PCOO TO REVIEW REQUEST TO USE GOV’TOWNED FM FREQUENCY IN PALAWAN FOR DISTANCE LEARNING

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

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 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.

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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.

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 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

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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 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.

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.

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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.

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.

“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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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.

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.

“The PCOO and the Duterte administration have no policy to spread 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.

“We will never use it as a tool to discredit 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

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 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.

During the Senate hearing, Secretary Martin Andanar expressed his support for a policy seeking to penalize 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 personnel, after filling up recently-opened plantilla positions granted by the Department of Budget and Management. ###

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 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

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

lowest amount possible by covering various patient services and fees.

The partner agencies are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Nasa loob na ho ng ospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno - PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD. Tutulong-tulong po ‘yan sila, mag aambagambag para po doon sa hospital bill ng pasyente hanggang maging zero po,” he added.

“Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center, ‘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.

He then noted that together with the joint efforts of the Department of Health and his office, necessary funds will be allocated to further improve and support West Visayas State University Medical Center.

“Rest assured po sa lahat ng mga frontliners, ipaglalaban ko po ang inyong kapakanan na mabigyan po ng pondo ‘yung Salary Grade 15 niyo po at even ‘yung kaunting deperensya sa salary grade ay pinaglaban rin po natin sa Executive. Ibigay po natin kung ano po ‘yung nararapat sa ating mga health care workers,” Go expressed. He was also instrumental

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.

The Senator then reiterated his appeal to the public to get vaccinated in accordance with the national vaccine program guidelines.

“Napatunayan naman po sa datos. If you are vaccinated, you are protected. Sa mga 17 million mahigit na Filipinos na fully vaccinated, napakaliit na porsyento lang ang nag-severe cases o namatay. So kung mahal niyo po ang inyong mga anak at inyong mga pamilya, please lang magpabakuna na kayo,” Go appealed. “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, including janitors and security guards.

In addition, Senator Go also gave new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets to select recipients.

Go also commended various government officials for making the Malasakit Center launch possible, including Representative Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Mayor Jerry Treñas, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael 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.

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. 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. 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,

His outreach team provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 3,010 residents belonging to various vulnerable sectors. To ensure their health and safety, the operation was conducted in batches at the Pavia Multipurpose Center, Barangay Malusgod covered court in Pototan and San Miguel municipal evacuation center in compliance with the protocols against COVID-19.

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. The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Agriculture distributed financial and livelihood assistance under their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” programs, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and the Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority committed to provide further aid upon completing their respective assessments.

“Naapektuhan po talaga kami ng pandemya. Siyempre, isa akong widow at umaasa lang ako sa income ng aking tricyle. Sa isang linggo, dalawang beses lang ito bumibiyahe. Hindi talaga namin masustain kahit ‘yung mga pangangailangan namin sa bahay. Kay Presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte at Senator Bong Go, sana po ay matulungan niyo kaming mga tricycle drivers at operators para may pangdagdag kami na income,” appealed Bienvenida Jamotillo, 65, a resident of Pavia. 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 Santa Barbara and the West Visayas State University Medical Center in Iloilo City on Thursday, September 17.

The centers serve as a one-stop shop which streamlines the process of acquiring aid from the relevant agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It seeks to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient

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. 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 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.

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.

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 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

at magkaroon ng mas maayos na buhay,” explained the Senator.

As they strictly adhered to the necessary safety and health protocols, Go’s staff conducted the relief efforts in Barangay Malobago, Motiong where they assisted 320 individuals. Go’s team distributed meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. In addition, some recipients received new pairs of shoes.

In his video message, Go urged those who are in the priority list to get vaccinated against COVID-19 so the country can immediately achieve herd immunity. ang panahon ngayon, nasa krisis po tayo dulot po ng COVID-19 pandemic. Mga kababayan ko, ang bakuna po ang pag-asa natin dito. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, ang bakuna po ang tanging susi para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.

“Ang ating target ngayon ay makamtan natin ang population protection at herd immunity po. Sana po bago mag-Pasko, para naman po sumaya ang ating Pasko,” he added.

Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, representatives from the Department of 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.

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

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 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. 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.

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. 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

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 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

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 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.

Galvez

“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)

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.

An additional 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca jab will arrive on Monday. Also set for delivery until October are 1 million doses each of Sputnik and Japan-donated AstraZeneca, 8 to 10 million doses from the COVAX Facility and 3 to 5 million doses of Moderna, according to Galvez’s report to President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday that was aired on Saturday morning.

In October, Galvez said the government will likely

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 doses of AstraZeneca, 3 to 5 million doses from the COVAX Facility, and 1.5 million doses from bilateral donations.

Among the expected supplies this month are the single-dose Sputnik Light from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute.

“So we can expect now bigger volumes from COVAX. We heard that they will also deliver some AstraZeneca in the 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)

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