Caraga InFocus – October 2-8, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 41 Oc tober 2-8, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS

DOLE CHIEF RELEASES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO OVER 1K WORKERS IN CARAGA DBP APPROVES P40-BILLION INFRA LOANS DSWD CARAGA RECOGNIZES 101-YEAR-OLD ‘LOLA’ IN BUTUAN PAGBALHIN SA NIA NGADTO SA DA SUPORTADO SA DOF UG NEDA

PROVINCIAL NEWS PTF-ELCAC VISITS FRS, INAUGURATES 15 AGNOR LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER SEC. BELO NANGUNA PAGPADANGAT OG 17 DOLE SUPORTA SA MGA PROYEKTO NGA PAGPAHILUNA

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SA AGNOR

LOKAL NA PAMAHALAAN NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE, PATULOY ANG PAGBIGAY TULONG PARA SA MGA FORMER REBELS AMOMANG AGUSANON NAPABATI SA MGA HILIT NA SITIO SA AGNOR

PROYEKTONG PABALAY UG PATUBIG ALANG SA MGA IPS SA AGNOR, GIPADANGAT ORYENTASYON ALANG SA 1,100 BENEPISYARYO SA CASH FOR WORK GIHIMO

32 SECURITY GUARDS RECEIVE MONETARY ENTITLEMENTS THRU DOLE’S INSPECTION IN SURSUR

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KBP MEMBERS, BISLIG MEDIA GROUP JOIN ‘OPLAN BROACASTREEING’

GOV. CORVERA: MADEVELOP NA GYUD ANG NANIE

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‘ON-SITE RELEASE’ NG MGA TUPAD SALARIES, ISASAGAWA SA LUNGSOD NG TANDAG BUKAS

DICT CONDUCTS GECS-MOVE COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE

GIDAGHANON SA MGA NAGFILE OG COC SA COMELEC-TANDAG, MIABOT NA SA 16

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BP2 PROGRAM TO BRING HOME 57 LSIS TO AGSUR DSWD TURNS-OVER QUARANTINE FACILITY TO AGSUR TOWN DA PROCESSING CENTERS OFFER PALAY DRYING, MILLING FOR AGSUR FARMERS

MINDANAO NEWS TAGUM FLYOVER, LONGEST IN MINDANAO, NOW OPEN BUILDING A RESILIENT & COMPETITIVE AGRIBUSINESS SECTOR

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CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

NATIONAL NEWS SECRETARY ANDANAR: ANTI-INSURGENCY PROGRAM BROUGHT NEW HOPE TO THE LIVES OF FORMER REBELS CABSEC: PCA REGISTRY UPDATE COULD EVENTUALLY BENEFIT COCONUT FARMERS GOV’T NEGOTIATING P45B FUNDING FOR VACCINE PROCUREMENT NEXT YEAR NCR COVID-19 CASES NOW IN DOWNWARD TREND, SAYS HEALTH CHIEF

142ND MALASAKIT CENTER OPENS ITS DOORS IN VALENZUELA CITY AS PART OF BONG GO’S PURSUIT OF IMPROVED ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE IN THE COUNTRY BONG GO LAUDS OPENING OF FIRST MULTISPORTS ARENA AND MEGA-VACCINATION SITE IN VALENZUELA CITY, CALLS ON OFFICIALS TO FOCUS ON DUTY TO SERVE AND PRIORITIZE VACCINE DRIVE AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

BONG GO AIDS FIRE VICTIMS IN PARAÑAQUE CITY; ASSURES THEM OF CONTINUED SUPPORT AMID PANDEMIC

COVID-19 NEWS VACCINE CZAR: GOV’T EXPERTS CRAFTING UPDATED VACCINATION PLAN COOPERATION VITAL TO PROTECT PUBLIC VS. COVID-19: PRRD PFIZER VAX DEPLOYMENT NOW FOCUSED IN PROVINCES: DOH

Bisaya Gyud Partylist fil ‘Bisaya Gyud’ party-list filed for its certificate of candidacy (COC) and certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) for the May 2022 elections today, Friday, October 8, 2021. Victorino Garay, president of the Bisaya Gyud Party-list, and members of the partylist arrived at the Harbor Garden of Sofitel Manila in Pasay City this afternoon. The neophyte group seeks to uphold the rights and welfare of the Bisaya and continue the development programs instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. It plans to do so by focusing on three major areas of concern, namely, food, shelter, and education. “Nagsimula ang Bisaya Gyud sa boluntaryong pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa mga nangangailangan.

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Nagsilbi po kaming tulay sa mga kapatid nating limitado lamang ang alam sa mga programa ng administrasyong Duterte na pwede nilang mapakinabangan para sa kanilang kaunlaran,” Garay said. “Ngayon, buong puso po naming tinatanggap ang hamon sa

paglilingkod-bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagsisigurong mabubuhusan ng tamang atensyon ang mga hinaing ng kababayan nating Bisaya sa aspeto ng pagkain, pabahay, at edukasyon,” he continued. Garay stressed that the Caraga INFOCUS

les COC for 2022 Polls lack of local opportunity in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao has pushed Bisayas to take the risk of migrating to highly-urbanized areas like Metro Manila or abroad. Migration due to lack of opportunities - ‘yan po ay reyalidad,” he said. “Lumalawak po ang agwat ng pag-unlad dahil sa kakulangan ng oportunidad sa kanayunan. Bilang tugon, sisikapin po naming maipagkaloob sa abot ng aming makakaya ang mas maraming oportunidad para sa mga kapatid nating Bisaya partikular sa sektor ng agrikultura, negosyo, sining, at kultura. Ito ay para hindi na nila kailanganin pang makipagsapalaran sa Kamaynilaan o mangibang-bansa para umunlad.” “Napapanahon na pong bigyan natin ng puspusang interes ang ‘countryisde development.’ Sa pamamagitan ng ating Caraga INFOCUS

plataporma at katuwang ang mga inisyatibang inilunsad ni Pangulong Duterte at Senator Bong Go sa mga rehiyon, ay ilalapit natin ang ating

mga kababayang Bisaya sa mga programa at serbisyo ng gobyerno para matugunan ang problema sa kahirapan,” he added. October 2-8, 2021 |

News Briefs ‘Bisaya Gyud’ party-list filed for its certificate of candidacy (COC) and certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) for the May 2022 elections on Thursday, October 7, 2021. xx

During the distribution of livelihood and cash assistance to TUPAD beneficiaries in Butuan City, DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello acknowledged the Caraganon OFWs who are now unemployed due to COVID-19 pandemic yet still striving to make a living to survive the current crisis and provide the needs of their families. He further stressed that the OFWs have great contribution in the country’s economy. It is but proper to also help the OFWs in their livelihood by giving them due cash assistance.

With the aim to cascade to the citizens the projects, programs and accomplishments of the Duterte Administration, and how it directly benefits the citizens, members of the technical working group of the Duterte Legacy: BARANGAYanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery in Butuan City convened to discuss the preparations and smooth conduct of the launching in the city. (COVID-19 UPDATE) As of Oct. 7, 2021, DOH Caraga reports 623 new recoveries in the region. Total individuals recovered from Covid-19 in the region now reached to 39,399.

REGIONAL NEWS

DOLE chief releases financial assistance to over 1K workers in Caraga

Over a thousand informal sector and displaced workers received financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Caraga region during the visit of Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” H. Bello III. A total of 396 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program from the municipality of Tubay and Cabadbaran City received P1,420,800.00

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representing P4,800.00 salary for each worker for 15 days of actual emergency work rendered. Aside from the TUPAD payout, livelihood assistance were also released to Jaliobong Masipag Farmers Association (JMFA) for its Organic Fertilizer Production project amounting to P707,078.00 and Zapanta Mamanwa Manobo Association (ZAMMA), Zapanta Valley Bisaya Organization (ZABOR), and Zapanta Valley Farmers Association (ZAVAFA) for their Bangayan Sustainable

Livelihood Project amounting to P995,320.00. Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also assisted Secretary Bello in the release of P130,000.00 to 10 returning Overseas Filipino Workers under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap Buhay program. In Butuan City, a total of P2,536,200.00 was released to 534 workers under the TUPAD emergency employment program, and P996,888.00 DOLE livelihood grant to Farmers for Peace Association. Bello extended P571,000.00 worth of OWWA scholarships and livelihood assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents in the city. “Ako ay nandito sa Caraga upang iparating sa inyo ang tulong ng Caraga INFOCUS

ating gobyerno. Kagaya ng sinabi ng ating Pangulo Rodrigo Roa Duterte, ang pera na nasa pangangalaga ng gobyerno ay pera ng taong bayan, kaya dapat ito ay ibalik sa taong bayan (I am in Caraga to extend government assistance. As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said, the funds under the care of the government are owned by the people and must be returned to the people),” said Sec. Bello, in his message. The labor chief committed to provide additional emergency employment and livelihood assistance to the informal and displaced workers in Butuan and Agusan del Norte. On its mandate to maintain industrial peace, DOLE cited mining firms Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, and Taganito Mining Corporation as regional winners of the 2021 Search for Outstanding Labor Management Council (LMC). Caraga INFOCUS

Some 30 business establishments in the region were also certified compliant to the minimum public health standards set by the government. The labor secretary bestowed Safety Seal certificates to four companies in the mining industry, 12 in manufacturing, 13 in construction, and 1 in the utilities industry. The awarding ceremonies in Butuan City and Cabadbaran City were graced by Undersecretary for Employment Renato L. Ebarle, Undersecretary

for Labor Relations Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, DOLE Bureau Director Karina Perida-Trayvilla, POEA Director Ria S. Lano, Congress Representatives Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba and Lawrence “Law” Fortun, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera, City Mayors Judy Chin Amante of Cabadbaran and Ronnie Vicente Lagnada of Butuan, Vice Mayor Jose Joboy Aquino of Butuan, and other local officials in the region. (DOLE-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga) October 2-8, 2021 |

DBP approves P40-billion infra loans

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has approved P39.5-billion in loans under its flagship credit program that aims to address funding gaps in infrastructure development in the country, a top official said. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said that from January to June this year, a total of 440 borrowers have already availed of funding support under the bank’s Infrastructure Contractors Support (ICONS) program which was first rolled-out in 2017. “DBP has sharpened its focus on the infrastructure build-up program of the National Government to provide further impetus to the country’s economic rebound,” Herbosa said. “As the country’s premiere development financing

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institution, DBP continues to assist contractors in meeting the growing demand for meaningful public infrastructure projects.” DBP is the fifth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development. DBP’s ICONS program extends direct financing to construction contractors to fund various types of infrastructure activities including those in the transport, water supply and wastewater and sanitation, communications as well as social, power and energy sectors. Herbosa said that as of the

first half of the year, the ICONS program has provided funding assistance to 151 borrowers located in Luzon, 134 in the Visayas, and 145 in Mindanao, including 10 firms with multiple project sites. He said DBP would continue to support the National Government’s initiatives this year under the massive Build Build Build program, which has a total allocation of P1.18-trillion for public works and transport programs under the 2022 National Expenditure Program. “Infrastructure development is indispensable to propel economic growth as well as to enhance quality of life,” added Herbosa. “DBP will remain at the forefront of providing the needed assistance to boost economic recovery, sustain gains, and ramp-up growth,” he said. (DBP/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

DSWD Caraga recognizes 101-yearold ‘Lola’ in Butuan

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga is relentless in its job in reaching a centenarian, thru the implementation of the Centenarian Act of 2016. The DSWD Field Office Caraga, through its Protective Services Division Caraga INFOCUS

(PSD), spearheaded the awarding to a centenarian grantee in Barangay Golden Ribbon, Butuan City. Consorcia P. Mique, a centenarian grantee, born on May 20, 1920 (precisely 101-yearold), was awarded a certificate of recognition from the DSWD FO Caraga, letter of felicitation/greetings from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and a cash

incentive on May 26, 2021 by PSD Chief Jessie Catherine B. Aranas and Ana T. Semacio, Centenarian Focal Person. Aranas extended a heartwarming message of respect to Nanay Consorcia to honor her contribution in shaping and upholding the values as a Filipino Citizen. “Congratulations Nay, akong taas nga October 2-8, 2021 |

pagtahod sa imong nakab-ot nga katas-on sa imong edad karon. Salamat nga nahimo kang kabahin sa mga teachings ug pagmold ilabina sa imong mga kabataan nga nahimo na usab karong mga maayong citizen (Congratulations Nay, my snappiest salutation for reaching this far of your existence. Thank you for playing a significant role in teaching and molding good citizens, especially to your kids),” Aranas expressed.

her children can not contain but share a few of Nanay’s upbringing as to being a mother of eight. “Maayo kaayo na siya nga inahan namo bisan karon ang iyang pagpadako sa At the age of 101, Nanay amo niadtong mga bata pa mi duna gyud is not experiencing dakong lugar sa among severe illness except kasingkasing, kana for minor conditions like iyang pag-amuma ug stomachache or fever. pagmahal. Ang iyang She has arthritis, but it pamaagi sa pagdisiplina doesn’t affect her that igo gyud sa amua nga much. When asked about Nanay’s secret to makakat-on mi. Salamat DSWD sa grant nga getting a hundred and one years old, “Nothing, inyong gihatag kang mama (She’s a good she doesn’t even limit mother to us, even up what foods to eat,” to now; her upbringing Teresita M. Monteveros, when we were just kids is daughter of Nanay inculcated in our hearts – Consorcia shared. her love and care. While Nanay is busy Her way of imposing holding and staring at the award she received discipline is enough for us to learn lessons. during the ceremony,

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Thank you, DSWD, for the grant extended to my mama),” Teresita said. Republic Act (RA) 10868 also known as “An Act Honoring and Granting Addition Benefits and Privileges to Filipino Centenarians, and other purposes,” or otherwise known as the “Centenarian Act of 2016” gives honor to Filipino Centenarians whether residing in the country or abroad. DSWD FO Caraga adapts to the new standard-setting by conducting a houseto-house delivery of centenarian grants in consideration of the safety and physical capability of the grantee. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Pagbalhin sa NIA ngadto sa DA suportado sa DOF ug NEDA

Gisuportahan sa Department of Finance (DOF) ug National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) ang lakang nga pagbalhin sa National Irrigation Administration (NIA) sa Office of the President (OP) ngadto sa Department of Agriculture (DA). Gibutyag ni Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez nga makatabang ang pagbalhin sa NIA ngadto sa DA tungod kay mas mapatuman sa duha ka ahensiya ang ilang nagkadaiyang mga mandato ug mas Caraga INFOCUS

mapalig-on ang serbisyo sa mga mag-uuma sa nasud. Gi-uyonan usab sa NEDA pinaagi ni Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua nga ang pagbalhin sa NIA ngadto sa DA mahiusa ang ilang serbisyo nga mao ang pag-ugmad sa sektor sa agrikultura. Sigon usab ni Chua nga ang NIA gimugna base sa Republic Act No. 3601 (1963), arun mapalapdan ang paghatag og irigasyon sa mga kaumahan alang sa paglambo

sa produksyon sa mga tanom, mapataas ang abot sa mga mag-uuma, ug masiguro ang suplay sa mga produkto sa kaumahan. Gisaysay usab ni Agriculture Secretary William Dar nga ang pagbutang sa NIA ilawom sa DA dili lamang ang komunidad sa pag-uma ang makabenepisyo niini kon dili lakip na usab ang kinatibuk-an sa sektor sa agrikultura, diin makatampo sa mas episyente nga pagtuman sa mandato niini. (DA-Caraga/PIACaraga) October 2-8, 2021 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgNor PTF-ELCAC visits FRs, inaugurates livelihood training center By: Nora C. Lanuza

With the aim to address the needs and continuously guide the former rebels (FRs) in the province of Agusan del Norte before their re-integration into the community, the members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTFELCAC) recently visited and interacted with the FRs in the province.

with DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion, and 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Adonis Ariel Orio visited the halfway house located at the 402ndIB headquarters in Butuan City. They led the blessing and turnover of the Halfway House Livelihood Training Center facilitated by the DILG Agusan del Norte.

Just recently, the provincial government officials led by PTF-ELCAC Chairperson and Governor Dale B. Corvera and 2nd District Representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, together

The DILG Agusan del Norte and PNP Agusan del Norte also distributed gift packs and hygiene kits to the FRs as part of the weeklong celebration of the National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) of the province.

Caraga INFOCUS

According to DILG Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Ellen Vee Chua, the celebration was highlighted with the peace and development initiatives of the different offices in the government. Meanwhile, Gov. Corvera has recognized the importance of the training center in preparing the FRs for their reintegration into the community. “The province of Agusan del Norte is united and sincere in providing assistance to the FRs in honing their skills before their reintegration into the community,” he said. October 2-8, 2021 |

“We are committed to make this Halfway House Livelihood Training Center for FRs functional, with the help of the TESDA and other partner agencies,” Corvera added. Also, Agusan del Norte 2nd district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba expressed happiness seeing the minors, who were once members of the NPA, returned to the fold of the law. “Do not waste your time while you are still here at the halfway house, improve your skills and improve your life,” she said. Matba then called on individuals who are still supporting and even members of the terrorist group to go back to the government. “We are ready to help you back to the government, we will give you the chance to change your life and have

a peaceful life with your families,” she said.

PTF-ELCAC and partner agencies.

PNP Agusan del Norte Provincial Director PCol. Martin M. Gamba assured the FRs of their continued support in providing assistance and protection. Also, the PNP provided hygiene kits to the minor FRs during the turnover and visitation activities.

“We (23IB PA) are very thankful to the provincial government for giving attention and importance to the FRs and their beneficiaries, and for regularly providing their needs,” said Maj. Douglas M. Padillo, executive officer of 23IB.

A total of 62 FRs who were temporarily sheltered at the 23rd IB and 29IB headquarters along with their families received gift packs, hygiene kits, and food packs from the

Lastly, TESDA Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey Cueva also vowed to capacitate the FRs by providing trainings and other assistance that will help improve their lives. Director Cueva also said the agency and the Philippine army have been partners in providing assistance for the FRs. “One of the priority programs soon to be implemented for the FRs is the establishment of a display center for their products,” he added. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Caraga INFOCUS

DOLE Sec. Belo nanguna pagpadangat og suporta sa mga proyekto nga pagpahiluna sa AgNor

Nanguna si Secretary Silvestre H. Bello sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa pagpadangat sa Cabadbaran City Gymnasium sa Financial Assistance ug payout salary sa mga benepisyaryo sa Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced Workers (TUPAD), usa ka programa diin katambayong ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa pagpatuman. Niini, mapasalamaton kaayo sila si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera, Kongw. Caraga INFOCUS

Angel Amante-Matba ug Mayor Judy Chin Amante nga mitambong sa maong okasyon isip hosts sa mibisitang sekretaryo sa nasudnong ahensya. “Ako lang ipaabot niya (Secretary Bello) ang dakong pasalamat, nia karon ang programa sa TUPAD ug uban pang programa sa Department of Labor and Employment, dli lang ordinaryo nga pagbisista, dala pgyud siya ug daghan ayuda para kanatong tanan dinhi sa atong probinsya,” sumala ni

Gob. Corvera. Dugang ni Kongw. Amante-Matba nga “Dako kaayo og tabang aning programa sa TUPAD… ang tabang nga gikan sa atong nasyonal nga gobyerno under kang President (Rodrigo) Duterte. Ubayubay nga taga Agusan del Norte gyod ang natabangan ani.” Ang mga organisasyon nga nakadawat og suporta sa ilang mga livelihood projects mao ang mosunod: P702,990.00 alang sa October 2-8, 2021 |

proyektong ‘Organic Fertilizer Production’ sa Jaliobong Masipag Farmers Association sa Kitcharao; P995,320.00 alang sa ‘Bangayan Sustainable Livelihood Project’ alang sa tulo ka organisasyon sa Sitio Zapanta Valley nga mao ang Zapanta Mamanwa Manobo Asoocitaion (ZAMMA), Zapanta Valley Bisaya Organization [ZABIOR] ug Zapanta Valley Farmers Association (ZAVAFA). Mokabat usab sa 170 ka benepisyaryo ang nahatagan og sweldo, 96 kanila gikan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, 50 sa Brgy. Cabayawa sa Tubay ug 24 sa Brgy. San Isidro sa Santiago. Ubos sa TUPAD Program nga gipundohan sa DOLE, mo-trabaho ang mga benepisyaryo sulod sa 15 ka adlaw ug sweldohan kini sila og

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P320 matag adlaw. Mapasalamaton ang mga benepisyaryo sa nadawat nga sweldo tungod kay sumala pa kanila daku kini og tabang tungod kay nagsilbi kining usa sa nahimong tinubdan sa ilang kita. Mapasalamaton usab ang mga organisasyon nga nagahinan og pundo alang sa ilang mga proyketo sa panginabuhian.

“Makahatag kini kanila og dugang kita o income sa ilang pagpuyo sa zapanta valley ug mo kita og maayo nga mabuhi sila,” matud ni Dr. Raul M. Del Agua Municipal Administrator ug Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Officer sa Kitcharao.

Mitambong usab sa maong okasyon sila Hans Leo J. Cacdac, OWWA Administrator, DOLE Undersecretary Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, DOLE Undersecretary Renato S. Ebarle, BWSC Director Atty. Ma. Karina PeridaTrayvilla, DOLE-Caraga Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao, Assistant Regional Director Naomi “Dako kaayo og kalipay Lyn Abellana, Provincial namo nga nahatagan Planning Coordinator mi ani nga benepisyo, ug Provincial PESO gihatagan mi ani nga Manager Tomas O. kantidad para maabot Tener, Cabadbaran namo ang makinaryas City PESO Manager nga among ginahambin, Estelito De Vera, ug uban nga maabot namo,” pang Provincial/City/ sumala pa ni Brgy. Captain Edwin Montante Municipal/Barangay Officials ug mga sa Jaliobong, Kitcharao kapulisan. (Shena Mae kalabot sa financial assistance alang sa Pabia ug Reymar Reyes, proyektong Organic LGU Agusan del Norte/ Fertilizer Production. PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Norte, patuloy ang pagbigay tulong para sa mga former rebels Bukod sa halfway house kung saan pansamantalang nakatira ang mga former rebels na pinondohan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Norte, isang livelihood training center ang itinurnover ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa probinsya. Sa nasabing halfway house livelihood training center ay nagkakahalaga ng P5 Million pondo ng DILG bilang tulong sa probinsya upang patuloy ang suportang maibigay sa mga former rebels at sa layuning hasain pa ang kakayanan ng mga ito. Si Ronald, isa sa apat na batang former rebels, ay masaya at laking pasalamat nito sa gobyerno dahil aniya ay mas lalawak pa ang kanyang kalaaman. “Nagpapasalamat Caraga INFOCUS

ako sa gobyerno dahil tinanggap nila ako at sa mga binigay nilang tulong sa akin tulad ng livelihood,” tugon ni Ronald. Tiniyak naman ni Governor Dale Corvera na bago ang reintegration ng mga former rebels ay gagawing functional din ang nasabing training center sa tulong ng TESDA at ibang pang mga partner agencies. Hinikayat din ni Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative Maria Angelica Rosedell

Amante-Matba ang mga former rebels na dapat matuto habang nasa halfway house pa sila at huwag sayangin ang tulong ng gobyerno sa kanila at lalo na huaw sayangin ang panahon na matuto. Sa blessing at turn-over ng livelihood training center, ay nagbigay din ang Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ng gift packs, food packs, hygiene kits at cash assistance sa mga former rebels. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) October 2-8, 2021 |

Amomang Agusanon napabati sa mga hilit na sitio sa AgNor “Mapasalamaton ko nga bisan sa kalayo sa among dapit, sila Gov. Dale B. Corvera ug Congw. Angel AmanteMatba miari gyod sa among dapit bisan lisud ang among dalan,” kini ang mensahe ni Henera Olalo, usa sa residente sa Sitio Lomboyan, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte nga nakadawat og mga serbisyo atol sa “AguSerbisyo” Caravan sa probinsya, bag-ohay pa lamang. Ang Lomboyan ug mga kasikbit niini nga mga sitio sa Balatakan ug Langanlangan mao ang laing hilit nga lugar sa probinsya nga giadtoan gyod sa duha ka dagkung lider sa probinsya aron mapaduol ang gobyerno sa mga Agusanon ug mapabati kanila ang kainit sa pagamoma niini. Naay 220 ka lumulupyo kining tulo ka magkasikbit nga sitio. Maingon nga wala

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kaayo makaapekto sa mga lumulupyo ang hapak sa pandemya apan nagpuyo gihapon ang daghan kanila diha sa kalisud dala sa kawad-on hinungdan nga gitan-aw ang lugar sa nasudnong panggamhan nga usa sa mga Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA). Sa pakighinabi sa mga lumulupyo, migawas nga ang nag-una nilang panginahanglan aron moarang-arang ang kahimtang sa pagpuyo mao ang kalsada. Magpasayon unta kini sa ilang pagtumod sa

abot sa ilang mga uma ngadto sa sentro sa lungsod ug sa ubang merkado ug mopadaku sa ilang kita. Ang mga opisyal ug mga personahe sa gobyerno nga miadto sa maong kalihukan mismo nakasinati unsa kalisud pagbiyahe sa kapin kon kulang duha ka kilometro nga sakaon ug lubakong dalan padulong sa Lomboyan, ug tabuk sa mga suba lahus sa Sitio Balatakan. Ang ikaduhang panginahanglan mao ang patubig. Ang ikatulo, partikular Caraga INFOCUS

sa mga Indigenous Peoples (IP) sa lugar, mao ang tribal house, o luna nga sentro sa mga panagtigum ug uban pang mga kalihukan, apil na ang pagpadangat og mga serbisyo. Ang ikaupat mao ang paghimo sa tulo ka sitio isip usa ka tribal barangay. Ang ikaupat mao ang suporta sa ekonomikanhong kalihukan sa mga lumulupyo sama sa suporta sa semilya, abono ug mga himan sa pagtanum ug pagproseso ingon man ang mga gikinahanglang pagbansay aron mahimong takus ug mahimong mga mas produktibo ang mga lumulupyo. Kalabot sa kalsada nagkasabot sila si Kongw. Amante-Matba ug Gob Corvera nga hiniusa kini nilang ipahiluna. Ang hangyo lang sa duha ka lider nga padayong ipatunhay sa mga lumulupyo sa tulo ka sitio pakighiusa ug pagsuporta sa mga Caraga INFOCUS

programa sa gobyerno alang sa kalinaw ug ang kakugi nga molambo ang panginabuhi. Ipahiluna usab sa probinsya ang patubig. Na-turn over sa maong okasyon ang tribal house ug ipahiluna usab nga mahimo ang lugar nga tribal barangay kung ma-establisar na nga naa nay labing ubos 2,000 ka lumulupyo ang tulo ka sitio. Ipadangat usab ang suporta sa panginabuhian ug pagkahapon sa maong adlaw mismo sugdan na ang pipila ka pagbansay sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aron makapanukad na dayon ang mga lumulupyo pagpalambo sa ilang katakus. Apil sa mga serbisyo sa “AguSerbisyo” nga napadangat sa maong okasyon mao ang mga serbisyong medikal, pagpadangat og mga food packs, livelihood assistance, pahalipay sa mga kabataan ug animal health services. Ang musunod mao

ang detalye sa mga napadangat nga serbisyo sa nagkalainlaing buhatan: Ang buhatan sa Provincial Health Office (PHO) sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Odelio Ferrer na kahimo og 45 Tuli, tulo ka minor surgery, 31 ka dental services apil niini ang dental kits, 46 ka family planning counseling, lima ka visual inspections with acetic acid, ug 162 ka consultation/medical check-up. Sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWD) ni Silver Joy Tejano gi turn-over ang lima ka Units Walker alang sa mga seniors, 360 pcs/28 boxes eyeglasses, 300 canned goods, 300 ka 25 kilos rice, lima ka tubes of ice cream ug paghatag sa mga libreng vitamins ug uban pang medisina. Nakapadangat usab ang Provincial Agricuture Office (PAO) og 200 Kabir chickens, 100 Banana plantlets ug assorted vegetable seeds. Lakip niini ang panghatag og 150 Mahogany seedlings sa October 2-8, 2021 |

aka tray nga itlog matag panimalay.

buhatan sa Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). Sa buhatan sa Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET) nagpahigayon og Animal Health Services sama sa Animal De-worming ug nakapadangat sa libreng soluble Antibacterial ug bitamina sa mga kahayopan. Sa opisina sa Agusan Up Coordinating Center nang apod-apod kini og assorted vegetable seeds ug mga used clothing alang sa mga lumulupyo. Nagpahigayon usab og Operation “Lice Alis”, libreng gupit, laro ng lahi ug naka pang apod-

|October 2-8, 2021

apod og 100 packs sa Hygiene kits gikan sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Police Office [ADN-PPO]. Ang buhatan sa TESDAADN, nagpahigayon kini og Skills and livelihood trainings sama sa Raise Organic Chicken, Produce Organic Vegetables, Tilapia culture musunod niini ang beads ug dress making para sa mga kababayen-an, bamboo furniture making ug small engine repair. Nakapadangat usab ang buhatan ni Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba og 220 food packs nga nagapil og 10 kilos rice ug us

Personal usab sa nitambong sa maong “AguSerbisyo” sila si PD Rey Cueva sa TESDA, Col. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of 402Bde, PolMaj John Alexis Basañez sa Special Action Force [SAF], PCol Martin M Gamba sa ADNPPO, LTC Julius Cesar Paulo, Board Member Eddie “Datu Bawang” Ampiyawan, PA Gerry Joey S. Laurito. Kuyog usab ang mga division chiefs sa kapitolyo Dr. Odelio Ferrer sa PHO, Alvin Aclan sa PAO, Tomas Jr Tener sa PPDO, Silver Joy Tejano sa PSWDO, Erma Suyo sa PDRRMO, Dr. Belen Aruelo sa PVET, Jessem Ondoy Cardona sa MIS ug AGUSAN UP Consultant Orencio S. Corvera Jr. Anaa usab ang mga Barangay officials, Sitio Lomboyan IP leaders, 29th IB ug PNP Personnel. (Karen Kie Decamotan ug Shena Mae Pabia, mga Reymar Reyes ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Proyektong pabalay ug patubig alang sa mga IPs sa AgNor, gipadangat

Laing hilit nga sitio sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang gibisitahan sa mga personahe sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan aron ipahigayon ang “Field Based Investigation and Site Validation/Survey” alang sa himoong Housing Project ug Patubig, Sitio Linao-linao, Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Tuyo sa maong kalihukan nga makuha ang pagtugot sa mga IPs sa Sitio Linao-linao nga mabutangan og mga proyektong Caraga INFOCUS

‘Housing Project’ nga gikan sa probinsyal nga pangamhanan ug patubig gikan sa pribadong sector, particular sa Newry Airsoft Skirmishers Association [NASA].

ka banay sa Indigenous People [IPs] ang nagpuyo niini. Nasulod ang maong sitio sa CADT 252.

Ang pagkuha og pagtugot sa IP subay sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Administrative III Series of 2012.

Sa panaghisgut nga gihimo, gipasabot sa NCIP ang panginahanglan sa pagtugot sa mga lumulupyo aron mabutangan og housing project ug uban pang proyekto ang ilang sitio.

Ang Sitio Linao-linao naay kalay-on nga 19.7 kilometros gikan sa Barangay Hall sa Lower Olave. Naay 54

Uban ang pagtugot sa mga lumulupyong IP gi-survey usab dayon sa probinsya pinaagi sa buhatan sa Provincial October 2-8, 2021 |

buhatan sa NCIP. Nakapadangat usab og 100 ka tsinelas ug 80 ka dulaan alang sa mga kabataan ang Newry Airsoft Skirmishers Association (NASA) Caraga.

Assessors Office [PASSO] ang 2 ka ektaryas nga luna, gi-layout og gisubdivide ngadto sa tag 600 sq. meters aron tukoran og 6.3 X 6.3 meters ang gidak-on nga balay alang sa 30 ka IPs nga kanhi mga rebelde.

Dako usab ang pasalamat sa mga lumulupyo nga bisan sa ka-hilit sa maong sitio, napadangtan gihapon sila og mga serbisyo.

“Bisag ing-ani atong kahimtang diri, pero karon adlawa nakita gyud nato, bisan unsa kalisod sa atong Gidasig usab ni sitwasyon diri alang Provincial Administrator niining atoang activity… Gerry Joey S. Laurito ang Karon adlawa nakita mga lumulupyo nga gyud namo ang mananom gyud kay usa kalambuan nga gikan sa kini sa damgo ni Gov. pila ka ahensya nga nia Corvera nga palambuon karon adlawa” matod ni ug pag develop diha Rasman, Vice- Chairman sa agrikultura ubos sa sa Sitio Linao-linao. iyang proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant! sa AGUSAN Sa laing bahin UP! ang kampanya nakapadangat ang sa pagpalambo sa Provincial Agriculture agrikultura ubos sa Office [PAO] og assorted vegetable seeds. administrasyon ni Gov. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Congw. Nag apod-apod usab og hygiene kits ang Angel Amante-Matba.

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Sa maong survey nakuha usab sa mga personahe sa kapitolyo kung NCIP unsa pay gikinahanglang serbisyo sa mga lumulupyo nga mapadangat sa probinsya ug sa nagkadaiyang ahensya sa gobyerno. Nitambong usab sa maong site validation ang mga personahe sa buhatan sa Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWD), Agusan Up Coordinating Center, sa Philippine National Police, 23rd Infantry Battalion sa Militar ug mga Barangay Officials. (Shena Mae Pabia with reports from Nibika Calixto ug Jheny Fabian, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Oryentasyon alang sa 1,100 benepisyaryo sa Cash for Work gihimo Lima ka hugna nga oryentasyon kalabot sa cash for work diha sa pagpananum og kahoy alang sa 1,100 ka benepisyaryo ang gihimo sa Barangay Buhang Gym, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. Unang nahatagan og oryentasyon sa buntag ang 237 ka-benepisyaryo sa Barangay Buhang. Pagkahapon gipahigayon kini alang sa 315 ka benepisyaryo sa Brgy. Caloc-an, 165 sa Poblacion, 263 sa Brgy. Sto. Niño ug 120 sa Brgy. Taod-oy. Kabahin ang maong kalihukan sa programang Risk Resiliency Program-Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation [RRP-CCAM] nga gipatuman sa Department of Social Welfare and Development Office [DSWD]-Caraga kaabag ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug ang lungsod sa Magallanes. Ang pagpananum og kahoy kabahin sa Lunhaw’ng Agusan, usa sa mga Flagship Programs sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Congw. Angel AmanteMatba. Ang mga benepisyaryo ubos sa cash for work makatrabaho sulod sa unom ka oras matag adlaw sulod sa 10 ka adlaw. Sweldohan sila og Php240 pesos matag adlaw. Sumala sa representante sa DSWD nga tumong sa maong

Caraga INFOCUS

programa nga dasigon ang komunidad nga mahimong aktibo sa pag partisipar sa community projects, dugang suporta sa ilang panginabuhian, ma kunhoran ang katalagman nga dala sa climate change ug pakusgon pa ang disaster risk reduction ug climate change adaptation. Alang sa Magallanes, mananum ang mga benepisyaryo og mangrove propagules, konstruksyon sa drainage canal, urban greening (magtanum ug fruit bearing trees) ug uban pa. Walay puas usab ang probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte sa pag suporta ilabina sa mga programang pagpabalik sa kahimsog sa kinaiyahan sa probinsya. “Ang probinsya ga-suporta gyod sa cash for work program ubos sa RRP-CCAM sa DSWD. Daku gyod ni og tabang sa pagpabalik sa kahimsog sa

kinaiyahan ug makahatag usab sa panginabuhian sa mga katawhan sa probinsya,” sumala ni Jessa Mindajao sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center. “Daku kaayo ang akong kalipay nga gitagaan ta og tabang gikan sa DSWD ning panahon sa pandemic, so daghan kayo og salamat… sa tanan nga taga DSWD region ug sa Agusan Up, tungod ani nga trabaho nga gihatag daghan gyod kaayo ang nalipay niini,” sumala ni Anecita R. Loja isip, Barangay Captain sa Buhang, Magallanes. Kuyog sa maong oryentasyon ang mga personahe sa buhatan sa Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office [MSWDO], Municipal Planning and Development Office [MPDO] isip mga representante ni Mayor Cesar Cumba, Jr. ug mga barangay officials sa Magallanes. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 2-8, 2021 |

Gov. Corvera: Madevelop na gyud ang NANIE

“Ang NANIE kun Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate ma-develop na gyod… Ania na makita na nato,” kini ang puno sa kadasig nga nabungat nga pahayag ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera sa Agusan del Norte kaniadtong Oktubre 1, sa pag-abli niya sa diskusyon tali sa municipal nga panggamhanan sa Nasipit ug mga opisyal sa Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) aron iplastar ang mahimong Usufruct Agreement sa pagpalambo sa NANIE sa Watergate Pavilion Hotel ning dakbayan. Giproklamar isip usa ka Special Economic Zone niadtong Disyembre 1998, o dul-an sa 23 ka tuig na ang milabay, kinahanglan pa gyod ang plastadong pagpalambo ning maong ekonomikanhong pasilidad

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nga nauyonan sa Regional Development Council sa Caraga nga mahimong sentro unya sa agri-processing activities sa rehiyon. Alang kang Gob. Corvera magsilbi kining mitsa sa pagdaghan unya sa processing activities ug paglambo sa mga kalambigit niining mga negosyo sa gitawag nga value chain gikan sa produksyon sa uma alang sa mga hilaw nga materylaes nga ibahug ngadto na sa pagpamaligya ingon man ang suportang mga serbisyo pagpahitabo sa maong mga ekonomikanhong kalihukan. Tungod sa gilantawng mahitabo isip resulta sa NANIE naaninaw usab ni Gob. Corvera nga usa kini sa mahimong yawe pagmugna

og libuang trabaho nga gikinahanglan sa probinsya, pag-angat sa kita sa mga lumulupyo niini ug pagkabot sa gipaningkamotan sa matag Agusanon nga makatagbaw nga kahimtang sa pagpuyo. Ang maong panglantaw sa gobernador ang nagdugso kaniya sa paglunsad sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa iyang administrasyon. Kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel M. Amante-Matba, gipursige sa ekonomikanhong aspeto maong kampanya ang pagpakusog sa pagpananum sa mga underutilized o kaha bakanteng kayutaan sa probinsya ug pagpahiluna nga naay mosawo nga processing activities sa mahimong ani unya ubos

Caraga INFOCUS

sa magkaluhang proyekto sa Plant! Plant! Plant! ug Process! Process! Process o ang programang Plant and Process for Prosperity. Ubos sa Process! Process! Process! 15 ka Core Processing Projects ang gitutokan karon pagpahiluna sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center. Apil sa 15 ka Core Processing Projects ang NANIE ug tungod sa kadaku sa mahimong kutay niini sa ubang mga proyekto ug impact alang sa pagtumaw sa mas daghan pang negosyo, prayoridad gyod ang NANIE. Subay sa nahisgutang kamahinungdanon sa NANIE, masabtan ang gipakitang di matukib nga kadasig ni Gob. Corvera sa maong okasyon. Gipaambit usab sa gobernador ang paningkamot sa iyang administrasyon, sa buhatan ni Kong. Amante-Matba ug munisipyo sa Nasipit nga alang kaniya naghimo sa maong okasyon nga usa gyod ka “memorable day”. “Naay mga inisyatiba nga gihimo ang probinsya para gyod mapukaw ang natulog nga NANIE,” paambit ni Gob Corvera. “Daghan mga meetings nga gihimo locally hangtud nga nagbuo ta og usa ka team together with Congw. Angel (AmanteMatba)… uban si Mayor (Enrico) Corvera.” “Ug didto nako nakita nga at

Caraga INFOCUS

the end of the tunnel dunay siga nga kung imong huypon mahimong dakung kalayo,” panapos sa gobernador isip pasumbingay sa oportunidad nga dala sa suporta sa PEZA. Sa diskusyon nahisgutan ang paghatag sa munisipyo og katungod sa PEZA, nga girepresentahan ni Director General Charito B. Plaza sa maong panagsabot, nga ipahigayon ang pag-develop sa kapin sa 62 ektaryas nga proklamadong special economic zone sa kondisyon nga naay 12% management fee ang PEZA gikan sa mahimong kita unya. Dugang nahisgutan nga molungtad ang maong kasabutan sa 25 ka tuig ug renewable sa duha ka higayon apan dili molapas sa 75 ka tuig. Sa panaghisgut, migawas nga nakaposisyon na ang kompanyang Aboitiz nga magsilbing partner nga developer sa PEZA. Ang ubang detalye hisgutan sa mosunod nga mga adlaw

hangtud nga magkasabot ang Lungsod sa Nasipit ug PEZA. Sa samang higayon hisgutan usab sa Lungsod sa Nasipit ug Probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang mahimong bahinay nila sa mahimong revenues gikan sa NANIE subay sa nahimo sa matag usa sa miagi ug papel unya, apil na niini ang pag-promote sa proyekto sa posibleng locator, paghatag og mga insentibo ug uban pang mga serbisyo unya. Ang panagtigum gitambungan usab nila Ruth Jugao isip representante ni Congw. Angel AmanteMatba, Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, Regional Executive Dir. Nonito Tamayo sa DENR, Provincial Director Brenda Corvera sa DTI, Provincial Board Members, Provincial Chief of Offices, Agusan Up Coordinating Center ug Municipal Officials sa Nasipit. (Shena Mae Pabia, Sonny Montilla ug Reymar Reyes, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 2-8, 2021 |

32 security guards receive monetary entitlements thru DOLE’s inspection in SurSur Some 32 security guards detailed in a mining company in Surigao del Sur received their monetary entitlements recently after the security agency deposited a total of Php899,753.86 through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Caraga. DOLE-Surigao del Sur Provincial Office released the individual check to the affected security guards. The majority of the beneficiaries who had been with the agency when Wage Order No. 16 was approved in Caraga Region on May 1, 2019, received at least Php29,888.10 each. On April 29, 2021, the DOLECaraga Regional Office conducted an inspection to the concerned security agency after receiving complaints from affected workers on underpayment of wages. Said payment was the result of the inspection which covered underpayment of wages, overtime pay, holiday premium pay, and night shift differential. The security agency was given 10 days upon receipt of the Notice of Results to show proof of corrections of the deficiencies noted by the

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labor inspector. After which mandatory conferences were also conducted giving the respondent enough time to comply with the noted deficiencies. A compliance order was issued by the DOLECaraga on July 23, 2021, for failure to comply. Consequently, the concerned agency immediately deposited to DOLE-Caraga Cashier the exact amount of P899,753.86, as reflected in the labor inspector’s computation covering differential pay amounting to Php528,330.00; holiday pay of Php10,845.00; premium pay of Php3,780.00; overtime pay of Php330,382.38; and night shift differential of Php26,416.50. Based on the Department Order No. 183-2017 of the Revised Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Laws Pursuant to Article 128 of the

Labor Code, As Renumbered, the visitorial power of the Secretary of the Labor and Employment or his/her duly authorized representatives could be implemented through the following: (1) Routine Inspection; (2) Complaint Inspection; and (3) Occupational Safety and Health Standards Investigation (OSHI). In this particular case, security guards sent their complaints to DOLE SDS Facebook Page requesting assistance from DOLE for the correction of their daily wage to comply with the Caraga Daily Minimum Wage rate of Php320.00. Aside from inspection, DOLE also assisted the workers’ complaints through the Single Entry Approach (SENA) which can be accessed through http://sena.dole.gov.ph. (DOLE SDS Provincial Office/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

KBP members, Bislig media group join ‘Oplan Broacastreeing’

The members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and United Media Circle of Bislig City (UMCBC) led the annual tree-planting activity, in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Bislig through the City Information Office (CIO), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) held on October 2, 2021, in Bislig City. Caraga INFOCUS

by allocating funds for this yearly program. Souvenir t-shirts and meals were provided by the LGU.

Dubbed as, “KBP Oplan Broadcastreeing,” some 100 seedlings of Bita and Bagras tree species were planted in Sian and Tinuy-an Falls areas. Also joined in the activity included City Information The said activity aimed Officer Napoleon Velez, to curb climate change Tourism Consultant and biodiversity loss Reynaldo Dominguez, through the direct local media partners, participation of the representatives from community in this Kilusang Pagbabago activity. (KP) Associations, Bantay Gubat, and other Mayor Florencio C. volunteer groups. (CIOGaray has expressed his Bislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur) support in this endeavor October 2-8, 2021 |

Gidaghanon sa mga nagfile og COC sa COMELEC-Tandag, miabot na sa 16

matud pa sa mga nanguha niini kadtong mga out-of-school youth nga gustong mahimong benepisyaryo sa mga livelihood programs sa gobyerno susama na sa TUPAD nga gipa-implementar sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ug sa mga local government units (LGUs).

Ni: Raymond Samson Aplaya

Miabot na karon sa 16 ka mga indibidwal ang nagduso sa ilang Certificate of Candidacy (COC) sa Commission on Elections kon Comelec diri sa dakbayan sa Tandag alang sa 2022 National and Local Elections. Sumala ni Florephi Botona, City Election Officer III sa maong buhatan, nga ang maong numero naitala sukad sa pagsugod sa COC filing human kini nadugangan og duha kagahapong adlawa, Oktubre 4, 2021. Sa karon, aduna nay

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usa ang ni-file alang sa pagka-mayor, usa alang sa pagka-bise mayor, ug 14 alang sa pagka– city councilor nga gilangkuban sa 10 nga adunay political party ug 4 ka mga independente. Samtang gidugang ni Botona nga gawas sa nagpadayon nga filing sa COC sa ilang buhatan, gi-akomodar usab nila karon kadtong buot mukuha og voter’s certification. Sumala pa nga daghan sila og mga kliyente sa pagkakaron tungod sa mga aplikante alang sa pagkuha og voter’s certification. Kasagaran

Nasayran nga usa ang voter’s certification sa mga makonsidera nga valid ID kung diin rekisitos sa mga benepisyaryo alang sa pag-avail sa maong mga programa. Gawas niini, aduna usab pipila ka mga indibidwal nga miadto sa ilang buhatan alang sa pagparehistro. Apan ila una kining gibalibaran sa pagkakaron human nga temporaryo pa unang gipahunong ang extension sa voter’s registration period karong semanaha aron matutukan ang mga butang nga adunay kalambigitan sa Filing sa COC. (RP1-Tandag/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

‘On-site release’ ng mga TUPAD salaries, isasagawa sa lungsod ng Tandag bukas Ni: Raymond Aplaya

Nakatakdang isasagawa bukas, Oktubre 6, ang on-site release ng mga sweldo ng mga benepisyaryo sa programang TUPAD o Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers dito sa lungsod ng Tandag, Surigao del Sur. File photo Sa panayam ng Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, inihayag ni Josel Ann Dua, Labor Employment Officer ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Surigao del Sur, na ang nasabing aktibidad ay dadaluhan sana ni Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, nguni’t naunsyami ito dahil sa biglaang pagpapatawag sa kaniya ng Malakanyang.

Caraga Region simula ngayong araw, Oktubre 5, hanggang bukas na kung saan isa sana sa kanyang bibisitahin ang lungsod ng Tandag.

Napag-alaman na batay sa iskedyul ng kalihim, nakatakda ang pagbisita nito dito sa

Ayon kay Dua, gagawin ang pamamahagi ng mga TUPAD salaries sa pamamagitan ng

Caraga INFOCUS

Dahil dito, ang kanilang magiging panauhing pandangal na lang sa nasabing aktibidad ay sila DOLE – Caraga Regional Director Joffrey Suyao at Assistant Regional Director Naomilyn Abellana.

reference number na siyang gagamitin ng mga benepisyaryo sa kanilang pag - claim sa MLhuillier. Aabot umano sa 198 na mga benepisyaryo mula sa LGU – Tago ang makakatanggap ng kanilang mga sweldo. Maliban dito, mamamahagi rin ng livelihood assistance ang kanilang tanggapan para sa LGU-Carrascal at LGU-Carmen nitong lalawigan. (DXJS RPTandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) October 2-8, 2021 |

DICT conducts GECS-MOVE communications exercise

By Venus L. Garcia

A simulation exercise on the operability of the Government Emergency Communications System - Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS-MOVE) was conducted through the initiative of the Office of Undersecretary for Resilient Government Emergency Communication, DICT Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and the DICT GECS team. The DICT Mindanao Cluster 2 GECS will be deploying the MOVE Hub as the command center. The MOVE dispatch will facilitate the flow of information from ground zero, and the MOVE motorcycle will be deployed to another area to extend the communication of the MOVE dispatch. The activity was purposely

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held in order to know the capabilities of the GECSMOVE in terms of disaster response. According to DICT Undersecretary Alan A. Silor, connectivity is one of the vital aspects during emergency response. Eng. Rafael Olivar, chief of the DICT-DRRM Division, also acknowledged the importance of said communications exercise and the utilization of advanced technology for disaster preparedness and response. Abegail Villanueva, Information Technology Officer, led the communication exercise, along with Usec. Silor, Director Sittie Rahma Alawi and Director Leo Ugto of the DICT, DICT MC2 GECS Team, and Engr. Olivar.

It was also joined by the Department of Education - Siargao Island Division, Tourism Office - Dapa Surigao del Norte, Provincial Government of Siargao Island, LDRRMO Sta. Monica, Kapitolyo Nan Siargao, MDRRMO Socorro, Surigao Del Norte, MDRRMO Dapa, Surigao del Norte, MDRRMO San Isidro, Surigao Del Norte, MDRRMO San Benito, Surigao Del Norte, BFP Siargao Island, Philippine Coast Guard Siargao Island, and LDRRMO - General Luna, Surigao del Norte. The GECS-MOVE is a deployable emergency communications system designed by DICT and World Food Programme (WFP) that provides ICenabled support to disaster-stricken areas in the country. WFP provided technical assistance during the exercises for the capacity-strengthening of GECS-MOVE engineers in understanding the complexity, functionality, and technical specifications of the MOVE sets and the systems installed. (DICTCaraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

BP2 program to bring home 57 LSIs to AgSur By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Some fifty-seven (57) returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) from Luzon areas are scheduled to be dispatched back to the province of Agusan del Sur, as beneficiaries of the government’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa (BP2) Program. As discussed during a meeting participated by various member agencies of the BP2 Program, the 57 returning LSIs to the province of Agusan del Sur on October 21-22, 2021 will arrive at the Butuan City Airport and will be accepted by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur in close coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Land Transportation Franchise Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will Caraga INFOCUS

provide the vehicle for their transportation to their respective local government units and these LSIs will undergo the necessary 14-day quarantine.

Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and the city of Butuan. The secretariat has already been informed of the said areas that had been identified as additional for dispatch operations.

The list of beneficiaries has already been accepted and validated The Balik Probinsya, by the DILG, DSWD and Bagong Pag-asa, or concerned LGUs. simply Balik Probinsya, is a socioeconomic Also, the National program by the Housing Authority (NHA) Philippine government to announced that there reverse the migration of are additional targeted people to Metro Manila areas for dispatch and other urban areas, operations for this year who were originally 2021. For Caraga region, from more rural areas of these are the provinces the country. (JPG/PIAof Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur) October 2-8, 2021 |

DSWD turns-over quarantine facility to AgSur town

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has officially turned over an 18-bed capacity collapsible tent for quarantine facility to a remote village of San Luis municipality, Agusan del Sur province. The said subproject is funded through the KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) Community Driven Development Program for Indigenous Peoples (IP-CDD) for the IPs of Barangay San Pedro, which is part of

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Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 250, ancestral land of the Manobo and Banwaon people. DSWD Caraga OICRegional Director Ramel Jamen handed the subproject, which costs Php933,936,00 to the local government unit of San Luis last Sept. 13. The collapsible tent is installed at the barangay’s multipurpose hall and is cordoned using a tarpaulin to deter kids or any persons from entering the quarantine vicinity.

The project includes two handwash stands, a water dispenser, and a restroom for male and female individuals. Each room is complete with a folding bed, mat, foam, pail and dipper, table and chair, and a trash bin. During the turnover, municipal and barangay officials were thankful for the project, saying it would be a big help for them to address needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Sa pila ka barangay sa probinsya sa Agusan del Sur, magpasalamat ta kay ang Barangay San Pedro nga kita isa Caraga INFOCUS

nga naka-avail ani nga proyekto sa KALAHICIDSS PAMANA (We are very much thankful that Barangay San Pedro is one of the recipients of the KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA project out of the many barangays in the province of Agusan del Sur),” Municipal Councilmember Ely Yecyec said. “Dili sab nato kalimtan [og pasalamat] ang mga community volunteers. Kay kung wala ang mga volunteers dili gyud marealize kini nga project (We should also not forget to thank our community volunteers who made it possible for this project to be realized),” Yecyec added. The subproject, which is under Batch 3 Cycle 1 of the program, was completed last July 19, 2021, just a little over a month after it was started on June 2. “Kini nga facility tugma lang sa atong sitwasyon karun tungod kay pandemic man. Kung mo-abot ang panahon kung makagawas na Caraga INFOCUS

kita sa pandemya, kini nga facility pwede gihapon gamiton as evacuation facility sa panahon nga adunay katalagman (This facility is appropriate in our situation right now. And when the pandemic is over, this facility could still be used as evacuation center during disasters/ calamities),” Jamen said. On the other hand, Barangay San Pedro chairperson Willy G. Manlicayan and tribal leader Leonil M. Mansomangcay said they will take good care of the project. KALAHI-CIDSS or the Kapit-Bisig Laban

sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). KALAHI-CIDSS uses CDD (Community-Driven Development) as the overall community development approach and strategy. The CDD approach ensures that development priorities are addressed in a participatory, collective, inclusive, and in a demand-driven way. (DSWD-Caraga/PIAAgusan del Sur) October 2-8, 2021 |

DA processing centers offer palay drying, milling for AgSur farmers

Additional mechanical dryer from the government is now ready to serve the rice farmers in Caraga as the harvest period for the wet cropping season begins. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has turned over a P14.22 million Rice Processing Center (RPC) II to Bayugan Farmer Millers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BFMMPC) on October 1, 2021. The RPC II is situated in Barangay Maygatasan, Bayugan City. The center has a multi-pass rice mill with a one-ton per hour capacity that gives the farmers a 65% rate of their produce. Three units of recirculating dryers with 6 tons capacity each equipped with biomass fedfurnace, and a warehouse. DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the operation of

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BFMMPC is expected to help the rice farmers who wanted to dry their palay this harvest season. “The RPC will improve the rice quality. This will also augment the National Food Authority’s drying facilities that provide farmers efficient drying and offers cheaper operation cost compared to private commercial palay driers,” said Monteagudo. According to International Rice Research Institute, drying reduces the grain moisture content to a safe level for storage. It is the most critical operation after harvesting a rice crop. When rice is harvested, it will contain up to 25% moisture. High moisture levels during storage can lead to grain discoloration, encourage the development of molds, and increase the likelihood of attack from pests. It can also

decrease the germination rate of the rice seed. It is important to dry rice grain as soon as possible after harvesting— ideally within 24 hours. Delays in drying, incomplete drying, or ineffective drying will reduce grain quality and result in losses. As of today, 12 RPCs are now operational and provide drying and milling services in the region at an average of P1.80 per kilo and P90 per sack for the member or nonmember of the FCA’s. The RPCs were established in farm clusters devoted to rice cultivation. This is to lessen the dependence of smallholder farmers on the low buying price from rice traders and bring down post-harvest losses. (Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Tagum flyover, longest in Mindanao, now open

Tagum City Flyover (Photo courtesy of Tagum City Planning and Development Office)

Tagum City Flyover (Photo courtesy of Tagum City Planning and Development Office) DAVAO CITY – The highly anticipated Tagum City Flyover opened to motorists on Monday. The 1.625-kilometer infrastructure, which cost PHP2.7 billion, is part of the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration.

expressed his gratitude to the national government for the project. “It will help ease traffic congestion on major thoroughfares in the evergrowing Tagum City. Also, it will improve the economy of this city,” he said in a statement.

In line with City Ordinance No. 946 (Tagum City Traffic Code) and Republic Act 4136 Construction by the (Land Transportation and Department of Public Traffic Coe), motorized Works and Highways tricycles, pedicab, any of the longest flyover in three-wheeled vehicle, Mindanao started in 2017. bicycle, and trailer trucks Mayor Allan Rellon weighing more than 40

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tons are not allowed to use the flyover. Jogging, walking, and pulling over in any parts of the flyover are also prohibited. A penalty of PHP500 will be imposed on violators. The flyover caters to the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental. It eases the congestion in two national roads: Daang Maharlika or Agusan-Davao Road and Surigao del Sur-Davao Road. (PNA/Che Palicte October) Caraga INFOCUS

Building a resilient & competitive agribusiness sector MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro is one of the reactors in launching of the 23rd Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE) by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce via Zoom. In line with this year’s theme, “Recalibrate Agribusiness in the New Normal,” Asec. Montenegro highlights the vital role of Mindanao’s agriculture sector in the country’s economy despite the shocks and disruptions brought by the global health crisis. “The only sector that delivered us a positive growth during the pandemic is the agriculture sector where Mindanao accounts for 1/3 of the country’s farm area and where the majority of country’s major export agriculture commodities come from. The Mindanao Jobs Report emphasized that Mindanao’s economy is driven by the agriculture value chain contributing around 60% of Mindanao’s GDP and where six out of 10 jobs are aligned with it. With this, Mindanao holds out the best hope for our country’s agribusiness resiliency,” Asec. Montenegro said. He also provides figures on Mindanao’s economic performance that proves

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its resiliency amid the pandemic. “Mindanao economy has been able to maintain its position between 16.5% of the total GDP. One of the quite noteworthy achievements was its increase to 17.2% during the onset of the pandemic in 2020. The GDP contraction in Mindanao is less than in Luzon and other parts of the country consistent with where we were in the last 10 to 20 years,” he added. To sustain the sector’s gains, he underscores the need to build interregional connectivity, establish complete value chain, improve technology, internet connectivity, and power supply, and maximize Mindanao’s strategic proximity and close cultural

ties with the BIMP-EAGA and the greater ASEAN community. DATE is an annual event organized by the Davao City Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), which aims to boost innovations and opportunities for developing the agribusiness industry and strengthen the public and private sectors’ partnerships and collaborations. It also assists the business community, notably the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in fully optimizing the dividends of agriculture, which will contribute to the economic reboot and recovery efforts of the government. The DCCCII has lined up agritrade online exhibits, forums, webinar series, product promotions, and business matching activities.

October 2-8, 2021 |

NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar: Anti-Insurgency program brought new hope to the lives of former rebels Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday attributed the weakening forces of the leftist groups because social services are now readily available to former rebels, bringing them new hope and renewed trust in the government. In an interview, Secretary Andanar said that over 18,000 rebels have already surrendered to the authorities and have been given the appropriate reintegration programs, especially in livelihood, education, and shelter. “The reason they came down is because they saw that the President is sincere about changes in government, changes in

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our country,” he said during an interview with Allan Abais on Sonshine Radio Davao’s Kumando 711.

“The reason why these rebels went up to the mountains is because they never saw that chance of hope before, but now they found a new hope knowing that there are changes done by our President,” he added. According to Secretary Andanar, the reintegration programs offered to former rebels include training and education through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) under the Department of Education (DepEd). Former rebels (FRs) and their

family members may opt to join these programs in order to be more equipped and skilled, which they can use when they seek jobs. The PCOO chief also noted how the country has moved forward with the accomplishments of the Duterte administration in infrastructure, citing that the government has spent almost 5% of the country’s GDP on infrastructure. “We always go back to Marcos and talk about these triumphs in infrastructure. Now with the Duterte Legacy, we have what we called the Golden Age of Infrastructure. After this term we will be now referencing President Duterte when it comes to accomplishments in infrastructure,” he said.

October 2-8, 2021 |

CabSec: PCA registry update could eventually benefit coconut farmers its Coconut Planting and Replanting project, benefiting 198,260 coconut farmers.

Nograles

Eighty five percent of more than two million coconut farmers listed in the 2018 National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System (NCFRS) database has been updated, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said on Monday. Reporting the accomplishments of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to President Rodrigo Duterte, Nograles said 2,524, 267 farmers in the 2018 NCFRS database have been updated. The registry was also able to record additional 585,322 new coconut farmers, according to Nograles. “So ang total na po sa registry is 3,109,589 at patuloy pa rin po ‘yung verification ng mga farmers na ito,” he said. Updating and verification of coconut farmers registry system are mandated under the Republic Act 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act signed by President Duterte early this year.

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“Under your administration, Pangulong Duterte, kayo po ang gumawa nitong napakalaking tulong sa ating mga coconut farmers. Ang pagsasabatas ng Republic Act 11524 or ‘yung Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. Ito po ay dekada na pong hinihintay ng ating mga coconut farmers. It is only under your administration na magiging reality po ito,” Nograles told the President. Republic Act 11524 mandates the creation of a roadmap for the coconut industry—the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, outlining government’s plan on how the Filipino coconut farmers could benefit from the coco levy fund. Also in his report, Nograles spelled out ongoing PCA projects such as the Coconut Hybridization Project. So far, the PCA has distributed 1,531,956 hybrid planting materials and 2,307,330 open pollinated varieties. The agency also planted 36,642,245 seedlings under

Nograles said PCA’s coconut fertilization project is also ongoing, with the agency covering 249,643 hectares, benefiting 156,661 farmers. He added that under the PCA’s Seed Farm Development Project, 12 seed farms were established. To fight poverty, the PCA carried out programs such as the KAANIB Enterprise Development Project or KEDP crop diversification. The project focuses on intercropping of coconut and various crops aimed at augmenting coconut farmers’ income. The project already covered 17,957 hectares. Also included in the KEDP project is animal integration, with the PCA distributing 4,812, livestock, benefitting more than 3,000 farmers. The PCA also joined the fight against COVID-19 through collaboration with other agencies. It tied up with DOSTFNRI and PCHRD as well as with UP-PGH for clinical studies on the possible use of virgin coconut oil on suspected and probable COVID-19 cases. Studies under PCA-DOST-FNRI tie up have already concluded while those being conducted by PCHRD and UP-PGH on therapeutic use of coconut oil for COVID-19 cases are ongoing, Nograles said. PND

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Gov’t negotiating P45B funding for vaccine procurement next year for wider immunization of the general population particularly children aged 12 to 17 years old. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The Department of Finance (DOF) has started negotiating with multilateral financing institutions for the procurement of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses next year, the country’s vaccine czar on Monday. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting on government’s COVID-19 interventions, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the DOF initiated discussions for P45 billion multilateral funding for the purchase of more coronavirus jabs to inoculate the entire Philippine population. He said the government is finalizing the multilateral loan arrangements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and World Bank. Negotiations with four to five vaccine manufacturers are also ongoing for a non-binding terms sheet for the supply of 90 million vaccine doses early next year, according to Galvez. Galvez, who is also the

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National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer, said the government expects the delivery of at least 140 to 160 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of December. In the first quarter of 2022, the total delivery will include the 8 million doses of AztraZeneca jab procured by the private sector and 6 million doses of Johnson & Johnson bough by the government. Galvez said the government will sign a contract with Johnson & Johnson this week for additional 6 million doses to augment the government’s vaccination initiatives in January. The Duterte administration’s top priority is to administer 100 vaccine doses before the end of the year, and the entire target population before the 2022 national election, according to the vaccine czar. Meanwhile, noting his administration’s aggressive inoculation drive, President Duterte expressed optimism

The chief executive said that pediatric vaccination is set to begin on October 15 this year in key pilot cities. Noting steady vaccine supplies, the President said the majority of the population may be fully vaccinated before Christmas, but it will require strong public cooperation. “For the last quarter, we are confident that we can fully vaccinate more than a majority of our population before Christmas. I therefore, again, encourage our kababayans to have yourselves vaccinated,” he said. To ensure smooth vaccination across the country, the President called on local government units (LGUs) to do their part in putting necessary measures in place. “I now call on all concerned agencies, LGUs, and other partners and stakeholders to work together to make sure that our vaccination program proceeds as quickly and as problem-free as possible,” he said. PND

October 2-8, 2021 |

NCR COVID-19 cases now in downward trend, says health chief The Department of Health (DOH) said it sees a decline in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in the National Capital Region (NCR), encouraging local leaders to intensify contact tracing, isolation and quarantine of those detected carrying the virus. In a meeting with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the DOH observed a drop in cases in the NCR based on the negative two-week growth rate and declining average daily attack rate per 100,000 population as well as healthcare and ICU utilization rates. “Upang magtuloy-tuloy ang pagbaba ng kasong nakikita, hinihikayat namin ang mga LGU na gawin nang madalian ang pagdadala sa mga quarantine at isolation facilities ng mga kaso at close contacts na ating nahahanap sa mga komunidad, sa mga workplaces, at iba pa pong mga lugar,” Duque said. “At kasabay po nito, hinihikayat namin ang mga local vaccination operation centers na palawigin pa ang pagbabakuna upang maabot natin ang 70 percent full vaccination ng atin pong targeted population of about 77 million Filipinos, either by the end of this year or early next year.” Duque told the President that

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the declining numbers could be attributed to strong adherence to the strict safety protocols and LGU’s active contact tracing, expedited vaccination program, and improved caseto-contact ratio in the NCR. “Talagang pinaiigting nila ‘yung kanilang contact tracing kaya mas marami hong naiisolate, naka-quarantine, and therefore, hindi na nakakapagkalat ng COVID-19,” Duque explained. Hospitalizations, on the other hand, have remained at a high-risk level in NCR. He also noted an increase in the COVD19 cases in other regions of the country. The health chief encouraged regions with high COVID-19 cases to intensify their active case-finding, contact tracing initiatives and to immediately bring infected individuals to quarantine and isolation facilities to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

He also asked the regional offices to follow the prescribed data reporting template for accurate and quick data reporting so that the government could make better responses to areas needing prompt attention. Duque reported that so far, the country administered a total 46,380,040 vaccine doses, with around 24 million people receiving the first dose. Thirty percent of the country’s eligible population is now fully vaccinated, after it administered 21 million doses as second jab. The country has posted a total of 2,604,040 coronavirus infections after the Department of Health recorded 10,748 new cases as of October 4. The Philippines has 106,160 active cases with 38,828 deaths and 2,459,052 recoveries, the DOH said. PND

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142nd Malasakit Center opens its doors in Valenzuela City as part of Bong Go’s pursuit of improved access to quality health care in the country On Thursday, October 7, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the launch of the country’s 142nd Malasakit Center at Valenzuela Medical Center in Valenzuela City as part of his many efforts to improve health services and reduce health disparities in the country. This is the second Malasakit Center in the city following the one in Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital which was launched in August of 2019. It is also the 27th Malasakit Center in Metro Manila, and the 77th in Luzon.

po ay batas na, isinulong ko noon kasama si Congressman Wes, Congressman Eric, Senator Win Gatchalian. Ang target po ng Malasakit Center zero balance para wala na po kayong babayaran In his speech, Go, who sa inyong pagpapaospital. also serves as the Chair Para po ‘yan sa mga poor of Senate Committee on and indigent patients. Health and Demography, Basta Pilipino ka, qualified cited that after witnessing ka po sa Malasakit Center,” the struggles of low-income Go explained. Filipinos to get quality health care, it pushed him “Sabi ko bakit natin to develop more health pahirapan ‘yung Pilipino… care policies that aim to eh sa totoo lang pera n’yo improve access to medical ‘yan. Pera n’yo ‘yan, inyo care services. po ‘yan, dapat po ibalik sa inyo sa mabilis na serbisyo. “Ang Malasakit Center Iyan po ang Malasakit Caraga INFOCUS

Center, inyo po ‘yan,” Go continued. The Malasakit Center brings together partnered agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to work hand in hand and ensure that medical assistance programs are more accessible to particularly poor and indigent patients. Principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Malasakit Centers Act of October 2-8, 2021 |

ng kahit ano man pong insentibo ang serbisyo ninyo ngayon. Kakaibang sakripisyo ang ginagawa ninyo at napakahirap po nitong labang ito,” Go expressed.

Bong Go

2019 mandates all DOHrun hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to establish their own Malasakit Centers while other public hospitals may open their own provided they meet the standard criteria and can guarantee the sustainability of its operations. In line with his hospital visits across the country, Go shared how he saw the challenges faced by many public hospitals which often lack the necessary resources and manpower to meet the needs of their patients. As he recently joined the race for the country’s second-highest post, Go committed that he will continue to push for measures that will enhance and improve hospital services all over the country. “Hindi po ako titigil po

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sa mga programang makakabuti po sa ating mga kababayan, ipagpapatuloy ko po ang mga nasimulan,” Go emphasized. “Tulad nitong Malasakit Center kung nakakatulong naman po sa mga kababayan natin, ipagpapatuloy natin,” he continued. Senator Go conveyed his gratitude towards the hospital staff and other medical frontliners for their dedicated service to their community despite threats posed by the pandemic. On this note, the Senator, together with DOH, committed to help allocate necessary funds to further help improve the health services in Valenzuela Medical Center.

“Kaya sa mga frontliners, kaunting tiis lang po, habaan niyo po ang inyong mga pasensya, kayo po ang nakakaalam sa laban na ito, kumbaga sa sundalo, kayo ‘yung sinasabak sa giyera,” he added. Go then appealed to the public to participate in the national vaccination program as he reiterated that vaccines against COVID-19 will not only boost their body’s defenses but will also help in the country’s return to normalcy. Following the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte to open the vaccination roll-out to the general public, Go asked local leaders to work closely with the national government to ensure an efficient vaccination drive in their community.

“Huwag kayong maging kumpyansa kahit na bumababa ang kaso dahil po ‘yan siguro “Alam niyo, mga frontliners, naging epektibo na po ‘yung pagpapabakuna. hindi po nababayaran Caraga INFOCUS

So ngayon po, mayroon na tayong 76% na po ng Pilipino ang bakunado, patungo na po tayo sa population protection at herd immunity. Pero huwag pa rin maging kumpyansa,” Go appealed, “Antayin muna natin makamtan natin yung herd immunity, huwag ho natin sayangin ‘yung pinagpaguran natin na makamtan ngayon,” Go added. After the launch, Go’s outreach team distributed grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to 136 patients, and 830 frontliners. Some of them also received new pairs of shoes, bicycles, or computer tablets. Furthermore, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to the patients and 337 rank and file employees of Valenzuela Medical Center. In an interview, Iris Flores, 37, mentioned that even if she is fully vaccinated, she struggles everyday knowing that her job as a utility worker in the hospital makes her more prone to the virus but she remains Caraga INFOCUS

dedicated to sustain her family’s needs. “Sir Senador Bong Go, talagang hindi n’yo pinapabayaan kaming lahat na mahihirap at mga nangangailangan ng tulong po sa inyo. Maraming, maraming po salamat po, Senador Bong Go, saka po kay Mr. President Duterte,” Flores expressed. Meanwhile, Valenzuela Medical Center Chief Dr. Maria Estrella B. Litam appealed in her speech to continue focusing on primary health care to ensure that more of their constituents can access quality medical services. “I hope we can finally see it rising with your help and with your endorsement. Kung sino man tayo at ano man tayo, alalahanin natin na we are all Filipinos and we are working for the Filipinos,” Litam expressed. The ceremony was also

attended by Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, Office of the President Assistant Secretary Girlie Veloso, Undersecretaries Jonjie Gonzales and Debold Sinas, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, Representatives Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian and Eric Martinez, Mayor Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian, and many others. Senator Go then proceeded to visit the Malasakit Center in Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital to monitor and personally check and assist to the needs of the center. As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go extended his support in the acquisition of ambulance units, and the construction of a sevenstorey Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence in Brgy. Malinta to ensure the economic recovery of the community. October 2-8, 2021 |

Bong Go lauds opening of first multisports arena and mega-vaccination site in Valenzuela City, calls on officials to focus on duty to serve and prioritize vaccine drive ahead of elections Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday, October 7, personally witnessed the inauguration of the Wellness Entertainment Sports or WES Arena in Valenzuela City which he believes will serve as a catalyst for the further development of the city and its constituents. In his speech, Go praised the city government for its handling of the vaccine drive. He expressed confidence that the arena will enable the program to expand at an even quicker rate and reminded officials to continue prioritizing getting their constituents vaccinated ahead of the campaign season. “May pakiusap lang po ako sa lahat, wala pa naman pong kampanya. Medyo mainit lang ‘yung

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usapan sa pulitika dahil nag-aantayan. Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa mga kababayan ko, sa mga kandidato, puwede ba mamaya na lang natin pag-usapan ‘yung pulitika. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng papuri pero mas kailangan po ng taumbayan ngayon na magtrabaho muna tayo,” Go emphasized.

who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health.

An initiative of Deputy Speaker and 1st District Representative Weslie Gatchalian, the 1.2-hectare facility is the first multi-sports arena in Valenzuela and will feature basketball courts, a volleyball court, and a badminton area, among others. The arena will “Ulitin ko po, bakuna muna continue to be used as bago ang pulitika. ‘Yun a vaccination site until po ang kailangan natin the conclusion of the sa ngayon,” added Go, COVID-19 vaccination Caraga INFOCUS

program. “Ang ganda ng takbo ng vaccinations sa Metro Manila at nakocontain na ang mga kaso ngayon. Sana tuluy-tuloy ang ginagawa ninyo dito at nakakatuwa na mayroon tayong mga napakagaling na timon,” he continued. The Senator expressed optimism as the government expands the vaccination program to the general population. He explained that vaccines are key to achieving lasting protection against the virus towards herd immunity and return to normalcy.

mga hindi pa bakunado. Kaya nakikiusap ako sa inyo, please magtiwala kayo sa gobyerno at magtiwala kayo sa bakuna,” he appealed.

supply of vaccines at the soonest possible time while ensuring patients continue to receive the care that they need.

In line with government’s The government has efforts to improve access currently administered a to health care, the Senator total of 48.4 million doses announced the official “Mabilis ‘yung of vaccines with a daily launch of the country’s pagpapabakuna natin average of 463,320 doses 142nd and the city’s ngayon, so nakakatuwa in the last seven days, as second Malasakit Center na unti-unti ng bumababa of October 6. A total of which he also personally ‘yung bilang ng mga 22.7 million Filipinos are fully attended later in the day kaso. Napatunayan vaccinated while another at the Valenzuela Medical natin na ‘pag bakunado 25.7 million have received Center. The Malasakit ka, protektado ka. their first shots. Center at the Valenzuela Nakikiusap ako sa mga City Emergency Hospital taga-Valenzuela, please To avoid further risks of previously opened its own magpabakuna na kayo. in August 2019. Huwag kayong matakot sa getting and spreading the virus, Go also bakuna at pinaghirapan reminded the public to The Malasakit Centers are ng gobyerno na maone-stop shops pioneered procure ito para sa inyong observe proper mask use, physical distancing by Go that host the lahat,” continued Go. and other health government agencies with protocols. He assured programs that provide “Nasa datos naman na medical assistance to kung sino ang nag-positibo that the government is doing everything it can patients, particularly the at grabe ‘yung sintomas to procure a sufficient poor and indigent. The ay kadalasan ito ‘yung Caraga INFOCUS

October 2-8, 2021 |

hanggang maging zero balance ang inyong billing para wala na kayong babayaran sa inyong pagpapa-ospital. Iyan ang Malasakit Center. Walang pinipili ‘yan, walang pulitika diyan,” explained Go. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin at kami ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon para makapagserbisyo. Ako, hindi ko sasayangin ang oras na ito. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya,” he vowed. The ceremony was also attended by Sen. Gatchalian, Rep. Gatchalian, Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian, Health Secretary Francisco agencies include the authored and sponsored Department of Health, in the Senate, aims to help Duque III, Presidential Department of Social reduce a hospital bill to the Spokesperson Secretary Welfare and Development, lowest possible amount by Harry Roque Jr., Vaccine Czar and National Task Philippine Health Insurance covering various patient Force Against Covid-19 Corporation and Philippine services and expenses. Charity Sweepstakes Representative Gatchalian Chief Implementer Carlito Office. filed the counterpart bill in Galvez., Jr., Deputy Chief the lower house. Implementer and Testing The program was Czar Secretary Vivencio institutionalized under “Batas ito na isinulong Dizon, Metropolitan Manila Republic Act No. 11463, namin ni Senator Development Authority also known as the (Sherwin) Gatchalian at Chairman Benjamin Abalos Malasakit Centers Act, Rep. Gatchalian noong Jr., and former Public which President Rodrigo 2019. Nasa loob na ng Works and Highways Duterte signed in 2019. ospital ang mga ahensya secretary Mark Villar, The Act, which Go na tutulungan kayo among others.

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Bong Go aids fire victims in Parañaque City; assures them of continued support amid pandemic

In line with his commitment to support vulnerable communities and provide relief where it is most needed, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s outreach team held an activity in Parañaque City on Tuesday, October 5, for 23 families who were displaced by a recent fire incident on October 2. The team distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks, and face shields at the Sto. Niño Chapel, Barangay Sun Valley. They also provided each family with financial assistance to help them recover from the unfortunate incident. Caraga INFOCUS

“Alam kong hirap kayong lahat ngayon dahil sa pandemya tapos nawalan pa kayo ng bahay dahil sa nangyaring sunog,” Go began in a video message. “Gusto ko ipaalam sa inyo na nandito kami at ang gobyerno na nagmamalasakit at nagseserbisyo sa inyo. Handa kaming tumulong, lalo na sa panahon ngayon na lahat ay naghihirap,” he added. Go vowed to push for Senate Bill No. 1228 which aims to establish an evacuation center in every municipality, city,

and province to ensure that affected families have access to safe and decent shelter and the amenities they need in times of emergency. “Alam ko po na masakit at mahirap ang masunugan ng bahay, importante kumpleto kayo at walang nasaktan sa sunog. Ang gamit naman po ay mabibili, kayang kitain, pero ang buhay, hindi po ‘yan kayang mapalitan. Importante ligtas kayo,” said Go. “Kahit nasa evacuation center ay dapat mag-practice pa rin po kayo ng social October 2-8, 2021 |

distancing upang hindi magkahawaan ng sakit sa inyong lugar,” he added. Filed in 2019 by the Senator, the proposed measure sets minimum requirements for every evacuation center, such as its location, amenities, and operation.

mga kababayan na biktima ng mga sunog. Buwan-buwan, ilang insidente ng sunog ang aking binibisita sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating nabiktima nito,” said Go.

“Kaya nag-file ako ng bill sa Senado to enhance The senator also thanked our fire protection firefighters for the work services and hire more they continue to do in personnel who are willing communities across Metro to dedicate their lives Manila. He reaffirmed to ensure the safety of the government’s our communities. Dapat commitment to their paghandaan natin ang welfare which was anumang krisis o sakuna. demonstrated with the Bukod sa pagiging laging recent enactment of handa, dapat rin maging Republic Act No. 11589 informed ang mga or the Bureau of Fire Pilipino kung papaano Protection Modernization maiiwasan ang mga Act. insidente tulad ng sunog,” he continued. The law, which Go principally authored As part of the and co-sponsored in government’s response the Senate, aims to to the fire incident, enhance the BFP’s representatives of firefighting and rescue the Department of capabilities over a tenSocial Welfare and year period by expanding Development also its manpower, procuring handed out additional new fire equipment, and financial assistance in a developing specialized separate distribution. training programs for firefighters, among others. The National Housing Authority and the “Ako mismo ay Department of Trade and saksi sa hinagpis na Industry, in turn, assessed nararamdaman ng ating potential beneficiaries

|October 2-8, 2021

for their housing and livelihood assistance programs, respectively. The Department of Health also distributed vitamins and medicines. Go also encouraged family members to prioritize their health and offered assistance so that they can get treated for injuries and other medical concerns. He informed them that they may obtain further aid from the government through the Malasakit Center located at the Ospital ng Parañaque. The center is a onestop shop which brings together under one roof the agencies from which patients may seek medical assistance, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The Malasakit Centers have assisted over three million particularly poor and indigent patients since Go launched the program in Cebu City in 2018. There are currently 142 Malasakit Centers established nationwide. William and Mafe Prado, Caraga INFOCUS

a couple who lost their youngest child in the fire, recounted how the incident started. “Parehas kami ng asawa ko wala. Nasa trabaho kami. Naiwan ang aming tatlong anak sa kwarto. Short circuit daw po ang nangyari. Sa kasamaang palad, naiwan po ang anak kong bunso sa loob. ‘Yun po ang naging sanhi ng pagkamatay n’ya — suffocation po,” Mafe said. While grieving, she said that her family are trying to cope with and move on from tragedy so they can start their lives anew. She also requested further assistance from Go and the government and thanked them for the support they already received. “Ngayon po, nagpapalakas po kami. Kailangan lumaban para magpatuloy sa buhay. ‘Di natin alam ang plano ng Diyos sa atin. Nagpapasalamat pa rin po kami, alam ko kasama na ng anak ko ang Diyos, isa na siyang anghel ngayon. Patuloy po kaming lumalaban kase dapat at kailangan. Mayroon pa kaming Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go

dalawang anak na kailangan suportahan,” she said. “Sana po Senator Bong Go matulungan n’yo kami sa pagpapatayo ng aming tahanan. Wala po kaming kakayanang pinansiyal para makapagpatayo ng bahay namin. Mabigyan din po sana kami ng pagsimula po, negosyo o anuman po na maaari ninyong maitulong sa amin. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat na nagbigay ng tulong, sa DSWD, kay Senator Bong Go. Malaking tulong po ito para sa pagtayo namin ulit sa panibagong bukas,” added Mafe. Meanwhile, the senator then thanked the local officials and volunteers led by Representative Joy Tambunting, Mayor Edwin

Olivarez, Vice Mayor Rico Golez, and the barangay officials for their quick response to the incident. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in several barangays and the acquisition of an ambulance unit to further boost economic development and improve the delivery of basic services in Parañaque City. “Tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao, sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon,” Go ended. October 2-8, 2021 |

Vaccine czar: Gov’t experts crafting updated vaccination plan

The government is already crafting an Updated National Vaccination Program that will be approved by the secretary of health and top pandemic advisers aimed at linking it with the overall vaccine security plan, the country’s vaccine czar said on Wednesday. In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Updated National Vaccination Program, which will be approved by Secretary Francisco Duque III and the InterAgency Task Force for Caraga INFOCUS

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Palace on October 6, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), will be anchored on the Vaccine Security Roadmap at least until 2022 and 2023. “Kasi napakaimportante po nang gagawin po natin na ‘yun kasi that’s our continuity plan and exit strategy towards the pandemic,” said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force

Against COVID-19. The government established the National Vaccination Operation Center and it has been organizing the Vaccination Operations for the fourth quarter of this year, according to Galvez. The country’s top vaccine coordinator also said that with the increased volume of vaccine deliveries, the October 2-8, 2021 |

government has also ramped up its inoculation drive especially in the provinces by supplying local governments with more COVID-19 jabs. For instance, almost a million doses of vaccines donated by the US through the COVAX facility arrived in Davao and Cebu, fast tracking the vaccination rollout in those areas, he said. “Nakausap ko kanina po si Secretary Dino at nagpapasalamat po siya, Mr. President, na nadinig po ‘yung kanilang hiling na magkaroon po sila ng magandang bakunahan dahil kasi ngayon po mag-o-open na po sila talaga ng ano ng kanilang business doon sa Cebu,” Galvez said. “Ganoon din po sa ano sa Davao, tuwang-tuwa rin po dahil kasi ‘yung parte ng Cotabato City at saka GenSan ‘yung Region XII at saka ‘yung Region XI, iyong ano ‘yung Cagayan de Oro and also ‘yung part ng ano ng Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental ay mabibigyan din po natin

|October 2-8, 2021

ng mga bakuna.” The NTF COVID-19 chief implementer also said the Certificate of Analysis for the 7 million doses of Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac vaccine has arrived in the country, and will be simultaneously deployed together with the 2 million doses that arrived last weekend. The government is still waiting for an additional 930,000 doses of CoronaVac and 800,000 of Pfizer vaccine under government procurement. The arrival of more vaccines has breathed life into the government mass immunization drive as evidenced by increased vaccination rate, the vaccine czar said. He reported that as of Wednesday, the government observed another record rate of 628,099 administered jabs. “So dati po, nakaka-394 lang tayo; ngayon, tumaas po tayo ng 628,099. At

nagpapasalamat po tayo kay Sec. Vince at saka po sa ating NVOC kay Usec. Myrna at saka po sa ating mga LGU dahil nakapag — tumalon po tayo nang malakas,” he told the President. So far, the government has administered a total of 47.7 million vaccine doses, with 25.3 million individuals receiving the first dose and 22.4 million having the full dose. “So kung makikita po natin, Sir Mayor, malapit na po tayong mag30 percent doon sa 70 percent ng population na targeted po natin, at 20 percent na po tayo doon sa total population po natin,” Galvez noted. Donations from the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility have also increased from 19 million doses to more than 21 million doses, he said, adding vaccines bought by the government are also upped by more or less 800,000 doses. This week, another 3 million doses from Moderna will arrive in the country in addition to 2 million doses of CoronaVac. PND Caraga INFOCUS

Cooperation vital to protect public vs. Covid-19: PRRD President Rodrigo Duterte has enjoined Filipinos to cooperate with the government to keep them safe and protected against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a video message for the Radio-Television Malacañang’s (RTVM) “USWAG, Pinas! Special Edition,” Duterte reminded the public that they would only be safe, if population protection is achieved. He encouraged them to join the government in its relentless fight against Covid-19 by getting vaccinated against the coronavirus. “At this point, I’d like to invite our kababayans (fellow countrymen) to look at what your government is doing to get our nation closer to herd immunity,” Duterte said. “Let us remember that no one else is safe until everyone is safe. Let us continue working together towards a healthier and a more protected citizenry.” Duterte also thanked Covid-19 front-liners, the private sector giving assistance to the government, and the people who heeded his call to receive the coronavirus vaccine jabs. “Salamat sa lahat ng frontliners natin, ang ating mga partner that silently work

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(File photo)

(Thank you to all our frontliners and our partners that silently work). Our nation needs to see the good work you do. Salamat din sa lahat nang nagpabakuna (Thank you also to those who already get vaccinated),” he said. The RTVM’s “USWAG, Pinas! Special Edition” features the vaccination drive in at least 24 different parts of the country, captures the medical workers’ efforts to defeat Covid-19, and presents testimonies from vaccinated Filipinos. Learning to live with Covid-19 In an online press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the country is already learning to deal with Covid-19. Roque issued the statement, after the Philippines fell to the bottom of the Nikkei’s Asia Covid-19 Recovery Index. As of September 30, the Philippines has ranked last out of the 120 nations battling the Covid-19 pandemic, based on the Nikkei Asia’s report on Covid-19 Recovery Index.

The index scores countries based on infection management, vaccination rollout and programs, and social mobility. According to the report, the Philippines scored 30.5 at 121st place. Roque said the Philippines has already taken steps to fight Covid-19. “Ang mini-measure po nila is kung tayo po nga ba ho ay patungo na doon sa path of recovery. At malinaw naman po ang paninindigan natin diyan, mayroon pong mga ibang pamamaraan para mabuhay kasama ang Covid bukod po sa lockdown (They are measuring our path of recovery. And our stance is clear that we have other ways to live amid the Covid-19 pandemic, other than the imposition of lockdown),” he said. He also reiterated that the Covid-19 infections reported in the country are still within the projection. “So, that proves that I think we are learning to live with the virus,” Roque said. (PNA/Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

October 2-8, 2021 |

Pfizer vax deployment now focused in provinces: DOH

PFIZER DELIVERY. Resbakuna stickers are placed on the boxes containing Pfizer vaccine delivered on Wednesday (Oct. 6, 2021) night at the NAIA Terminal 3. The latest shipment is part of the 1,015,560 doses ordered by the government, of which 76,050 have arrived in Cebu and the remaining 77,220 to be delivered to Davao on October 7. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

The provinces are priority in the deployment of the freshly delivered Pfizer vaccine doses as a new storage condition for the jab allows local governments to store it in standard refrigerator temperatures. Health Undersecretary Carolina Vidal-Taiño, who welcomed the arrival of the US-made jabs Wednesday night, said the vaccine could last up to 30 days

|October 2-8, 2021

when stored with a temperature between two to eight degrees Celsius.

“Hindi lang sa negative 70, puwede na rin siya ngayon sa 2 to 8 temperature requirement. So halos lahat na ng mga regions ngayon at lugar makakatanggap na rin sila ng Pfizer vaccine (It’s not only -70, we can also store it in 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. So most of the

regions may now get Pfizer vaccine),” she told reporters during the arrival of 862,290 Pfizer doses at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The latest shipment is part of the 1,015,560 doses ordered by the government, of which 76,050 have arrived in Cebu and the remaining 77,220 to be delivered to Davao on October 7. Caraga INFOCUS

Davao and Cebu have each received 994,500 doses of the US-donated Pfizer shots on October 6, all coursed through the COVAX Facility. The total Pfizer vaccine doses delivered to the Philippines are now over 17 million -- about 3.51 million are governmentprocured while 10.8 million are donations from COVAX. “Ang focus na ngayon ay all regions will be given because napakarami na nating dumarating na vaccine so almost all regions, kahit down in the south mayroon na tayong Pfizer vaccine (Our focus now is the rest of the regions because several vaccines have arrived, so even in the south, we’ve downloaded Pfizer),” said Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, head of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19’s subtask group on current operations. “Ang hiling lang natin sa mga local government natin is to be prepared for the delivery of this kind of sensitive vaccine Caraga INFOCUS

(We are only asking our local governments to be prepared for the delivery of this kind of sensitive vaccine),” he added. With more shipments expected in the coming days, Mayor is optimistic the country could hit 100 million in secured vaccine doses before the end of October.

- Philippine Heart Center - Pasig City Children’s Hospital - Fe Del Mundo Medical Center - Philippine General Hospital - St. Luke’s Medical Center (Bonifacio Global City) - Makati Medical Center

NTF Covid-19 medical adviser Dr. Teodoro “Sunod-sunod na po ang Herbosa, who was also dating ng vaccines na present at the Pfizer ito (The vaccine arrivals vaccine arrival, said the will be continuous)--Pfizer government targets to and Moderna,” he said. inoculate as many as 400,000 children aged 15 The total cumulative to 17 in the initial Metro vaccine deliveries as Manila rollout. of October 6 are at 80,415,200 doses. “(Iyong 400,000) sa Since the start of the umpisa lang sa first week vaccination rollout in then mag-i-expand na March, the country has the second week kasi inoculated a total of dadagdag na ‘yong 28,988,891 individuals, 12 to 14, pagkatapos of whom 22,402,105 are by the following week fully vaccinated. by November 5, ‘yong ibang regions kasama The vaccination of na (That 400,000 is only children will also start on for Metro Manila, then October 15 and will be we will expand in the piloted in the following second week to add Metro Manila hospitals: those aged 12 to 14 then by November 5, we will - Philippine Children’s include other regions),” Medical Center he told reporters. - National Children’s (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Hospital Rocamora) October 2-8, 2021 |

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Caraga InFocus – October 2-8, 2021

Articles inside

PFIZER VAX DEPLOYMENT NOW FOCUSED IN PROVINCES: DOH

BONG GO AIDS FIRE VICTIMS IN PARAÑAQUE CITY; ASSURES THEM OF CONTINUED SUPPORT AMID PANDEMIC

VACCINE CZAR: GOV’T EXPERTS CRAFTING UPDATED VACCINATION PLAN

COOPERATION VITAL TO PROTECT PUBLIC VS. COVID-19: PRRD

BONG GO LAUDS OPENING OF FIRST MULTISPORTS ARENA AND MEGA-VACCINATION SITE IN VALENZUELA CITY, CALLS ON OFFICIALS TO FOCUS ON DUTY TO SERVE AND PRIORITIZE VACCINE DRIVE AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

142ND MALASAKIT CENTER OPENS ITS DOORS IN VALENZUELA CITY AS PART OF BONG GO’S PURSUIT OF IMPROVED ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE IN THE COUNTRY

GOV’T NEGOTIATING P45B FUNDING FOR VACCINE PROCUREMENT NEXT YEAR

CABSEC: PCA REGISTRY UPDATE COULD EVENTUALLY BENEFIT COCONUT FARMERS

NCR COVID-19 CASES NOW IN DOWNWARD TREND, SAYS HEALTH CHIEF

BUILDING A RESILIENT & COMPETITIVE AGRIBUSINESS SECTOR

SECRETARY ANDANAR: ANTI-INSURGENCY PROGRAM BROUGHT NEW HOPE TO THE LIVES OF FORMER REBELS

TAGUM FLYOVER, LONGEST IN MINDANAO, NOW OPEN

DA PROCESSING CENTERS OFFER PALAY DRYING, MILLING FOR AGSUR FARMERS

DSWD TURNS-OVER QUARANTINE FACILITY TO AGSUR TOWN

KBP MEMBERS, BISLIG MEDIA GROUP JOIN ‘OPLAN BROACASTREEING’

DICT CONDUCTS GECS-MOVE COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE

BP2 PROGRAM TO BRING HOME 57 LSIS TO AGSUR

ORYENTASYON ALANG SA 1,100 BENEPISYARYO SA CASH FOR WORK GIHIMO

GOV. CORVERA: MADEVELOP NA GYUD ANG NANIE

32 SECURITY GUARDS RECEIVE MONETARY ENTITLEMENTS THRU DOLE’S INSPECTION IN SURSUR

PROYEKTONG PABALAY UG PATUBIG ALANG SA MGA IPS SA AGNOR, GIPADANGAT

AMOMANG AGUSANON NAPABATI SA MGA HILIT NA SITIO SA AGNOR

DOLE SEC. BELO NANGUNA PAGPADANGAT OG SUPORTA SA MGA PROYEKTO NGA PAGPAHILUNA SA AGNOR

AGNOR PTF-ELCAC VISITS FRS, INAUGURATES LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER

DOLE CHIEF RELEASES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO OVER 1K WORKERS IN CARAGA

PAGBALHIN SA NIA NGADTO SA DA SUPORTADO SA DOF UG NEDA

DBP APPROVES P40-BILLION INFRA LOANS

LOKAL NA PAMAHALAAN NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE, PATULOY ANG PAGBIGAY TULONG PARA SA MGA FORMER REBELS

DSWD CARAGA RECOGNIZES 101-YEAR-OLD ‘LOLA’ IN BUTUAN