Caraga InFocus – September 11-17, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 38 September 11-17, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

8 9 10 PROVINCIAL NEWS 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

RIAC-FF CARAGA LINES UP ACTIVITIES FOR 29TH FILIPINO FAMILY WEEK CELEB

POPCOM GRANTS AID TO PRIORITY LGUS FOR 2022

76 BARANGAYS SA BUTUAN CITY AT PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL SUR, MULING NAKA MECQ

COFFEE PROCESSING CENTER SOON TO RISE IN AGUSAN NORTE TOWN

TOP LEADERS, MEMBERS OF DISMANTLED CNT FRONT IN AGUSAN NORTE YIELD TO ARMY

CABADBARAN CITY TO RECEIVE GRANT FROM POPCOM RECORDS UG CARDS SA MGA BENEPISYARYO SA PHILHEALTH PROGRAM GITURN-OVER SA AGNOR

PAGBANSAY ALANG SA MGA PRE-MARRIAGE COUNSELORS SA LGUS GIHIMO

AGSUR LGU PROVIDES FREE FP SERVICES

DA CARAGA TURNS-OVER AGRI PROJECTS FOR ENHANCED LIVELIHOOD OF IPS DA TURNS-OVER HAULING TRUCK TO SURIGAO NORTE COOP DA-PRDP CAPTURES DATA IN DINAGAT ISLANDS SUBPROJECTS

MGB LEADS ASSESSMENT OF CARAGA MINING FIRMS SURSUR DRRM COUNCIL LAUDS TAGBINA FOR ACHIEVING ‘BEYOND COMPLIANCE’ IN CARAGA

BED OCCUPANCY RATE SA COVID-19 WARD NG PINAKAMALAKING PAMPUBLIKONG PAGAMUTAN SA SURSUR NASA 120% NA RED TIDE STILL UP IN SURIGAO SUR BAY

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MINDANAO NEWS MINDA TWG STARTS GROUND WORK FOR PICOP REHAB, REVIVAL PLAN AGREEMENT INKED TO JUMPSTART AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN MINDANAO

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NATIONAL NEWS SECRETARY ANDANAR: CAPACITATE YOUTH TO HAVE CAPABLE, EFFECTIVE FUTURE LEADERS SECRETARY ANDANAR BAGS OUTSTANDING FILIPINO LUMINARY AWARDS 2021 FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE PCOO TO REVIEW REQUEST TO USE GOV’TOWNED FM FREQUENCY IN PALAWAN FOR DISTANCE LEARNING

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CONTENTS

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COVER

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NAT’L GOV’T’S FULL SUPPORT TO SULU IMPROVES ITS PANDEMIC RESPONSE, PEACE AND ORDER SITUATION SECRETARY ANDANAR: SIMPLIFIED AVAILMENT OF GOVT SERVICES SAVING FILIPINOS FROM MUCH STRESS

141ST MALASAKIT CENTER LAUNCHES IN ILOILO CITY AS BONG GO AIMS TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS PARTICULARLY TO POOR AND INDIGENT PATIENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

BONG GO URGES GOV’T TO ENSURE PROMPT AND UNHAMPERED PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY AMID THE PANDEMIC AS HE ASSISTS STRUGGLING COMMUNITIES IN PAVIA, POTOTAN AND SAN MIGUEL, ILOILO

BONG GO PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES AS HIS TEAM DELIVERED AID TO RESIDENTS OF MOTIONG, SAMAR

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SECRETARY ANDANAR: NO OVERPRICING, NO CORRUPTION IN DOH PROCUREMENT

PCOO DISMISSES ACCUSATIONS OF EMPLOYING TROLLS, BACKS PENALIZING FAKE NEWS PERPETRATORS

COVID-19 NEWS

PH EXPECTS MORE DELIVERIES OF US-MADE VACCINES 20M MORE PINOYS NEED TO BE VAXXED TO EXPAND PH HERD IMMUNITY GENERAL POPULATION TO GET JABS SOON WITH MORE VAX DELIVERIES

Delta variant cases spi

The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) - Caraga announces on Friday the detection of 39 cases positive for COVID-19 variants of concern in the region: 32 Delta Variants, three Alpha Variants, three Beta Variants, and one P.3 Variant. These results are from samples sent last August 2021 to the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center (UPPGC) for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Based on area of distribution, Delta cases

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were detected in: Agusan del Norte (7) Las Nieves-3, Carmen-1, Kitcharao-1, Nasipit-1 and Cabadbaran City-1; Agusan del Sur (8) - San Francisco-7 and Bayugan City-1; Surigao del Sur (12) - Carmen-6, Lanuza-2, Tandag City-2, Carrascal-1 and Madrid-1; Surigao del Norte (1) - Tubod-1; and four cases from Butuan City. Three Alpha cases were detected of which two are from Butuan City and one from Rosario, Agusan del Sur. Moreover, three Beta cases were from Cabadbaran City (2) and Bislig City (1). Furthermore, the lone

P.3 variant case is from Butuan City. As to the case profile, the age range is 1-66 years old with 29 as the median age; 56% (22) are females while 44% (17) are males, and 21% ( 8 ) have known co-morbidities. Majority 56% (22) are close contacts of confirmed RT-PCR COVID-19 cases, 41% (16) have no travel history and 3% (1) is an LSI from NCR. Furthermore, 54% (21) of the cases are unvaccinated individuals. At present, most 87% (34) of the cases have recovered, 5% (2) still have mild symptoms, and 8% Caraga INFOCUS

ike in Caraga Region (3) cases have died. Two of the deaths were Delta variant cases and the other one was an Alpha variant case. Two of them had comorbidities, while all were unvaccinated with no history of travel, and hospitalized due to severe symptoms.

with the corresponding quarantine measures.

“With the detection of more Delta and other variants of concern in the region, we will not falter in reminding everyone to take active participation in helping us end this pandemic. The DOH CHD-Caraga With or without variants, through the Regional our management, and Epidemiology and measures are still the Surveillance Unit (RESU) is same,” DOH-CHD Caraga actively coordinating with Regional Director Cesar the local health authorities Cassion said. to continuously monitor the situation in the region. “The minimum health Rigorous identification protocols may have and tracking of the close become a routine to most contacts are ongoing of us but we still need to

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remind our family, friends, and everyone to strictly practice these standards such as wearing masks and face shields; washing your hands with soap and water; practicing physical distancing; avoiding crowded, confined, and closed spaces; staying at home and never go out unless necessary; boost your immune system and most importantly, get vaccinated when it’s your turn. These measures are still proven to effectively cut transmission of COVID-19 infection and all its variants,” Dir. Cassion added. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga)

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News Briefs A webinar dubbed “ASEAN-ACT Talk Series 08: Human Trafficking in the Fourth Industrial Revolution” via Zoom platform. Different stakeholders of various regions in the Philippines are actively participating in the discussion. How to prevent and/or report trafficking incidents and online sexual exploitation among children are also tackled in the said webinar. xx

Inflation rate in goods and commodities have significantly increased since the beginning of the year, Junjie Crisante of NEDACaraga reported during today’s 40th RTF COVID-19 Meeting. The highest inflation rate was recorded in the month of February, where 4.7 was recorded. In July, in particular, the inflation rate was at 4.1. Crisante explained that this can be attributed primarily to the increase of prices of pork, where its demand has maintained despite the decrease in the supply due to the prevalence of the African Swine Fever (ASF), as well as an increase in the price of corn, in particular, and corn fertilizers, which is a major commodity in the region.

(VACCINATION ROLLOUT UPDATE) As of Sept. 16, 2021, DOH Caraga reports a total of 369,582 vaccinated individuals, regionwide. Vaccination of qualified individuals still ongoing in the different vaccination sites of the region. #BeVaccinated #ResBakuna As of September 16, with a total of 40,030,388 vaccine doses administered, the Philippines is now 3rd in the vaccination administration among 10 ASEAN countries, 11th out of 47 countries in Asia, and 21st out of 205 countries globally. The country has administered 2,853,875 vaccine doses in the past 7 days. The country is at 4th spot among ASEAN countries in terms of 7-day average daily rate with 407,696 doses administered. The Philippines placed 2nd among ASEAN member states in terms of average daily rate of doses administered since the start of vaccination which is now at 201,158. There are 22,354,429 first doses administered while 17,675,959 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated.

REGIONAL NEWS

RIAC-FF Caraga lines up activities for 29th Filipino Family Week celeb

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) Caraga chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will spearhead this year’s 29th Filipino Family Week celebration thru the conduct of lined-up activities from September 20-30, 2021. According to DSWD-Caraga regional director Ramel Jamen, the virtual kick-off of this celebration on September 20 will be broadcasted via MaCaragaBata Stream Channel in partnership with the Regional Committee on the Welfare of Children (RCWC). “The committee will conduct the “Adopt-a-Family” activity on September 22, wherein the committee members will select families who will be given ‘gift items’ such as food packs, grocery items, clothes, and the like,” said Jamen. On September 24, 2021, a webinar dubbed “Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition in COVID-19” will be held with resource speaker from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) while this will be participated by the representatives from various local government units (LGUs), parent leaders, and other stakeholders. Jamen also said that the RIACFF is also accepting entries for

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the Family Tiktok and Spoken Poetry (Child/Youth and Adult Edition) until September 27, 2021. Each contest is open to all who wish to showcase their talents on family Tiktok and Spoken Poetry. Participants should follow the mechanics and criteria for judging. “Winners will be determined by the overall score gained from the judges who are members of the committee. E-Scorecard will be sent via e-mail, and judging of entries will be on September 28. Winners will also be announced during the culmination program,” he said. A webinar dubbed “Mental Health among Filipino Family Amidst Pandemic” is scheduled on September 28, 2021 with invited resource speaker from the Department of Health (DOH). This will be participated by various organizations. Meanwhile, a virtual “SaloSalo” will culminate the said celebration. The program will begin in the morning of September 30 with a video presentation of two select

families sharing lives in overcoming the challenges, especially this COVID-19 pandemic. Winners of the contests will also be announced during the culmination. The Filipino Family Week is an annual observance every last week of September, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6, series of 1992. This aims to promote the family as the foundation of the nation by emphasizing the importance of strengthening and promoting unity, solidarity and stability and advocating for stronger and protected Filipino families. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Pamilya at Teknolohiya: Magkabalikat Mapagtagumpayan ang Hamon ng Pandemya,” which aims to cite the need for all concerned stakeholders to provide Filipino families with compassionate response on economic shocks and protection from violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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POPCOM grants aid to priority LGUs for 2022 The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) is looking on extending financial assistance in the continuing transfer of some services to local government units (LGUs) in 2022. Among the priorities in 2022 is strengthening the institutionalization of the Philippine Population Development Program through the technical, logistical, and financial assistance until 2023. Pursuant to the Department of Finance (DOF) Order No. 23-08 dated July 29, 2008, financial support shall be focused on the 4th to 6th class of LGUs. In which the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur belonged to the 1st class, Surigao del Norte to the 2nd class, and the 3rd and 4th classes were the provinces of Agusan del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands, respectively. Meanwhile, the city of Butuan belonged to the 1st class, the cities of Bislig and Surigao were classified into the 3rd class, Bayugan City as the 5th, and in the 6th class were the cities of Tandag and Cabadbaran. POPCOM Caraga remains steadfast in its partnership and linkages with local partners and other stakeholders, public and private. It maintains the provision of high-quality information, services, and structures on Responsible Caraga INFOCUS

Parenthood and Family Planning, with a particular emphasis on MFP, as the primary premise for being public health workers. Establish a working environment that is free of all manmade and natural hazards and risks, and that promotes strong connectivity and mobility among employees as well as between them and with other stakeholders. (Charina May L. Lagunde, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga) September 11-17, 2021 |

76 barangays sa Butuan City at probinsya ng Agusan del Sur, muling naka MECQ Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Dineklarang General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status with heightened restrictions ang Butuan City simula September 8 hanggang September 30, 2021, subalit sa kabuuang 86 barangays nito sasailalim ang 76 barangays ng nasabing lungsod sa Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine mula September 7 hanggang September 22, 2021 dahil na rin sa patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

pumanaw dahil sa nasabing virus. Mariing pinaalalahanan ng lokal na pamahalaan ang mga residente sa palagiang pagsunod sa health protocols upang maiwasang tumaas pa ang kompirmadong kaso sa lungsod ng butuan lalu na at puno na ang public at private hospitals dito.

Kinumpirma rin ng DOHCaraga nitong September 6 na may isang kumpirmadong kaso ng Delta variant na rin sa rehiyon kaya naman mas Base sa Executive Order No. lalo pang hinigpitan ng lokal 41 series of 2021 na nilagdaan na pamahalaan kasama ni Butuan City Mayor Ronnie ng iba’t-ibang ahensiya Vicente Lagnada, nakasaad ang ano mang public dito na nitong September gatherings upang maiwasan 5, 2021 ang Department of ang hawaan. At mahigpit Health – Center for Health ring minomonitor ang mga Development (DOH-CHD) papasok at palabas ng Caraga ay may naitalang Butuan City. kabuuang 8,490 na nagpositibo sa COVID-19 sa Samantala, problema rin sa lungsod kung saan 881 nito Agusan del Sur ang pagtaas ay active cases, 7,382 nito ay ng kaso ng COVID-19 nakarecover na, at 227 ang kaya naka-MECQ din ito

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hanggang sa katapusan ng Setyembre. Puno na rin ang mga health facilities maging ang isolation facilities, bagamat tinutugunan na ito ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa probinsya. Sa limang probinsya ng Caraga, ang Agusan del Sur ang may pinakamataas na kumpirmadong kaso. Nitong September 12, may panibagong kaso na naman na umabot sa 150. Sinundan ito ng Butuan City na may 74; Agusan del Norte na may 37; Bislig City na may 34; Surigao del Sur na may 31; Bayugan City na may 22; Surigao del Norte na may 7; 6 sa Surigao City; at dalawa naman sa Dinagat Islands. Patuloy ding isinasagawa ang vaccination sa mga eligible priority groups sa iba’t-ibang probinsya sa Caraga region. Nitong September 6, 2021, may kabuuang 352,067 vaccinated individuals na sa rehiyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Coffee processing center soon to rise in Agusan Norte town The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) - Caraga conducted a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a Coffee Processing Center of the Casiklan Wheel’s Farmers Association Incorporated (CAWFAI) with a total amount of P19,022,445.77 in Barangay Casiklan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. DA Usec. Zamzamin Ampatuan Jr. said the processing center will pave the way to an

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increased income for the farmers. “You can see that this processing center will produce world class quality coffee and can lead to an increased income and improved livelihood,” he said.

government is here to assist you but you should also help yourselves to achieve your goals, from production to marketing of your products, ” he said.

On the other hand, Las Nieves Municipal He also urged the Mayor Avelina S. Rosales members of CAWFAI said she is thankful for to also focus on valuethe project because adding of their coffee to it is a realization of the further the growth of their dreams of the farmers in organization. Casiklan. She also urged the farmers to take good DA-Caraga Regional care of the machines Executive Director Abel and make good use of James I. Monteagudo it for the benefit of their posed a challenge coffee enterprise. (DA to the members of Caraga/PIA Agusan del CAWFAI to make their Norte) enterprise grow. “The Caraga INFOCUS

Top leaders, members of dismantled CNT Front in Agusan Norte yield to army Two high-value individuals (HVIs), one political instructor, and six regular members of the Former Guerilla Front 4A (FGF 4A) of the CNTs (CPP-NPA Terrorist) in Agusan del Norte abandoned the hopeless cause of the communist movement and surrendered to the Army’s 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.

living in misery due to the relentless focused military operations and the loss of their mass bases caused by withdrawal of support of their underground mass supporters.

On Sept. 4, the 23IB troopers encountered around 15 CNTs in the hinterlands of Barangay Jaguimitan, Nasipit town. Likewise, on Sept. 6, another clash against the same group took place Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. in Barangay Guinabsan Paulo, the Commanding of Buenavista town. The Officer of 23IB, welcomed series of encounters the surrender of the three resulted to the recovery leaders and members of of five high-powered the CNTs. They have been firearms, two antiCaraga INFOCUS

personnel mines, and assorted war materials. Lt Col. Paulo identified the surrenderers as Khim Agad Mapoy @PATRICK, Front Secretary, Loreto Agad Mapoy Jr @ARVIN, commanding officer of Platoon Joker, Rolando Morata @PANG of Platoon Diego, FGF4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) and six regular members, all of FGF 4A, NCMRC. “Based on their testimonies, life inside the movement nowadays is very difficult. Aside from losing their mass September 11-17, 2021 |

Brigade Commanders of 4ID. During the surrender, they also handed over to the government eight (high-powered firearms and low-powered firearms.

support, the remnants of FGF 4A are hungry and tired as our troops unrelentingly pursue them through focused military operations. There is no other option for them but to lay down their arms and return peacefully to their families and communities,” Lt Col. Paulo said. He added that through the massive information drive of the 23IB in communities, the remaining FGF 4A members realized the harmonious and prosperous lives being enjoyed by their former comrades through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government. Col. Adonis Ariel Orio,

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Commander of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade said that the series of encounters followed by the surrenders of these leaders and members are the results of the persistent reports from the residents in the area who are being terrorized by the CNTs. “We will still continue our military operations in the area to fulfill our mandate of protecting the people against the senseless harassments and spates of terrorism that gravely affect the lives of the innocent,” Col. Orio said. The surrenderees were also presented to Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, together with the four

In his statement, @ PATRICK, the former Front Secretary of FGF 4A narrated their difficulties as they continue to evade and hide from the pursuing 23IB troopers. He added that they could no longer hole up in communities as hundreds of their mass supporters have already disconnected from the communist movement and pledged loyalty to the government. “These remaining members of FGF 4A formally cut-off their ties from the terrorist movement due to suffered casualties, hunger, and hardships that made them incapable to accomplish their planned recovery efforts in the area. Furthermore, they wanted to surrender because of their longings to be with their families,” Lt Col. Paulo said. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Cabadbaran City to receive grant from POPCOM

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) will soon transfer the financial support to the local government unit (LGU) of Cabadbaran City in strengthening the Philippine Population Development Program (PPDP) through localization strategy as governed by a Memorandum of Agreement. The hand-holding with the PPDP localization strategy to LGUs aimed at building the capacities Caraga INFOCUS

of LGUs to take the lead in the implementation of the population management strategies. It also highlighted the importance of the presentation of the Financial Guidelines, which is the anchor of the downloading of funds for implementation. POPCOM Caraga resource speakers presented the various major thrusts and directions of every population program. The regional office lauded Cabadbaran

City for the efforts and accomplishments they have made in the implementation of various population programs in their communities. As for Director Alexander A. Makinano, the activity with Cabadbaran City is a step towards opening up opportunities for higher levels of partnership, program ownership, and localization of population management strategies to its local partners. (Charina May L. Lagunde, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte) September 11-17, 2021 |

Records ug cards sa mga benepisyaryo sa PhilHealth program giturn-over sa AgNor Gi-turn over sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation [PHIC] sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan ang Member Data Records [MDRs] ug PhilHealth Identification Cards [PICs], alang sa mga indigents sa Agusan del Norte kagahapon, Septyembre 14, sa Provincial Capitol, ning dakbayan. Gidawat ang maong mga records ug cards ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Jerry Laurito isip representante ni Governor Dale B. Corvera ug Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Silver Joy Tejano. Ubos sa programa, gipundohan og P26,886,600.00 sa PHIC Group Enrollment Program C.Y. 2021 ang probinsya nga gi implementar sa PSWD Office. Mokabat sa 8,503 enrolled families

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sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang maka benepisyo niini. Sa 8,503 ka pamilya anaay 6,434 families niini ang maka avail sa premium nga P3,600.00 diin 100% o full payment na sa tibuok tuig sa 2021 ang i-shoulder sa probinsya. Ang 2,069 families sa Las Nieves ug Santiago 50% niini ang i-shoulder sa province ug 50% usab sa nasangpit nga mga munisipyo.

Kini mahimong isip dakong kapanukaran o tabang ngadto sa mga most vulnerable families nga dili maka afford sa pag bayad sa maong health insurance. Ang mga identified o enrolled families gi-endorso mismo sa matag local nga panggamhanan ning probinsya. Ug ipang-apod apod ang maong mga MDRs ug hulagway sa matag LGUs. (Agusan Up/PIAAgusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Pagbansay alang sa mga Pre-Marriage Counselors sa LGUs gihimo Gipahigayon sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob Dale. B. Covera niadtong Septyembre 14, ang tulo ka adlaw nga Roll-Out Training kalabot sa “Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) Manual for Pre-Marriage Counselors of the Local Government Units.” Ang kalihukan gihimo sa Watergate Hotel sa Butuan City og gipasiugdahan sa buhatan sa Provincial Social and Welfare and Development Office (PSWD) kaabag ang buhatan sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga. Ang pagbansay nga giapilan sa mga Pre-Marriage Counselors sa nagkadaiyang Local Government Units sa Agusan del Norte ug mga personahe sa matag Municipal/City Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipal Population Officer, Local Civil Registrar ug Rural Health Units gitambungan usab ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, mga personahe sa PSWD, DSWD-Caraga. Gipaningkamotan sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan nga mahimo ang maong seminar alang sa mga counselors aron ma-enhance pa ilang kaalam ilabina sa pagpadayag sa hustong impormasyon ug mapasabot ngadto sa mga future couples sa

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matag lungsod kung unsa ka mahinungdanon ang preparasyon ayha musulod sa kaminyoon. “That’s why the province naghimo dayun ta og activity for this kind of training para ma capacitate ang atong mga PMOC team members sa lgu level,” sumala ni Alfie Semonette Pabillore, focal person sa Population and Nutrition Division sa PSWD. “Isa gyud na nga rason nga ang foundation sa isa ka marriage nga i-prepare gyod nato ang would-be-couples pinaagi sa pag conduct sa Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling [PMOC]. Daku gyud kaayo siya nga makatabang,” padayon ni Pabillore. Gihisgotan sa unang session sa pagbansay ang kabahin sa Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RPRH Act) o ang Republic

Act No. 10354. Sa ika duhang session, mao na ang Pre-Marriage Counseling nga mandatory alang sa naay pangidaron nga 18-25 anyos years old nga magminyo. “Mao ng gihimo nga duha ka session para mas mahatagan pa og importansya, mas mapasabot pa gyod, specially kadtong mga young couple, nga palawoman ang ilang (pagsabot) sudlan (nila) nga kaminyoon,” matud ni Emelyn L. Mintal sa DSWD-Caraga, ang isip speaker sa maong hisgutanan. “(Ang) atong overall goal is for a successful marriage or ma lessen nato ang broken family in the future kay ensakto ang impormasyon about sa kaminyoon nga nga ilang pagasudlan,” padayon ni Mintal. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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AgSur LGU provides free FP services

POPCOM Caraga hopes that through this initiative, many couples and women of reproductive age will be encouraged to transfer and avail of the family planning method and be empowered to have the number, timing, and spacing of children they want in the context of informed choice and responsible parenthood.

The local government unit (LGU) of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, with the support of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) – Caraga has recently conducted the oneday insertion and removal of progesterone subdermal implants (PSI) in celebration of National Family Planning (NFP) Month. In the said activity, POPCOM shared the overview, importance, and benefits of family planning, especially the PSI insertion. In the

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reports submitted to the regional office, a total of 1,948 couples were served with unmet needs in Caraga for the first semester, in which a total of 362 couples and women of reproductive age preferred to use and were served with PSI. There was a 14.19% increase in the use of subdermal implants along with other modern FP methods. Data shows that more couples and women of reproductive age have shifted to using PSI, as it is one of the most effective approaches to modern family planning.

The agency continuously delivers Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) programs and services together with the LGUs to their communities to achieve the thrusts of the agency. POPCOM is the country’s lead organization in population management for well-planned and empowered Filipino families and communities. Its goal is to attain a better quality of life for all Filipinos through management and maintenance of population level resources. (POPCOMCaraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

DA Caraga turns-over Agri projects for enhanced livelihood of IPs

Moreover, the group also received four units of chicken multiplier project in which each unit also consisted of 120 heads of free range chicken. The total cost of the said projects also amounted to P4,750,500.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program has recently turned-over the two Goat Multiplier Projects to two Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups in Agusan del Sur. The Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 136 Bunawan Manobo Ancestral Domain Management Council (BMADCI) of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur and the CADT 078 Cabantao Maligaya Marfil Pamintigan Caulisihan Maputi Masabong (CaMMPaCaMM) Ancestral Manobo Tribal Association each received 22 heads of 75% upgraded goats. Of the 22 heads, 20 are female while the other two are male. In addition, the CADT 136 also received from the DA a

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total of 188 bags of certified rice seeds with 250 bags of inorganic fertilizer in support of their rice production project. They also received four units of chicken multiplier project with each unit comprising 120 heads free range chicken out of which 100 are female and 20 are male. Each unit also came with an incubator and feeds. Overall, the interventions given to CADT 136 totaled to the amount of P4,750,500. Also, aside from the goat project, CADT 078 also received 40 bags of hybrid corn seeds, 140 bags of inorganic fertilizer, one unit corn sheller, and one unit compact corn mill in support of their corn production project. They also received various vegetable seeds and farm tools and equipment for vegetable production.

DA-Caraga’s 4K Program Coordinator Edelmira R. Luminarias said the interventions are meant to provide livelihood to the members of the IP groups. “It is part of the DA’s initiative to let our IP brothers and sisters feel that they are being given importance by the government,” Luminarias said. Meanwhile, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that in pursuing a more developed and modern agriculture in the country, the Department is implementing various programs that assist and provide opportunities to all stakeholders who are in need. “As we work our way to achieving our goal, we are also doing our best not to leave anyone behind, we are all together in our quest for a progressive agriculture sector in our nation,” Dir. Monteagudo said. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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DA turns-over hauling truck to Surigao Norte coop

The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Caraga has turned over a hauling truck to the Claver Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CLACOFARMCO) on September 14, 2021 in Claver town, this province. The hauling truck worth

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P3.7 million is one of the components of the Geonet Production and Marketing Project of the CLACOFARMCO. During the turn over ceremony, Surigao del Norte Provincial Agriculturist Ruby Ann Lagahit said they are thankful for the project and that hopefully it will help in the expansion of geonet fiber production

of the organization as well as in their development of coconut by products. On his part, Julie S. Presilda, the President of the CLACOFARMCO said that the hauling truck will be a big help to them for easier transportation of coco husk. (DA-Caraga/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DA-PRDP captures data in Dinagat Islands subprojects

To continuously monitor its proponent groups (PG), the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) rolled out the Enterprise Operations Monitoring (EOM) forms in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

that were used in the implementation, deployment, and execution of business plans, strategies, and all associated activities.

Furthermore, the tool will be used to easily track down the enterprise progress and evaluate the project’s impact. The EOM tool will capture This will determine data from each member the strengths and and non-member who weaknesses of the PG have transactions with that will help PRDP to the beneficiary groups. assess which area it can provide additional Likewise, it gathers assistance. enterprise information such as, planning Data gathered will then and implementation, be developed into a practices, processes, Web-Based Information and procedures System to ease the Caraga INFOCUS

data navigation of the implementing team. Included in the Declaration and Certification of Finances rollout were the New Mabuhay Seaweed Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, General Aguinaldo Farmers Association, and A&M Multi-purpose Cooperative. Proponent groups will be responsible for data gathering both quantitative and qualitative information on specific variables. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte) September 11-17, 2021 |

MGB leads assessment of Caraga mining firms

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) spearheaded the Virtual and Offsite Safety and Health, Environmental and Social Development (SHES) and Management Systems Audit of Caraga mining firms on August 2 to 10, 2021 via Microsoft Teams.

comprehensive assessment Caraga mining companies, namely Sinosteel Philippines H.Y. Mining Corporation, Adnama Mining Resources, Inc., and SR Metals Incorporated.

The days 2 and 3 of the audit focused on the The audit started with an review and evaluation of entry meeting wherein the submitted documents and MGB Central Office technical records. Verifications with personnel headed by Engr. Contractors/Permit Holders/ Marcial H. Mateo and the Permittees were carried out MGB 13 personnel headed on Days 4 and 5. by Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante were introduced, and The preliminary audit reports it was then followed by the preparation and discussion of opening message imparted SHES Audit Team with MGB 13 by OIC Regional Director focal persons took place on Larry M. Heradez. Day 6, and the exit meeting officially concluded the audit The said activity which was on Day 7. conducted in a period of seven working days, As a whole, the MGB 13 comprised of the audit personnel performed their comprised team and three duties and functions to

|September 11-17, 2021

ensure that the Safety and Health, Environmental Management and Social Development Programs of mining firms in exploration and operating stages are substantially implemented and mandatory compliances are strictly observed for CY 2020. Meanwhile, the MGB aims for continual improvement in its efforts to comply with the findings and recommendations of the auditors as it advances the efficient delivery of services. The SHES Audit team of the MGB Central Office and the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD) of MGB 13 took part in the said audit. (Engr. Queenibeth L. Plaza, MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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SurSur DRRM council lauds Tagbina for achieving ‘Beyond Compliance’ in Caraga By: Grace P. Barcena

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur headed by Governor Alexander Pimentel, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has lauded the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Tagbina for achieving the “Beyond Compliance” in the regional level of Caraga Region. No less than the chairperson of the MDRRMC of Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso received the plaque of recognition with Tagbina MDRRM officer Crissalen Danao, and MDRRMO Chief for Operation and Executive Assistant Virgilio Balili from the PDRRMC Chair Governor Alexander Pimentel, ably represented by PDRRM Officer Abel de Guzman. The awarding of recognition was conducted during the City and Municipal DRRM officers and staff regular quarterly conference hosted by the said municipality. According to PDRRM Officer Abel de Guzman, per assessment conducted by the regional DRRM council led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)Caraga, Tagbina is the lone LGU in Surigao del Sur that got the highest award of “Beyond Compliance” in Caraga INFOCUS

a recent Regional Gawad KALASAG Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance. Meanwhile, despite the threat brought by the pandemic, of which the entire province was tagged as high-risk due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Provincial DRRM Office revealed the upcoming activities in the last three months of this year that included the series of skills training and formulation/ updating of the local DRRM plans. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) September 11-17, 2021 |

Bed occupancy rate sa COVID-19 ward ng pinakamalaking pampublikong pagamutan sa SurSur nasa 120% na

Nasa 120% na ang bed occupancy rate sa COVID-Ward ng Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) dito sa lungsod ng Tandag, Surigao del Sur ayon sa pinakahuling COVID-19 Situational Report ng nasabing pagamutan. Batay sa COVID-19 Situational Report No. 512 as of September 13, 2021, alas singko ng hapon ng ASTMMC, may 36 na pasyenteng nakaadmit sa COVIDWard nito.

|September 11-17, 2021

Ayon din dito, 104% ang bed occupancy rate sa COVID Critical Care Unit (CCU) ng nasabing pampublikong pagamutan sa ilalim ng Department of Health na may 24 na admitted patients. Ipinaalam naman nito sa publiko ang mga aksyon ng ASTMMC kaugnay ng sitwasyon sa COVID-19 sa ospital kung saan isa nito ang sustained activation ng ASTMMC Operation Center. (DXJS RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Red tide still up in Surigao Sur bay By: Grace P. Barcena

The Lianga Bay in the province of Surigao del Sur was included in the list of the areas with the presence of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide.

Milagros in Masbate; Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol; Carigara Bay in Leyte; Dumanguillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Murcielagos in Zamboanga del Norte.

The report was based on the latest Shellfish Bulletin No. 26 dated September 10, 2021, released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Other coastal waters which shellfishes collected were found out still positive of toxic red tide are:

The report warned the public that all types of shellfishes and aceted sp. or alamang gathered from the coastal areas declared with the positive toxic red tide are not safe for human consumption.

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Fish, squids, shrimp, and

crabs are safe for human consumption provided, that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and the internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. Meanwhile, BFAR confirmed that other coastal waters are declared free from the toxic red tide that included the coastal waters of Hinatuan, Cortes, Lingig, and Bislig City bay, all in Surigao del Sur. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) September 11-17, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

MinDA TWG starts ground work for PICOP rehab, revival plan The Technical Working Group (TWG) created by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to look into the viability of rehabilitating and reviving PICOP, once Asia’s biggest pulp and paper mill in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur has started. MinDA Director Joey Recimilla, TWG Team Leader, said engagements were made with the Local Government officials led by Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, other agencies of government and stakeholders upon the team’s arrival in the area this week. The situation on the ground was described as “tense” following the killing a week earlier of one of the PICOP labor leaders, Joselito Soriano, who was reported to have led the group which pilfered scrap irons and heavy equipment from the plant site. Among the initial inputs submitted by the TWG were the report that the facilities appeared to be in varying state of deterioration and decay. The facility, which is under a Court-ordered receiver, Francisco Buencamino, also faces several claims from creditors, the LGU for uncollected taxes and the workers for their wage claims. The PICOP tree plantations have been occupied by settlers who have continued planting trees or engaged in agricultural activities.

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The timber from the trees, mostly Falcata, are supplied to two smaller plywood factories operating in Bislig City which employs hundreds, especially women. The TWG noted that the first challenge in the rehabilitation and revival of the pulp and paper mill would be the hurdling of legal issues, including the foreclosure petition of the Land Bank of the Philppines which is pending before the Supreme Court. The LGU is also laying claim on the property because of unpaid taxes amounting to P200-M while former workers are demanding the complete payment of their back wages. PICOP, once Asia’s most

modern pulp and paper mill, employed an estimated 20,000 workers at the height of its operations but shut down in 2006 following the imposition of a total log ban and the Asian Economic Crisis. The rehabilitation and revival of the PICOP has long been sought by residents of Bislig City and the surrounding areas citing the economic prosperity of the area when the facility was still operating. MinDA’s legal team will review all of the issues involved in the PICOP rehabilitation plan while the TWG will continue with its assessments and validation, including options which could be explored should the revival of the facility is seen to be not viable.

September 11-17, 2021 |

Agreement inked to jumpstart aquaculture development in Mindanao More oysters and crabs may soon be spawning and growing in Mindanao aquafarms once a recently-inked partnership between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and an international aquaculture research center gains traction. Aiming to establish hatcheries to produce seeds and accelerate aquaculture development in the Philippines’ second largest island, MinDA formalized a threeyear partnership with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) on 6 Sept. 2021. “Let us build a facility that will just keep producing fingerlings, and for the next five years, why don’t we support our fisherfolk with fingerlings, free for the next five years,” said MinDA Chair Emmanuel

|September 11-17, 2021

Officials of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) sign the agreement on sustainable aquaculture development in Mindanao on Sept. 6, 2021 at Tigbauan, Iloilo. Photo by RH Ledesma

Piñol in English and Hiligaynon as he shared his dream to build a truly modern hatchery in Mindanao.

hatchery, nursery, and grow-out operations of commercially viable finfishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and seaweeds.

Piñol toured the aquaculture facilities of SEAFDEC/AQD at its headquarters in Tigbauan, Iloilo, and thereafter signed a Memorandum of Agreement with its Chief, Dan Baliao, to collaborate through techno-transfer programs, including verification and training in broodstock,

“Let us start with the simple oyster breeding facility, and then from there we move on to crabs, we move on to high-value fish, and hopefully as we move forward, we will be able to find enough funding support to build that envisioned hatchery that I have for Mindanao,” Piñol said. Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar: Capacitate youth to have capable, effective future leaders

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Saturday expressed support anew to establish capacity-building initiatives that will help hone the leadership skills and confidence of the youth. During the CORDS X Podcast, Secretary Martin Andanar praised the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Bukidnon for demonstrating their genuine care for their community amid the threats posed by the pandemic. “Kung atong mapalambo ang atong kabatanonan, matudluan og mga mapuslanon nga life skills, pagkaresponsable, selfconfidence, ug ang pinakaimportante, compassion, maka-establish kita og

|September 11-17, 2021

capable ug effective leaders para sa atong sumusunod na henerasyon [If we are able to develop our youth--teaching them with valuable life skills, being responsible, selfconfidence, and the most important, teaching them how to be compassionate-we will be able to establish capable and effective leaders for generations to come],” he said. “Atong ikalipay ug ikapasigarbo atong mga kabatan-onan sa Bukidnon, kay sila, ang embodiment, ang buhing saksi, sa katakus ug kamaayo sa atong kabatan-onan karon [The youth of Bukidnon is our delight and pride because they are the embodiment, the living proof, of the importance of our youth

today],” he added. Bukidnon SK President Princess Grace Gayon was a guest of the program, where she discussed some of the programs they have undertaken to capacitate the youth in partnership with the Bukidnon provincial government. Gayon also urged the youth to take advantage of their grit to help the country. “Make use of the opportunity to be a partner of the government in order to protect our future. Remember that we will not stay young for long. We should have the initiative to fight for a brighter future,” she said.

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Secretary Andanar bags Outstanding Filipino Luminary Awards 2021 for National Government Service The Episcom group has hailed Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar as a recipient of the Outstanding Filipino Luminary Award for National Government Service this year. This year’s Outstanding Filipino Luminary Award bears the theme “Inspiring the Filipino people amidst the pandemic”, which honors and highlights the valuable contribution of the leaders, the civic movers, and innovators that have propelled the country’s economy and inspired their fellowmen during this pandemic. Secretary Andanar on Friday expressed his gratitude for the award given to him. “I am humbled by the recognition that the Episcom group has given for the works that my department and I have worked for in order to serve and inform the Filipino people,” he said. “This is another opportunity that I will be sharing with my PCOO family who has been as enthusiastic in attaining such overwhelming improvement in government media in the past 5 years. Thank you very much,” he added. According to the group, Secretary Andanar was given the award “for being the catalyst of effective media through his current undertaking as the Head of PCOO.” “His clear-cut approach in communicating the real status of the whole-of-government programs and efforts have bridged the information gap between the Filipino people and its civil servants,” the award-giving

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body said in its official social media page on Thursday. Shortly after his assumption into public office, Secretary Andanar championed the institutionalization of the Freedom of Information through Executive Order No. 2 signed by the President in September 2016. Among other game-changing initiatives he also spearheaded was the creation of the national communications policy that harmonized government media operations and messaging. The said policy also birthed the Laging Handa Crisis Communication that is now being extensively used amid the pandemic. Along with PCOO Undersecretary Joel Egco, they pushed for the welfare of the media which created the Presidential Task Force on Media Security. Secretary Andanar also stressed empowerment for provincial government media, and satellite offices through the successful construction of a Mindanao Media Hub, Government Strategic Communications Academy among others. The awarding ceremony will be at the Conrad Manila Hotel on September 24, 2021. Secretary Andanar will be joining fellow awardee and public servant PDEA Director General Usec. Wilkins M Villanueva, who was cited as the leader who championed the implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP), the main framework of the agency’s anti-drug strategy.

September 11-17, 2021 |

PCOO to review request to use gov’t-owned fm frequency in palawan for distance learning

Andanar

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that they will review the request of Puerto Princesa City Councilor Elgin Damasco for assistance in the delivery of blended learning to students via radio. “Padalhan mo ako [Coun. Damasco] ng sulat nakaaddress sa akin at kay Director General Aportadera ng Philippine Broadcasting Service tapos pag-uusapan namin yan pag natanggap ko na yung sulat [Kindly send us a formal letter addressed to me and Director General Aportadera of the Philippine Broadcasting Service. We will discuss it once we receive your letter,” Secretary Andanar said during a radio interview with Damasco on Radyo Bandera Palawan. “Humihingi po ako ng tulong sa inyo dahil for almost 2 years halos wala pong natututunan yung ating mga

|September 11-17, 2021

estudyante dito po sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa, dahil nga po walang face-to-face classes, napakahalaga po na makapagpatayo ng isang radio station na doon gagawin yung school-on-the-air program [We are asking for your assistance because for almost 2 years our students here are struggling to learn given that there are no face-to-face classes. It is important to establish a radio station where we can have a school-on-the-air program, a radio-based teaching],” Damasco said. In the said interview, Secretary Andanar noted that they had partnerships with various government offices in order to make information more accessible to the public. They also partnered with the Department of Education for the airing of DepEd TV through its attached GOCC, IBC-13. He also discussed the legacies of President Duterte in

government communications for the PCOO. These include the successful construction of the Mindanao Media Hub. The MMH is the first government media hub outside Metro Manila which now houses the PCOO’s satellite office in Davao City, the regional stations of the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), APO Production Unit, Inc. (APO), Radyo Pilipinas, and the Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM). A similar facility is eyed to be constructed in Mandaue City, Cebu next year with the inclusion of its initial P200 budget for construction in the PCOO’s proposed allocation for 2022. Secretary Andanar also reiterated the commencement of the construction of the Government Strategic Communications Academy this year in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, with its groundbreaking ceremony slated to take place this month. “Napakadami pong legasiya ni Presidente sa PCOO at yan po ay maliban doon sa pagpapalakas ng ating digital platforms [President Duterte has so many legacies in the PCOO. And these are additional to our efforts in strengthening links and reach through our digital platforms],” he said.

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Nat’l gov’t’s full support to Sulu improves its pandemic response, peace and order situation The national government’s support for the Province of Sulu is one of the factors that allowed the provincial and local government there to maintain its low COVID-19 cases and much improved peace and order situation over the past five years. In an interview during the Network Briefing News today, September 14 hosted by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar, Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan expressed his thanks to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the assistance of the national government during this pandemic and the seamless implementation of the vaccination rollout in the province. “Maganda ang pagbabakuna rito sa Sulu. In fact, dito sa Sulu nakapagpadala na rito ang pamahalaan na pinamumunuan ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, mabilis at pinadalhan kami ng 166,000 doses ng bakuna. [Vaccination is good here in Sulu. In fact, the government led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already sent us

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Andanar

166,000 doses of vaccines],” Gov. Tan shared. In the latest data of the provincial government, around 100,000 people are now vaccinated against COVID-19. They are also eyeing to vaccinate teachers and school staff as soon as possible. “Ngayon, siguro pupuntahan na namin yung mga [nasa] eskwelahan na puwede nang bakunahan ay babakunahan na natin. Wala po tayong problema

sa pagbabakuna at ang mga tao ay receptive, di mo sila kailangang pilitin. [“Now, maybe we will go to those [in] schools, that can already be vaccinated and we will vaccinate them. We don’t have any problems with vaccinations and people are receptive, you don’t have to force them],” he added. Low COVID-19 cases The Sulu governor shared that as of now, there are 11 COVID-19 active cases

September 11-17, 2021 |

in the province, he cited a total of 684 cases since the start of the pandemic, while 24 of them died due to complications from the deadly virus. “Ang cases natin ngayon ay 11 ang active cases natin dito. At 24 lamang ang namatay simula noong umpisa pa ng pandemya. Sa total cases naman, mayroong 684 na confirmed cases dito sa ating lalawigan. [We currently have 11 active cases here. And 24 have died since the pandemic began. In total, there are 684 confirmed cases here in our province],” he pointed out. The vaccination program in the province is continuing with the help of the Ministry of Health and the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (B-IATF) as there are remaining 66,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The provincial government of Sulu is also eyeing to buy a COVID-19 testing machine to fast-track swab test results while waiting for the machines that will be given by the National Task Force Against COVID-19. “Sabi ni Secretary Galvez na padadalhan tayo rito ng testing machine for COVID-19 para di na natin kailangang ipadala pa sa Zamboanga City para sa swab test. [Secretary Galvez said that a testing machine

|September 11-17, 2021

for COVID-19 will be sent here so that we do not have to send our swab tests to Zamboanga City to know the results],” he said. Improved Peace and Order Situation, other Projects Governor Tan also thanked the national government for its proactive and decisive developments in improving the peace and order situation in the province under the watch of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte since July 2016. “Kaya tayo nagpapasalamat kay President Rodrigo Roa Duterte na itinayo nya rito ang 11th Division Infantry Battalion ay mga Tausug ang nirecruit, malaking bagay iyan. [We are grateful to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that he ordered the establishment of the 11th Division Infantry Battalion here. Tausugs were recruited, that’s a big thing],” he said. He also recognized the efforts of the police force there as the Philippine National Police established the Sulu Training Center, Camp Kasim, Jolo, Sulu to train a new breed of young police officers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Aside from that, the national government also extended medical assistance to

the province through the establishment of two (2) Malasakit Centers in the Sulu Provincial Hospital and in the recently opened Sulu Sanitarium. Other projects and programs to be implemented in Sulu are the Php 200-M project of the national government for a new water system there and free-wifi access in the central hubs through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). “Pasalamat tayo kay President Duterte dahil sa situation natin ngayon. At masusustain natin ito. [We thank President Duterte for our current situation. And we can sustain it],” Gov. Tan said. He also thanked the Presidential Communications Operations Office, headed by Sec. Andanar, for giving the opportunity to explain to the public the beauty and current situation of Sulu Province. “Sa inyo [Sec.] Martin na binigyan nyo kami ng pagkakataon na masabi namin sa buong bansa at sa buong mundo na mali ang perception nila about Sulu ang ganda ng Sulu. [To you [Sec.] Martin for giving us the opportunity to tell the whole country and the whole world that their perception of Sulu is wrong - Sulu is in fact very beautiful],” he concluded.

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Secretary Andanar: Simplified availment of govt services saving Filipinos from much stress Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said that simplifying processes to avail government services is making the lives of Filipinos much easier. In an interview, Secretary Martin Andanar cited policies of the Duterte administration which led to more accessible services. These include the expansion of the validity of local driver’s license and passports. “Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga kababayan nabawasan po yung sakit ng ulo, yung perwisyo ng mahabang pila doon sa LTO [This is really a big help to our fellow men because they will no longer be inconvenienced by long lines at the LTO],” he said. “Sa pag-apply ng pasaporte ng OFWs may one stop-shop. Hindi niyo na kailangan umikot po ng POEA at kung saan saan pa. Hindi na po binibigyan ng pasakit pa ang ating mga kababayan dahil wala naman silang ibang hangad kundi magtrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya [In terms of renewing passports for our OFWs, we have a one-stop-shop for that. They no longer need to go somewhere else other than the POEA. We are no longer giving them that inconvenience because we all know that their intention is to provide and work for their families],” he added. Secretary Martin Andanar is referring to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) one-stop-shop for OFWs wherein all government frontline services are made accessible to Filipinos who are currently working or planning to work overseas. He also mentioned the passage of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and

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Andanar Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, amending the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. In a recent report, the 2020 World Bank – Doing Business Report showed the Philippines ranked 95th out of 190 economies, as delivery of public services were significantly improved. “Pasalamat tayo si Pangulong Duterte ang naging presidente dahil siya ay may political will at may karanasan sa pamumuno for more than 20 years. Dahil na rin sa kanyang tapang at malasakit ay na manage ng husto itong pandemya at na-minimize ang casualties ng COVID-19 [We are thankful that it is Presidente Duterte, who won for the presidency because he has political will and experience in leadership for more than 20 years. And also because of his courage and genuine concern for all, we are able to manage the pandemic and minimize the casualties of COVID-19],” Secretary Andanar said.

September 11-17, 2021 |

Secretary Andanar: No overpricing, no corruption in DOH procurement “Ang mga kririko natin talagang inuupakan tayo para na lang eh kahit papaano mawala tayo sa timing, mawala tayo sa vision natin. Kumbaga sinisira yung ating momentum [Our critics are really persistent in attacking us just so we lose our track, our timing, and our vision. They are sabotaging our momentum],” he said. He noted that the transaction was compliant with existing laws such as Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, Government Procurement Policy Board issuances (GPPB), and RA 11469 of Bayanihan to Heal As One Act. Andanar

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday reiterated that there was no fraudulent conduct in the government’s purchase of medical supplies in the most expeditious manner, as he cited the Commission on Audit’s clarification on flagging the Department of Health. During a hearing by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo said that there was no incident of overpricing, but instead the flagging was due to inventory management through the transfer of funds, as it did not have a memorandum of agreement and supporting document such as the liquidation of pending procurement. DOH transferred PHP42.4 billion worth of funds to PS-DBM for the procurement of COVID-19 supplies. Initially looking into the figures of the purchases, the opposition called out the transaction as an overpriced procurement. Secretary Andanar said that this is just another game of the critics to undermine the efforts of the administration.

|September 11-17, 2021

“There was no overpriced procurement because during the onset of the pandemic the prices of the PPEs such as facemask have risen following the law of supply and demand,” Secretary Andanar said. “Time was of the essence at kung hindi natin ginawa itong procurement ng medical supplies para sa ating mga medical frontliners, ay talagang magsu-suffer sila [Time was of the essence and had we not done this procurement of medical supplies for our medical frontliners, we know inevitably that they would suffer],” he added. The PCOO chief noted that this malicious scheme of critics is no different from the accusation of fake news thrown against the legacy campaign of the PCOO. “The government is ready to answer allegations by the critics. When they say that the Duterte Legacy is fake news, all they need to do is check on those bridges and roads that were completed, talk to students who are enjoying free tertiary education, or talk to those former rebels we have assisted,” he said. “The critics should be able to see that these are not just pulled out of thin air. These have empirical evidence,” he added.

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PCOO dismisses accusations of employing trolls, backs penalizing fake news perpetrators

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Thursday told legislators that they do not employ “trolls” to churn out fake news to the public, contrary to allegations made by critics.

fake news and false information to the public through employing social media trolls and fake accounts or through any other means,” Secretary Andanar said during the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the PCOO’s proposed 2022 budget.

“The PCOO and the Duterte administration “We will never use it have no policy to spread as a tool to discredit Caraga INFOCUS

our critics in order to consolidate power, as our critics have gravely alleged us of doing without any evidence,” he added. The Commission on Audit (COA) said that the PCOO spent over P70.6 million for the salaries of contractual hires, to which the agency responded September 11-17, 2021 |

that these hires were needed in order to intensify information dissemination amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The PCOO submitted on June 7, 2021 the justification for the hiring of 375 Contract of Service (COS) personnel for the year 2020. Secretary Andanar said that the majority of these COS personnel are occupying highly technical positions in the creative and production field such as producers, photographers, videographers, video editors, drone operators, animators, graphic artists, multimedia artists, sound design editor, streaming operator, and radio production assistant, among others. “Due to the lack of plantilla positions and the fact that the current personnel complement is not capable of performing said duties and responsibilities, the PCOO hired contractual personnel to execute the needed tasks,” he

|September 11-17, 2021

added. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, the PCOO initiated various communications campaigns which focused on producing multimedia materials about the national government’s COVID-19 response, the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19, and many other priority programs and achievements of the Executive Branch. Special projects have also been undertaken by the agency by virtue of Memorandum Of Agreements with other government agencies which require the hiring of COS personnel, such as the Philippine Statistics Authority for the Philippine Identification System, and the National Housing Authority for the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program.

individuals who are found to engage in spreading malicious information. “It’s a good idea to enact something like that or go beyond it by penalizing those who spread fake news,” Secretary Andanar said as he agreed to submit a draft of the bill. This signifies the PCOO’s full commitment to providing accurate and timely information to the public even though it has been at the receiving end of accusations of being a breeding ground for social media trolls.

PCOO also agreed to submit to the Senate finance subcommittee regarding the 1,479 COS workers that it has engaged, including that of its attached agencies. The PCOO proper currently has reduced its COS personnel to 330 During the Senate personnel, after filling up hearing, Secretary Martin recently-opened plantilla Andanar expressed positions granted by the his support for a policy Department of Budget seeking to penalize and Management. ### Caraga INFOCUS

141st Malasakit Center launches in Iloilo City as Bong Go aims to improve health care access particularly to poor and indigent patients across the country Senator Christopher “Bong” Go virtually attended the opening of the Malasakit Center in West Visayas State University Medical Center in Jaro, Iloilo City on Thursday, September 16. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and principal author of the Malasakit Centers Act, Go assured Filipinos of improved access to healthcare especially amid the ongoing pandemic. The West Visayas State University Medical Center hosts the 141st Malasakit Center in the country, and the fourth in the province in addition to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City; Don Jose Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo; and Caraga INFOCUS

Western Visayas Sanitarium in Sta. Barbara that was launched earlier that day. Go cited in his speech that the establishment of Malasakit Centers across the country is part of the commitment of the Duterte Administration to bring the government closer to the people and to improve access to the public healthcare system particularly to poor and indigent patients.

“Isa sa mga first five na Malasakit Center ay diyan po mismo sa Iloilo City… at noong naging Senador po ako, isinulong ko ito sa lehislatibo, pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte noong 2019, at ganap na batas na po ito ngayon,” Go shared. “Sabi ko, bakit pa natin pahihirapan ang ating mga kababayan eh sa totoo lang po, pera nila ‘yan, pera ng Pilipino ‘yan, ibalik po natin sa kanila sa September 11-17, 2021 |

‘pag may balanse kayo at hindi niyo na kailangan mangutang at magsangla, lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients, tutulungan po kayo,” he continued. Following his remarks, Go extended his appreciation towards the medical frontliners who continue to work hard and go beyond their duties to ensure that their community is safeguarded from the threat of the coronavirus. pamamagitan ng mabilis, maayos at may malasakit na serbisyo lalo na sa mga nangangailangan at walang matakbuhan,” Go said. Go shared that in his more than 20 years in public service, he personally witnessed the struggles of underserved patients to get medical attention. This pushed him to open the first Malasakit Center in Cebu City in 2018. A one-stop shop, the center aims to simplify the process of requesting medical-related assistance from the government. The concerned agencies are mandated to assist patients and reduce their hospital bills to the

|September 11-17, 2021

lowest amount possible by covering various patient services and fees.

He then noted that together with the joint efforts of the Department of Health and his office, The partner agencies necessary funds will are the Department be allocated to further of Social Welfare and improve and support West Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Visayas State University Medical Center. Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity “Rest assured po sa Sweepstakes Office. lahat ng mga frontliners, ipaglalaban ko po ang “Nasa loob na ho ng inyong kapakanan na ospital ‘yung apat na mabigyan po ng pondo ahensya ng gobyerno ‘yung Salary Grade 15 niyo PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD. Tutulong-tulong po po at even ‘yung kaunting deperensya sa salary ‘yan sila, mag aambaggrade ay pinaglaban rin ambag para po doon sa po natin sa Executive. hospital bill ng pasyente Ibigay po natin kung ano hanggang maging zero po ‘yung nararapat sa po,” he added. ating mga health care “Lapitan niyo lang po workers,” Go expressed. ang Malasakit Center, He was also instrumental Caraga INFOCUS

in the passage of the Salary Standardization Law 5, which he authored and co-sponsored in the Senate. The law gives nurses and other civilian government employees their fifth round of salary increases broken down in tranches. Meanwhile in 2019, Go also pushed for and ensured enough funding was allocated for the implementation of a Supreme Court decision upholding Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 which increased the minimum salary grade of the Nurse I position to SG-15, 18 years after the said law was enacted.

“Ngayon po, pinagaaralan rin po ng gobyerno na ibukas na po sa general public by October ‘yung pagpapabakuna para naman po bigyan ng pagkakataon na makakapagpabakuna na po ‘yung mga gustong magpabakuna na wala pa sa priority list,” he added.

After the event, Go’s team handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to 118 patients and 1,180 medical frontliners. Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted financial aid to patients and 677 rank and file hospital employees, The Senator then reiterated including janitors and his appeal to the public security guards. to get vaccinated in accordance with the In addition, Senator Go national vaccine program also gave new pairs of guidelines. shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets to select “Napatunayan naman recipients. po sa datos. If you are vaccinated, you are Go also commended protected. Sa mga 17 various government million mahigit na Filipinos officials for making the na fully vaccinated, Malasakit Center launch napakaliit na porsyento possible, including lang ang nag-severe Representative Julienne cases o namatay. So kung “Jam-Jam” Baronda, mahal niyo po ang inyong Governor Arthur Defensor mga anak at inyong mga Jr., Mayor Jerry Treñas, pamilya, please lang Office of the Presidential magpabakuna na kayo,” Assistant for the Visayas Go appealed. Secretary Michael Caraga INFOCUS

Lloyd Dino, Office of the President Assistant Secretary Girlie Veloso, and many others. “Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte, nangako kami sa inyo na magseserbisyo po kami sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Patuloy po kaming tutulong upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ito,” Go expressed. “Alam niyo, mahirap talaga na maging mahirap. Kaya please lang huwag nating pabayaan ‘yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he ended. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported several projects that aims to improve and boost economic opportunities in the city. Among these are road construction in Jaro; acquisition of medical equipment; completion of health stations and construction of multipurpose buildings in various barangays. On the same day, Go’s staff carried out a series of distribution activities for thousands of struggling residents in the towns of Santa Barbara, San Enrique and Passi in Iloilo province. September 11-17, 2021 |

Bong Go urges gov’t to ensure prompt and unhampered public service delivery amid the pandemic as he assists struggling communities in Pavia, Pototan and San Miguel, Iloilo Senator Christopher “Bong” Go appealed to government agencies to ensure that the appropriate support reaches vulnerable households in time, especially the poor who have been hit hardest by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

|September 11-17, 2021

Go called on all Filipinos to work together to lessen the impacts and put an end to the crisis in a video message at a joint relief operation held in Pavia, Pototan and San Miguel, Iloilo on Wednesday, September 15. “Nakikiusap ako sa mga ahensya.

Siguraduhin natin na makakarating agad sa mga pinakamahihirap at pinakanangangailangan ang tulong na para sa kanila. Tandaan natin na may mga pamilyang pinapakain ang mga kababayan nating nawalan ng kabuhayan, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga daily wage earners at ‘yung mga isang kahig, Caraga INFOCUS

isang tuka,” said Go.

The Department of Social Welfare and His outreach team Development and provided meals, vitamins, the Department of masks and face shields Agriculture distributed to a total of 3,010 financial and livelihood residents belonging assistance under their to various vulnerable Assistance to Individuals sectors. To ensure their in Crisis Situation and health and safety, “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” the operation was programs, respectively. conducted in batches at the Pavia Multipurpose Meanwhile, the Center, Barangay Department of Trade Malusgod covered and the Industry and court in Pototan and the Technical Education San Miguel municipal and Skills Development evacuation center Authority committed in compliance with to provide further aid the protocols against upon completing their COVID-19. respective assessments. Selected recipients also received new pairs of shoes, while some received bicycles so they can travel with ease. Others received computer tablets to help their children participate in their classes under the blended learning set-up. In addition, representatives from several national agencies were likewise present as part of a continuing effort by the government to help communities on the frontlines of the pandemic. Caraga INFOCUS

To help address their health concerns, the Senator offered further assistance to those who require medical care.

He advised poor and financially incapacitated patients to seek government support for their medical bills through the Malasakit Centers located at the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo and Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City. Two new locations were opened at the Western Visayas Sanitarium in “Naapektuhan po Santa Barbara and talaga kami ng the West Visayas State pandemya. Siyempre, isa University Medical akong widow at umaasa Center in Iloilo City on lang ako sa income ng Thursday, September 17. aking tricyle. Sa isang linggo, dalawang beses The centers serve lang ito bumibiyahe. as a one-stop shop Hindi talaga namin mawhich streamlines the sustain kahit ‘yung mga process of acquiring pangangailangan namin aid from the relevant sa bahay. Kay Presidente agencies, namely the (Rodrigo) Duterte at DSWD, Department of Senator Bong Go, sana Health, Philippine Health po ay matulungan niyo Insurance Corporation, kaming mga tricycle and Philippine Charity drivers at operators para Sweepstakes Office. may pangdagdag kami It seeks to reduce a na income,” appealed hospital bill to the lowest Bienvenida Jamotillo, 65, possible amount by a resident of Pavia. covering various patient September 11-17, 2021 |

Mayor Romualdo Ilisan; and San Miguel Mayor Marina Gorriceta and Vice Mayor Bonifacio Salapantan, Jr. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported the concreting or construction of roads in Badiangan, Banate, Carles, Dumangas, Lemery, Miag-ao and Sara; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Barotac Viejo, Sara and Iloilo City; and completion of the Barangay Health Stations in Leon and Iloilo City. services and expenses. “Hindi niyo na kailangan pumila o umikot sa iba’t ibang opisina para humingi ng tulong pampagamot dahil nasa loob na ng isang kwarto sa ospital ang mga ahensya na tutulong sa inyo. Lapitan niyo lang dahil para ‘yan sa mga poor at indigent na pasyente,” said Go, who authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. To end, the Senator

|September 11-17, 2021

expressed his gratitude to the government officials for their hard work and dedication to helping their constituents recover. Among these were 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta, 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.; Vice Governor Christine Garin; Pavia Mayor Laurence Gorriceta and Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi; Pototan Mayor Rafael Lazaro and Vice

Other major initiatives include the construction of a flood control system in Balasan; construction of a seawall in Banate; construction of a legislative building complete with facilities in San Dionisio; and improvement of public parks in Dueñas. On September 13 and 14, the Senator’s team also delivered aid to thousands of residents and flood victims in Banate, Dumangas, Guimbal, Leganes, Miagao, Oton and Tigbauan. Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go provides support for peace and development efforts in conflict-affected communities as his team delivered aid to residents of Motiong, Samar On Thursday, September 16, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent aid and support to conflict-affected local communities in Motiong, Samar as his team distributed assistance to hundreds of individuals under the Duterte Administration’s Retooled Community Support Program. This is in line with the Duterte Administration’s commitment to address Caraga INFOCUS

insurgencies and other local conflicts, support reintegration efforts and spur development in affected communities. “Ayokong nagpapatayan ang mga Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino. Kung may namamatay na sundalo, nauulila ang pamilya. ‘Pag may namatay sa kabilang panig, nauulila rin ang kanilang pamilya,” said Go earlier.

“Sino ang kawawa? Pilipino pa rin. Walang katapusan ito ‘pag idadaan sa armed struggle. Magmalasakit po tayo sa mga inosenteng nadadamay,” he continued. “Kaya patuloy po ang serbisyo at tulong natin sa mga nagbabalik loob na former rebels at sa mga apektadong komunidad para makapagsimula sila muli September 11-17, 2021 |

Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to each beneficiary in a separate distribution. The Department of Trade and Industry also assessed eligible recipients that would benefit from their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program. at magkaroon ng mas maayos na buhay,” explained the Senator.

ang panahon ngayon, nasa krisis po tayo dulot po ng COVID-19 pandemic. Mga As they strictly adhered kababayan ko, ang to the necessary safety bakuna po ang pag-asa and health protocols, natin dito. Magtiwala Go’s staff conducted the ho kayo sa bakuna, ang relief efforts in Barangay bakuna po ang tanging Malobago, Motiong susi para unti-unti na where they assisted tayong makabalik 320 individuals. Go’s sa ating normal na team distributed meals, pamumuhay,” said Go. masks, face shields, and vitamins to the “Ang ating target beneficiaries. In addition, ngayon ay makamtan some recipients received natin ang population new pairs of shoes. protection at herd immunity po. Sana po In his video message, bago mag-Pasko, para Go urged those who naman po sumaya ang are in the priority list ating Pasko,” he added. to get vaccinated against COVID-19 so the Through the Assistance country can immediately to Individuals in Crisis achieve herd immunity. Situation program, representatives from “Alam ko pong mahirap the Department of

|September 11-17, 2021

Likewise, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarship grants to qualified beneficiaries. The Office of Civil Defense also distributed health kits. As an advocate for quality healthcare, the Senator advised the beneficiaries, particularly the poor and indigent patients, that there is a Malasakit Center at the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City that they may visit to avail medical assistance. Under the Malasakit Centers Act, all hospitals that are administered and managed by the Department of Health, plus the Philippine General Hospital are Caraga INFOCUS

mandated to have their own Malasakit Center. Other public hospitals may also establish their own provided they can guarantee the sustainability of its operations. There are currently 141 Malasakit Centers nationwide that provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by concerned agencies, such as DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To boost infrastructure development needed to also help address root causes of insurgencies in provinces, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, supported numerous initiatives in Motiong, such as the construction of road; and acquisition of a multi-purpose vehicle. He also supported initiatives to improve roads and other public structures throughout the province of Samar, such as the construction of a multi-purpose Caraga INFOCUS

hall in Catbalogan City and Tarangnan; concreting of roads in Daram; construction of farm-to-market roads in Pinabacdao; construction of a shoreline protection in Tagapul-an; and the construction of a public park in Tarangnan, among others Several of the local government officials were commended by Go for their service to their constituents during this time of crisis. Among the officials were Representative Sharee Ann Tan, Governor Reynolds Michael Tan, Vice Governor Angelica Gomez, Mayor Renato Cabael and Vice Mayor Imelda Bacay, among others. “Mga kababayan ko,

kaunting tiis lang po. Alam kong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ni Pangulong Duterte ay nahihirapan din po. Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin para malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” he said. “Kailangan natin magtulungan. Hindi po namin kayang magisa po ito, kailangan nating magbayanihan, kailangan po natin magmalasakit po sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Kapag nagtulungan tayo, malalampasan po natin itong krisis na ito,” Go ended. On August 17, Go sent his outreach team to deliver similar assistance to RCSP beneficiaries in the town of Pinabacdao. September 11-17, 2021 |

PH expects more deliveries of US-made vaccines

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 InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Palace on September 15, 2021. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Philippines will receive more American-made COVID-19 vaccines after the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assisted the country talk with manufacturers and donors to augment deliveries, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Galvez said WHO made an official pronouncement for additional COVID-19 vaccine delivery, particularly from US drugmaker Pfizer. The official visit of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin in the United States was a success, as Moderna, another US company, promised to send more COVID-19 jabs to the Philippines, he said.

Caraga INFOCUS

The Filipino officials talked with the officials of the US State Department, and expressed the country’s gratitude for America’s initial donation of six million doses of vaccines through the global COVAX vaccine-sharing program.

Before US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law left the country, Galvez said the US official promised an additional vaccine donation for the Philippines. “At ito na nga po na nagdagdag po sila ng additional Pfizer na more or less 4.5 million para maging — mabuo po ‘yung 10 million. So nagpapasalamat din po kami sa WHO sa kanilang masusing pag-ano po, pagfa-follow up sa ating mga donors,” he said. With the help of the USAID, Moderna pledged to send this month 5 million doses of the jab. “So magsisimula po

sila bukas at saka sa Sunday baka magkaroon po tayo ng mga deliveries from Moderna,” Galvez said.

So far, a total of 57.5 million doses have been delivered to the country with 39.5 million already administered. Twenty two million Filipinos got their first dose while there are 17.3 million who already completed the full dose. “Kung titingnan po natin ito ay nagre-represent ng 22.5 percent ng 70 percent ng total eligible populations or 15.7 percent ng total population po natin,” he said. Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said that the Philippines is expecting the full delivery of around 130.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines this year. PND

September 11-17, 2021 |

20M more Pinoys need to be vaxxed to expand PH herd immunity

2M MORE DOSES. Airport personnel disinfect the new shipment of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Monday (Sept. 13, 2021). The additional 2 million doses are part of the 12 million ordered from Sinovac for September. (Screengrab from PTV-4 Facebook page)

The country needs to vaccinate 20 million individuals from the adolescent and pediatric groups if it wants to upgrade its herd immunity targets. This, as National Task Force against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. led

|September 11-17, 2021

the welcome ceremony for the 2 million doses of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City around 7:20 a.m. Monday. “If we want upgrade herd immunity by scale to 80-90 (percent), we

need to vaccinate 20 million from the adolescent and pediatric,” he said in a media interview. Galvez, however, said the vaccination of those 18 years old and above must be completed first as recommended by the Philippine Medical Caraga INFOCUS

Association and its Pediatrics Society head in a meeting last Sunday. “Ang kanilang recommendation ay unahin muna natin yun 18 (years old) and above, pag natapos na ang 18 (years old) and above natin we can proceed (to the) 17 (years old) and below (Their recommendation is to vaccinate first the 18 years old and above and once this is completed, we can proceed to the 17 years old and below),” he said. Galvez, also a vaccine czar, said expanding the country’s Covid-19 vaccine coverage will help counter the threats posed by the fastspreading Delta variant. The government earlier planned to inoculate 70 percent of the country’s adult population. While no date has been set yet for the vaccination of the individuals from the adolescent and pediatric groups, Galvez said dependents of Caraga INFOCUS

Galvez

health care workers (A-1) and those with comorbidities (A-2) will be prioritized once it starts. Galvez said 56.7 million of assorted Covid-19 vaccines have been delivered so far in the country as he lauded Sinovac and China for its “very steady deliveries” of the life-saving jabs. He said the new shipment of 2 million Sinovac vaccines is part of the 12 million doses ordered for September that was negotiated and procured from the Chinese vaccine manufacturer. Majority of the Chinesemade vaccines delivered Monday will

be deployed to Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 4-A Calabarzon, 6 (Western Visayas), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 11 (Davao), and other “surge areas” along with 151 highly urbanized cities. Another 10 million Sinovac doses are expected to be delivered by October, Galvez said. “And then later, we will have (more) deliveries of more Pfizer, AstraZeneca and also Moderna,” he added. He said 5.5 million doses of Pfizer vaccine are expected to be delivered through COVAX Facility later part of September. (PNA/ Priam Nepomuceno) September 11-17, 2021 |

General population to get jabs soon with more vax deliveries The government will start the inoculation of the general population once the expected 61 million doses are delivered within September and October. Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., also the chief of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, said over the weekend that the government is expecting 12 million doses Sinovac and 20 million doses of Pfizer this month.

MORE JABS. Airport personnel transfer cargo containing a part of the 1.5 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine which arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Friday (Sept. 10, 2021). The jabs will be deployed mostly to provinces. (PNA photo by Oliver Marquez)

get 10 million doses of Sinovac, 10 million of Pfizer, 3 million doses of Moderna, a million An additional 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca doses of AstraZeneca, jab will arrive on Monday. 3 to 5 million doses from the COVAX Facility, and Also set for delivery until 1.5 million doses from October are 1 million bilateral donations. doses each of Sputnik and Japan-donated Among the expected AstraZeneca, 8 to 10 supplies this month are million doses from the the single-dose Sputnik COVAX Facility and Light from Russia’s 3 to 5 million doses of Gamaleya Research Moderna, according Institute. to Galvez’s report to President Rodrigo Duterte “So we can expect now on Friday that was aired bigger volumes from on Saturday morning. COVAX. We heard that they will also deliver In October, Galvez said the government will likely some AstraZeneca in the

|September 11-17, 2021

future,” Galvez said. The inoculation of health care workers, senior citizens, adults with comorbidities, economic front-liners, and indigent people started one after another in March. To date, the Philippines has 54,794,130 doses, with 38,625,270 of them already administered. The National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard data showed 21,889,394 have received first dose while 16,735,876 have completed two doses as of Sept. 11. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS

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Caraga InFocus – September 11-17, 2021

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