for taking on the is the primary commodity will procure equipment challenge. of their barangay. and materials from the additional working “We utilize this plant as capital that will be given. “Indeed, all of this is not just fortune but your a hand sanitizer since this is very well-known Perdigon also highlighted efforts to get this far off the competition,” in our community and the importance of the Pareñas said. (Kent this will be very useful youth engaging in Warren H. Fugoso, DA since it’s pandemic. different agricultural Caraga/PIA Caraga) Through this we can also ventures and programs. Caraga INFOCUS
November 20-26, 2021 |
9
Mindanao Peace Studies confab set in Caraga Region By Mariesh Celedeña
In its continued advocacy for peacebuilding, the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) will once again hold the Mindanao Peace Studies Conference (MPSC) this November 22 to 24, 2021 through the Zoom platform, with the theme “Keeping and Sharing Peace in Mindanao.”
peace in Mindanao in relation to the following topics:
· The Quincentenary of the First Global Circumnavigation: Cultural Encounters, Conflict, and Lessons for Peacebuilding · Peacebuilding Amidst Cultural Diversity The MPSC started last November 2015 · Cultural Intelligence and Peace with the hope to create a space within Education; and the academe for discussion on peace. · Digital Conversations of Peace in the In the succeeding conferences, the Midst of the Pandemic MPSC explored peace’s intersections with the subjects of development, Interested participants can register culture, and politics. for free through this link: https:// This year marks the seventh installment forms.gle/AEjj9Q2JdCARwTV56. For those who cannot join via Zoom, the of the conference where scholars and key persons are brought together plenary sessions will be live-streamed via the official Facebook page FSUU through another virtual conference Butuan, https://www.facebook.com/ with the goal of exchanging relevant fsuubutuan. (FSUU-Butuan/MFC/PIAlearnings and experiences in the Caraga) context of keeping and sharing
10
|November 20-26, 2021
Caraga INFOCUS
Adlaw sa mga kalalakin-an gisaulog sa Caraga
Subay sa International Men’s Day kaniadtong Nobyembre 19, nagpahigayon ang Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)-Caraga og information caravan mahitungod sa Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning, Adolescent Health ug Development information and services. Dungan sa selebrasyon, gipahigayon sa POPCOM uban sa Caraga INFOCUS
local government units (LGUs) ang seminar sa Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) sa Brgy. Obrero, Butuan City ug sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Ang LGU sa Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte nagpahigayon usab sa maong seminar nga gitambongan sa mga barangay leaders and workers. Gimugna ang maong
kalihokan aron mas mapasabot ug mapakita kung unsa ka importante ang papel sa mga kalalakin-an sa maternal and child care, ug sa responsible parenting. Sa laing bahin, nagpahigayon ang Provincial Population Office sa Surigao del Sur og usa ka Fun Run nga gisalmotan sa kalalakinang trabahante gikan sa provincial ug city LGUs. (Mc Celedeña/ Daisy Jane Apit, POPCOM/PIA-Caraga) November 20-26, 2021 |
11
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Agusan Sur PMRB inks contract for small scale mining The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Agusan del Sur and contract holders has signed the Small-Scale Mining Contracts of Rosario Manobo Tribal Association (ROMATRA), Lilibeth R. Tion (LRT) and VPO Enterprise and Gold Processing (VPOEGP) under the Declared Minahang Bayan of Masabong Village SmallScale Miners Association, Inc. (MAVISSMA) on November 12, 2021 at the MGB Caraga Regional Office in Surigao City.
contributed a total revenue of P3,939,281.93 for CY 2017-2021 to the Province of Agusan del Sur. Mines and Geosciences Bureau Caraga OICMAVISSMA is one of the regional director and first Minahang Bayan PMRB chair of Agusan areas in the country del Sur Engr. Larry M. which was declared Heradez, together with through PMRB Resolution Mr. Ryan N. Canal, No. 03 on November 29, authorized representative 2012, covering a land of ROMATRA; Ms. Lilibeth area of 592.393 hectares. R. Tion; and Mr. Vivencio P. Ocite, Jr. has signed As per records, the second and last MAVISSMA applied for renewal of the SSMCs. Minahang Bayan on November 15, 1987 and it took 25 years for The small-scale mining operations of ROMATRA, MAVISSMA to get the declaration through the LRT and VPOEGP have Caraga INFOCUS
effort and determination of its then President, the late Mr. Randy P. Ocite. As a declared Minahang Bayan area, MAVISSMA is always considered as a venue for various training and programs organized by the local government units, national government agencies, academe and international organizations, namely United Nations Industrial Development Organization, BAN Toxics, and among others. (Lilibeth P. Gimoto, MGB-13/PIASurigao del Norte) November 20-26, 2021 |
13
DAR-13 extends agricultural services to ARBs in Surigao Norte town he provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Norte extended its agricultural services and assistance to the Pagao Farmers Association in Bacuag town, this province. The provincial office of DAR-Surigao del Norte, headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Ma. Elizabeth L. De Guzman, handed over a P450,000 worth of project to Pagao Farmers Association of Campo, Bacuag, town under its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program on Monday, November 22. The activity was highlighted with the turn-over of the water pump for the irrigation system that is expected to irrigate 15 hectares of rice field benefitting 20 rice farmer-members in the area. Meanwhile, DAR also
14
|November 20-26, 2021
turned over three units of knapsack sprayer and two units of grass cutter to the said association. A total of 30 agrarian reform beneficiaries also received their farm inputs that included one sack
of palay seeds, organic fertilizer, soil conditioner, bio-fungicide, organic foliar, bio-insecticide and yield booster. (DARSurigao del Norte/PIASurigao del Norte)
Caraga INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
Mandanas ruling and its impact to Mindanao LGUs Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Deputy Executive Director ASec. Romeo Montenegro cited MinDA’s initial assessment on the impact of the Mandanas Ruling implementation next year at today’s Mindanao Affairs Committee Hearing on the “Mandanas Ruling and Its Implications in Mindanao,” chaired by Lanao del Norte 1st District Representative Hon. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, via Zoom, 23 November 2021. “Overall in Mindanao, we have 27 provinces, 33 cities, and 422 municipalities that will be covered by this landmark ruling in terms of its implementation. We want to look at this by LGU level impact and based on the initial assessment by MinDA, there are things that need sorting out.” Montenegro noted that generally reflective of the national picture, IRA accounts for around 80% to 90% of the total revenues of Mindanao municipalities and provinces. However, for cities, which have better sources of local revenues on account of being urban, IRA accounts for 70% of their revenue sources. “But there is, however, one important item that needs to be reckoned with in seeing the impact of Mandanas ruling and increase of IRA to Mindanao – an issue or may not be an issue but still needs
16
|November 20-26, 2021
to be sorted out nonetheless - and that is most LGUs consistently have surpluses and therefore might not have maximized the use of their budget allocations all these years,” Montenegro said. He further cited data from DOF’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), such as in 2012 and 2016 for instance, there’s an average of 14.5% surplus for provinces in Mindanao with one region posting 29% surplus. For municipalities, there was average of 20% surplus, and one region having 37%. For cities in Mindanao, it posted 10.85% average surplus with one region having average of 20% surplus in their budget. “Based on the BLGF scorecard, the local revenue should be increased by greater than 5% and the dependence on local locallysourced income for cities should be greater than 14%, and for municipalities and provinces should be over 20%. But if we look at the case
of Mindanao, most of the LGUs have not yet reached those parameters,” he further underscored. Montenegro also stressed that it’s inevitable that LGUs need to leverage on more bigger fiscal space next year with increased IRA share owing to Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the MandanasGarcia petition. Still, the challenges of full devolution and expected increase in LGU deliverables present a rather challenging trade-off, especially on whether or not these are ready and capable to deal not just with bigger share but with bigger roles as well. The meeting was attended by the Members of the House of Representative’s Committee on Mindanao Affairs, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, DBM Director John Aries Macaspac, and representatives from the Department of Finance (DOF) and Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).
Caraga INFOCUS
Mindanao coops get P160-M farm machinery from RCEF
Farmers and stakeholders have been slowly reaping the benefits under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Recently, the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DAPhilMech) turned over some PHP159.5 million worth of farm machinery to members of farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Agusan del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. On Tuesday, a total of PHP81.4 million worth of machinery grants were distributed to 25 qualified FCAs in the province of Agusan Del Norte during the machinery turnover held in Butuan City.
The DA said some 2,750 farmermembers will benefit from the distributed machines which were procured under this year’s RCEF. Around 5,460 farmer members who belong to 35 qualified FCAs in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay also received PHP78.1 worth of machinery grants under the RCEF Mechanization Program in early November. A total of 50 units of agrimachinery were distributed including Four-Wheel Tractor, Hand Tractor, Floating Tiller, PTO-Driven Disc Plow/Harrow, Walk-behind Rice Transplanter, Riding Type Rice Transplanter, Rice Combine Harvester, Rice Threshers, Recirculating Dryer,
Caraga INFOCUS
BETTER FARMING. The Department of Agriculture has turned over another batch of farm machinery to cooperatives and associations in Mindanao. These equipment were procured under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program. (DA PhilMech photo)
Single Pass Rice Mill, Multi-Stage Rice Mill, and Impeller Rice Mill. The distribution covers the 12 rice-producing municipalities of the province which includes Diplahan, Buug, Ipil, Siay, Roseller T. Lim, Tungawan, Alicia, Payao, Imelda, Malangas,Kabasalan, and Titay. According to DA-PhilMech, around 1,200 to 1,600 farm machinery will be distributed to FCAs every year. The FCAs with good performance can be selected again for the distribution of their lacking farm machinery. The allocation of machinery is based on the urgency and needs of the FCAs. The DA also prioritizes provinces and municipalities that are considered rice-producing based on the Philippine Rice Industry Road Map. They are also considering FCAs that are
lacking with farm machinery. The goal of the RCEF Mechanization Program is to reduce the cost of rice production from PHP2 - PHP3 per kilogram through the use of accurate, effective, and complete set of machinery to reduce postharvest losses by 3-5 percent through the use of appropriate and efficient postharvest machinery. The program is part of the annual PHP10-billion RCEF created under the Rice Tariffication Law to enhance the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers in a liberalized rice industry. The other three RCEF components, with their corresponding budget for six years that started in 2019, include seeds distribution (PHP3 billion), credit (PHP1 billion), and extension and training (PHP1 billion). (PNA/Christine Cudis)
November 20-26, 2021 |
17
NATIONAL NEWS
Secretary Andanar opposes budget cut for anti-insurgency campaign Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday stressed that legislators’ move to slash the proposed budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) will hamper development efforts in the countryside, especially in conflict-affected areas. In an interview, Secretary Andanar expressed his support for the Duterte Administration’s anti-insurgency efforts, stressing that the bulk of the proposed budget is allocated for the reintegration programs of former rebels, which is advantageous for the government as this would help entice more members of the leftist group to surrender the armed struggle. “Ako’y sang-ayon kay Senador Bong Go at President Rodrigo Duterte sa NTF-ELCAC proposed budget na dapat hindi ito tapyasan sapagkat alam naman natin na ang NTF-ELCAC hindi naman ito puro military operations. Whole-of-nation approach nga ang tawag dito [I agree with Sen. Bong Go and President Rodrigo Duterte that the proposed budget for the NTF-ELCAC should not be slashed because as we all know this is not entirely for military operations. There is a
Caraga INFOCUS
reason why this is called the whole-of-nation approach],’ he said. The PCOO chief slammed rumors that the budget will be used for military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “Yung pondo na yun ay yun yung ginagamit para mabigyan ng trabaho yung mga walang trabaho na mga sumurender na rebelde. Nagbibigay din tayo ng edukasyon, pabahay para ma-reintegrate sila sa ating lipunan [The budget for that goes to providing jobs to former rebels. We also provide them with education and housing in order to ensure that their reintegration to the society would go well],” he said. “Yung sinasabi na ito’y para sa military operations, fake news po yun [Those rumors saying
it’s for military operations, it’s fake news],” he added. With the help of the task group and its member agencies, over 18,000 rebels have already surrendered to the authorities since 2016. Communities through their respective local government units were also able to engage in the process of freeing their place from the clutches of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs). For 2020 alone, the NTFELCAC’s banner program Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) assisted 822 barangays cleared of CTG influence, providing them with P20 million worth of development projects each. These constitute over 2,200 projects, including farm-tomarket roads, water and sanitation projects, health stations, and school buildings.
November 20-26, 2021 |
19
Statement of Sen. Bong Go on the Presidency Running for the Presidency is something I have never dreamed of. Iniiwasan ko ang posisyon na ito, but fate -- as I said -- has a way of turning things around. Nagdesisyon ang partido at si Pangulong Duterte and I accepted the challenge. At present, I continue to seek guidance from the Divine Being for I believe that the Presidency is a matter of destiny. Kung para sayo yan, para talaga sayo yan. Nakakataba ng puso yung suporta at hindi po namin kakalimutan yan pero totoong tao po ako at sinasabi ko lang ang totoong nararamdaman ko. Naging kandidato na ako as Vice President for about 40 days hanggang sa nangyari po ang hindi natin inaasahan. At dahil sa mahal ko at ayaw kong masaktan si Pangulong Duterte at ang kanyang pamilya ay kinailangan ko pong magpaubaya. But in the past few days po, I realized that my heart and mind are contradicting my own actions. Tao lang po ako na nasasaktan at napapagod din. O baka dahil sadyang napakarumi at ganun kainit lang talaga ang pulitika. Talagang nagreresist po ang aking katawan, puso
20
|November 20-26, 2021
Bong Go
at isipan. Pati po ang aking pamilya ay nahihirapan. Ako naman po ay isang probinsyano lamang na binigyan ng pagkakataon ng Panginoon at ng mamamayang Pilipino na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Hindi po ako isang pulitiko. Hindi ako nanggaling sa malaki o kilalang pamilya. I am only a simple public servant from the province na walang ibang hangad kundi ang magserbisyo po sa aking kapwa tao. Pero sa ngayon, baka hindi ko pa po panahon. Ako yung taong handang magsakripisyo para wala nang maipit, masaktan at mamroblema. Ayoko na pong mahirapan si Pangulo at yung mga supporters natin.
Mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte. Matanda na rin po siya at ayaw ko siyang bigyan pa ng dagdag na problema. Having said this, I leave my fate to God and the Filipino people as I vow to do my best every day to serve selflessly and tirelessly. I am willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the good of our country, and for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders. Marami namang paraan upang makatulong sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Ako naman, kahit saan man ako ipadpad ng aking tadhana, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo. Kung anuman ang aking magiging desisyon, ipapasaDiyos ko na lang ang lahat alang-alang sa kung ano ang makakabuti sa bayan.
Caraga INFOCUS
34.9M Filipinos already fully vaccinated vs. Covid-19
FOR WALK-INS. Health care workers check on the condition of walk-in vaccinees out to get their first dose of the Moderna Covid-19 jab at the Dasmariñas II Central Elementary School in Cavite on Thursday (Nov. 25, 2021). The city government provided the additional vaccination site to accommodate those who want to avail of protection against the dreaded disease. (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)
The Philippines has administered 79,602,980 doses of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine as of Friday.
at 811,634 doses.
The government will simultaneously mobilize more than 8,000 vaccination sites across 17 regions to complete the vaccination of some 15 million Filipinos over the three-day period.
In an advisory, the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 said it is all set for the The latest data from implementation of the the national Covid-19 massive vaccination vaccination dashboard drive from November 29 showed 34,963,067 are to December 1, dubbed NTF chief and vaccine already fully vaccinated “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” czar Secretary Carlito while 137,801 vulnerable Galvez Jr. earlier said Day. individuals from the A1 local government units (health care workers), have crucial roles in The NTF called on A2 (elderly), and A3 scaling up the country’s doctors, nurses, (immunocompromised vaccination output as midwives, pharmacists, adults) groups have they must encourage dentists, medical additional or booster their constituents to technologists, and other shots. avail of free jabs and health care workers to make them realize volunteer their services The country’s average the benefits of being daily vaccination rate in during the three-day protected. (PNA/Lade event. the last seven days stood Jean Kabagani)
22
|November 20-26, 2021
Caraga INFOCUS
PH gets 700K AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs donated by Australia
we recognize that the Philippines also needs to address complex distribution challenges to ensure that doses reach the people who need them. That is why we are providing comprehensive, end-to-end deliver assistance, including PHP1.19 billion worth of vaccine delivery support which will enhance the Philippines’ capacity to distribute doses to remote The Philippines on part of approximately 3.6 Wednesday received million doses committed by areas and to vulnerable 700,000 doses of Australia for the Philippines’ populations,” he added. AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination program until According to the NTF, vaccine donated by the the end of 2022. a total of 135,161,900 Australian government vaccines have arrived in that will boost the country’s “Australia remains the country since the start national vaccination steadfast in our of the vaccination last rollout. commitment to support our friends, the Philippines, March 1. Health Secretary Francisco to boost its national It said an average of Duque, National Task vaccine rollout and 829,254 jabs are being Force Against Covid-19 sustain its recovery. I am administered daily, Chief Implementer very pleased that the bringing to a total of Carlito Galvez Jr., and Australian government 34,199,500 individuals who representatives from the continues to make an are now fully vaccinated Australian Embassy led important contribution to and 43,290,294 others who by Ambassador Steven the Philippines Covid-19 received the first dose. J. Robinson graced the response and vaccine arrival ceremony at the access and delivery A total of 70,500 Ninoy Aquino International needs,” Robinson said. vaccines have also Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay been administered as City. “Our dose donations, booster shots to qualified procurement and COVAX recipients. (PNA/Benjamin The latest shipment of funding will boost the Pulta) Covid-19 vaccine was Philippines’ supply. But Caraga INFOCUS
November 20-26, 2021 |
23
PH receives over 682K Moderna doses A total of 682,360 doses of the Moderna vaccine, procured by the national government, have been delivered to the country Tuesday, adding to the Philippines’ increasing, steady supply of the lifesaving shots. In an interview during the vaccine arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF Covid-19) Special Adviser Dr. Teodoro Herbosa said the Moderna doses would be used to vaccinate the general public, those 12 to 17 years old, and booster shots to priority groups. “We are now using this for our booster doses. It is included in the brands that can be used, either homologous or heterologous. Moderna is given at half the dose kapag booster dose lang siya (if given as a booster),” Herbosa said. To date, he said the country has received about 134 million Covid-19 vaccine doses—with about 90 million doses procured by the national government, 29 million as donations, and the rest donated as direct government-to-government donations. On average, he said the
24
|November 20-26, 2021
ARRIVAL OF MODERNA DOSES. National Task Force Against Covid-19 Special Adviser Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and other government officials during the arrival of 682,360 doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday (Nov. 23, 2021). Herbosa said the country has received about 134 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, with the priority now on the administration instead of procurement of the jabs. (PNA photo by Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)
country receives delivery of about 1.5 million Covid-19 vaccine doses daily—solving the country’s issue on vaccine supply. As more vaccines have arrived, Herbosa said the bigger priority has shifted to administering the shots to the public. “Kaya ang hope namin sa national vaccination days makatulong talaga na maalis natin sa cold storage ‘yan at mabakuna sa balikat ng mga mamamayan (That’s why we hope that during the national vaccination days we would be able to take the vaccines from cold storage then
straight into our citizens’ shoulders),” Herbosa said. He also called on the public to get vaccinated or join as volunteers during the national vaccination days on November 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 2021, to protect themselves and help the country beat the Covid-19 pandemic. During the event, he said the government is eyeing to administer about 15 million Covid-19 jabs mainly to the unvaccinated, noting that those in priority groups A1 to A3 would also be welcome. (PNA/Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)
Caraga INFOCUS
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists
RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
SUSIL D. RAGAS
Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands
DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES Regional Office
Daisy Jane Apit Christine Cudis Raymond Carl Dela Cruz Kent Warren H. Fugoso Lilibeth P. Gimoto Lade Jean Kabagani Benjamin Pulta DAR-Surigao del Norte DA Caraga FSUU-Butuan POPCOM MGB-13 PNA CIO Business Managers
ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO Photographer
ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City
(085) 815-1991
pia.northagusan@gmail.com
PIA Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
0917-723-3455
pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph
PIA Agusan del Sur
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City
(086) 826-9450
piasurigao@gmail.com
PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur
