PCOO’S P1.91B PROPOSED 2022 BUDGET TO SUPPORT PH RECOVERY ROADMAP

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday led the presentation of the office’s proposed P1.91 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2022 to Congress, to support the country’s bid to recover from the pandemic. The agency’s proposed 2022 budget is approximately 18% higher than the P1.62 billion appropriations this year. “As we recover as a nation, the amount will be used to communicate to the people how the Duterte administration is laying out the path for resilience and sustainability. At the same time, we will build on the gains of this government for the past five years to amplify the Pamana ng Pagbabago,” Secretary Andanar said. Getting the biggest share of the proposed budget for next year is the PCOO proper at P740.62 million, followed by the Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS) getting P456.03 million, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) getting P333.54 million. The Presidential Broadcast Staff - Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) will get the fourth largest piece of the pie at P171.86 million, followed by the News and Information Bureau at P129.20 million, while the Bureau of Communications Services and National Printing Office will get P70.59 million, and P9.13 million respectively. The said budget does not include the subsidy allocation for its two attached GOCCs, namely the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC). The proposed amount of P104.94 million will go to PTNI to support its continuing modernization program to improve its reach and the quality of its programs, while P73.69 million will go to IBC to support its maintenance and other operating expenses. This brings the proposed budget of the PCOO as a department plus the subsidy of its two attached GOCCs to P2.09 billion.

“Sticking true to our mandate, we will continue to highlight the legacy of real change that this administration brought to the Filipino people as we inch closer to the end of the Duterte administration’s term,” Secretary Andanar said. The PCOO chief went on to discuss the continuing projects of the department, which include the construction of the Visayas Media Hub, Phase 1 construction of the Government Communications Academy, and the implementation of the Freedom of Information, among others.

Secretary Andanar also emphasized the PCOO’s continued support for the passage of priority legislations such as the Freedom of Information Bill, the Media Workers Welfare Bill, and the proposed People’s Broadcasting Corporation Act.

“It is our job to deliver accurate and valuable information with excellence, responsibility, and integrity to the Filipino people, so that they may be transformed into informed citizens and thought leaders, who will partner with us in achieving president Duterte’s legacy of providing a secure, comfortable, strongly-rooted life for all Filipinos that cascades to future generations,” he said. “Until then, our primary objective remains: bring hope to our people that better days are coming for the Philippines,” he added.

Improved PCOO operations made president Duterte more visible to the public eye

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday that improving the operations of the PCOO and its attached agencies in terms of broadcasting and information dissemination has made the President visible to the public. “Alam niyo po talagang ginawa natin ang magagawa natin para po ma-improve ang PCOO. We streamlined the government communications arm. Ngayon po masasabi natin na we are walking in one direction [We did what we can to improve PCOO. We streamlined the government communications arm and now I can say that we are walking in one direction],” he said in an interview.

Through the Radio-Television Malacanang (PBS-RTVM), the government is now able to air live the pronouncements of the President - his State of the Nation Addresses, media interviews, meetings, and other significant gatherings with local officials. These engagements are being amplified by the other PCOO attached agencies through their social media platforms as well as tv and radio programs. “Kahit saan magpunta ang Presidente ay covered po. Diretso na yung report ng Presidente mula sa RTVM hanggang dun sa mga kababayan natin. Wala na pong middleman [Wherever the President goes, it is covered. The report of the President goes directly to the people because of RTVM. There’s no longer a middleman],” Secretary Andanar said.

He also mentioned that their unrelenting efforts to create more proactive programs allowed for more Filipinos to tune in to their social media pages for real-time updates on the current situation that the country is facing. “Marami pang pagbabago ang ating ginawa tulad ng pagtaas ng ating social media presence. Before the PCOO proper had about 300,000 followers, now we are reaching more than 2 million Filipinos,” he said. He said that online platforms of the communications arm are reaching millions of Filipinos and it is even being amplified through its partnership with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP). PCOO’s policy development engagements

Secretary Andanar cited that the department not only focused on reaching the public but also looking after the welfare of Filipino media workers and making the government more accessible to the people. “Dati hindi naman nakikialam ang PCOO pagdating sa policymaking but we ensured that all bases are covered kailangan matulungan natin yung ating mga kasamahan sa media, kailangan maimprove natin yung ating pagpatakbo ng government communications arm,” he said. September 4-10, 2021 | 43

Secretary Andanar highlights delivery of correct information to educate, empower Filipino voters

Massive information dissemination of the achievements of the Duterte administration not only make the public more knowledgeable but also create more empowered Filipino voters.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar responded to an interview this morning on the role of implementing the Duterte Legacy campaign that the agency has embarked on since 2020.

He said that he is looking forward for the same legacy campaign to be institutionalized by the succeeding administrations, as this will be an important comprehensive report to the people, whom he said are the stakeholders of the government. “Importante po ang mai-report sa ating mga kababayan ang ginagawa ng ating Pangulo. Sana itong ginawa nating Legacy campaign ay ma-institutionalize, at maadopt ng susunod na administrasyon sapagkat it is only through reporting that the people will be more knowledgeable and more informed kung saan napunta iyong pondo ng bayan [It is important that we report to the people what the President is doing. And I hope that our legacy campaign will be institutionalized, adopted by the next administration, because it is only through reporting that the people will be more knowledgeable and more informed where public funds are being spent],” he said. Secretary Andanar stressed that correct information is the arm of the Filipinos on having the conscientious choice in the coming national elections next year.

“Pag nangyari po yun, mayroon na silang benchmark, batayan sa kanilang mga isipan kung ano po yung tamang pagpapatakbo ng bayan. Sa pagboto nila sa susunod na taon meron na silang basehan [If that happens, the Filipino people will have the benchmark etched in their minds on how the country should be run. When they vote next year they already have a basis,” he said.

“It is only when you are armed with the correct information that you will be able to vote wisely,” he added.

Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental maintains zero COVID-19 case

The local government of Sinacaban in Misamis Occidental is sustaining its zero COVID-19 case while shifting its focus to inoculate all of its qualified citizens. In an interview during the Network Briefing News hosted by Presidential Communications Sec. Martin M. Andanar, Sangguniang Bayan member, Councilor Raem Naranjo revealed that as of now there are no reports of positive cases of COVID-19 in the town which is now under the General Community Quarantine. “Kino-comply namin iyong basic protocols ng gobyerno katulad nitong pagsusuot ng face mask, avoid din namin iyong gatherings na pang-maramihan, iyong essential gathering lang yung pinapayagan namin, restricted travel din. [We comply with the basic protocols of the government such as wearing a face mask, we also avoid mass gatherings, we only allow essential gatherings, and we restrict travel as well.],” he said. Sinacaban’s quarantine facilities in Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park and an infirmary hospital are now vacant of patients and have been converted into storage for COVID-19 vaccines and a vaccination hub for the meantime.

He also shared that local government officials, headed by its Mayor Dello T. Lood, are full force in advocating the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. “Iyong pagpapabakuna pinapaigting namin kasi tumulong iyong local officials natin, umiikot kami sa mga barangay. [We are intensifying our vaccination drive and our local officials here are helping us as we go around the barangays],” Coun. Naranjo added.

Aside from complying with the Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines, the local government of Sinacaban is also affirming that vaccination is part of the national government’s efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Sinacaban’s Vaccination Rollout

As of now, the Sinacaban LGU has vaccinated more than 50% of its senior citizens while about 25% of other listed sectors have also been inoculated against COVID-19.

“Iyong vaccine na sinusuplay rito ay nauubos naman for scheduled vaccination. Willing na willing magpabakuna ang mga tao dito, naiintindihan nila ang purpose ng vaccination natin. [We use up the vaccine supply given here for scheduled vaccination. People here are very willing to get vaccinated and they understand the purpose of our vaccination drive.],” he added. Naranjo expressed his gratitude to the national government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for continuing projects and programs for the people of the town.

“Sa ating national government, maraming tulong ang naiparating sa amin through the representation of our congressman. Maraming tulong na natanggap ang Sinacaban. [Our national government, a lot of assistance has been given to us through the representation of our congressman. Sinacaban received a lot of help from the national government],” he said. He hoped that the national government will be able to continue its plans and programs including infrastructure programs, plans for agriculture and education sectors, and other projects in the coming months. ### September 4-10, 2021 | 45

PCOO Chief: Duterte legacy a norm in reporting gov’t actions to people

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar said on Monday, September 6, that the Duterte Legacy campaign is now a norm in informing the public of what the government is doing for the people. “Duterte Legacy will become the norm of the government, kumbaga dapat nagrereport tayo sa ating mga kababayan [we should report to our countrymen],” the PCOO chief said in radio interviews with Radyo Bandera 95.7 FM Antique and 88.7 Oragon News FM.

“Noong mga nakaraang administrasyon, wala naman talagang legacy campaign. Obvious po na under the Duterte administration, hindi lang kapag mayroong SONA, hindi lang pagrereport ng isang accomplishment ng isang ahensya. [During previous administrations, there was really no legacy campaign. It is obvious that under the Duterte administration, we don’t only have the SONA and it is not just reporting the accomplishments of one agency],” he added. He mentioned that the Presidential Communications Operations Office and its attached agencies are in full force in setting the standard on how things should be done in communications campaigns.

“Para makita rin ng ating mga kababayan

na pwede palang gumawa ng legacy sa kanilang lugar. Hindi ito pagmamayabang kundi isang reporting system na kailangan talagang gawin natin sa gobyerno. [So that our countrymen can see that a legacy can be done in their area. This is not about bragging but a reporting system that we really need to be doing in government],” Sec. Andanar pointed out.

Laging Handa and Duterte Legacy Campaigns

According to Sec. Andanar, the good relationship of the PCOO and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) helped a lot in airing the Laging Handa Crisis Communications through TV and radio stations who are KBP members.

He also expressed his confidence in the streamlined government communications instrumentalities through a much-improved social media presence of the government at present. The PCOO chief emphasized that these communications campaigns were able to successfully inform the public of what the government is doing and its response in this time of the pandemic. The Laging Handa campaign has been implemented since July 2016 until now.

Under the Duterte administration, the BuildBuild-Build Program has been one of the biggest projects, having generated 6.5 million jobs for Filipinos and contributed almost 5 percent of GDP spending is allocated for infrastructures. This is why the Duterte administration has been called the Golden Age of Infrastructure.

As of August 30, 2021, this flagship infrastructure program has constructed 29,000 kilometers of roads, over 4,900 bridges, more than 450 seaports, over 214 airports, and more than 150,000 classrooms nationwide. The remaining 10 months of the Duterte administration is important and crucial to all Filipinos, according to Sec. Andanar.

“Suportahan po natin si Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the remaining 10 months. One of the most important months of our lives dahil gumawa na po ng roadmap si Presidente on how the country will recover from the damage of the onslaught of COVID-19. [Let us support President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the remaining 10 months. One of the most important months of our lives because the President has already made a roadmap on how the country will recover from the damage of the onslaught of COVID-19],” he said.

He appealed to the public to work together hand in hand with the President in the remaining 10 months so that he can build a strong foundation for the country to recover quickly after the pandemic. ###

Bong Go urges gov’t to thoroughly study options for conduct of classes in schools; reiterates that children must not be put at risk as vaccination must be priority prior to resumption of faceto-face classes

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has encouraged the national government to thoroughly study the planned conduct of pilot face-toface classes in schools, expressing reservations because most students have not yet been vaccinated.

“Pag-aralan po ng mabuti, isa ‘yun sa ide-discuss ni Pangulong Duterte dahil may proposal po ang ating DepEd (Department of Education) at saka ‘yung CHED (Commission on Higher Education),” said Go during his personal visit to flood victims in Biñan City, Laguna on Friday, September 10. President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, may accept a planned pilot test for in-person classes in 120 schools, Malacanang reported earlier. The suggested limited face-toface classes have been approved in principle by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease, which would be presented to the president.

Bong Go

According to Roque, the government is also approaching it as an “economic problem” because the country is dealing with “a generation that could possibly be lost” due to limitations of hybrid learning.

Go expressed reservations about holding physical classes considering that younger students have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19. He emphasized his position that face-to-face classes may only be limited to fully vaccinated individuals.

“Sa mga bata, takot talaga ako.. unang-una hindi sila bakunado. Pangalawa, hindi natin Caraga INFOCUS

“Pangatlo, back to zero na naman tayo (kung magkahawahan sa eskwela), tumataas ‘yung kaso, may Delta cases, mahirap po. So dapat po balansehin muna ang lahat, unahin natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” he added. Fully vaccinated students, on the other hand, may be permitted more movement, according to the senator. Go previously stated his support for offering incentives to fully vaccinated population in order to urge more Filipinos, particularly those who are still hesitant, to obtain their COVID-19 doses.

“Maybe ‘pag bakunado. Bigyan po natin ng insentibo ‘yung bakunado para ma-enganyo po ‘yung mga kababayan natin na magpabakuna. Dapat po bigyan ng insentibo gaya dito kay Mayor, ‘yung mga senior citizens nila, ‘pag bakunado, nakakalabas,” said Go.

“Siguro ganoon din po sa national na puwedeng pag-aralan, ‘pag bakunado kana puwede ka ng... face-toface classes, ‘yung mga college students dahil more or less protektado po sila… ito pong mga college students, lalonglalo na po ‘yung mga (magiging) professionals, mga doctor, ‘yung mga nurses para po makapag tapos at makapagserbisyo na dahil... the more na we need professional and medical workers right now,” he added.

Go urged the government and private sector to come up with creative ways to motivate individuals to help the country attain population protection and herd immunity as soon as possible as vaccines become more widely available.

Go also backed the mayors of the National Capital Region’s suggestion to waive some of the restrictions for fully vaccinated people.

The Metro Manila Council of the Metro Manila Development Authority filed an appeal on Thursday, September 9, seeking the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to relax the COVID-19 Guidelines for people who have been fully vaccinated, pending further study and Karl Chua, the Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and the head of the National Economic and Development Authority, also indicated support for the “Bakuna Bubble” pilot in the NCR during a Senate hearing on the same day. “Kung ma-relax natin konti ang mga restrictions at ibang protocols para sa bakunado na, inaasahan natin na mas maraming sektor ng ekonomiya ang mabubuksan.

Mas maraming mga kababayan natin ang makapaghanapbuhay muli at makabalik sa kanikanilang mga trabaho. Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang makabangon mula sa hirap na dulot ng pandemya,” Go explained. “Subalit dahan-dahan nating gawin ito. Huwag nating biglaing buksan lahat kaagad, baka naman tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso at mahihirapan na naman ang ating healthcare system. Ayaw nating magback to zero na naman tayo. Kaya maingat lang dapat nating balansehin ang buhay at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino,” Go cautioned.

Bong Go immediately responds to calls for help from typhoon Jolina victims in Biñan, Laguna; calls for establishment of Department of Disaster Resilience

On Friday, September 10, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Biñan City in Laguna to immediately respond to the needs of communities affected by Typhoon Jolina. Go, together with concerned government agencies, provided aid to 381 typhoon victims, consulted local leaders on how the national government can further support recovery efforts, and assured residents that the Duterte administration will continue to deliver public service amid the crisis.

“Hindi ko po matiis na nakaupo lang (sa opisina), nagpapalamig, tapos ‘yung mga kababayan mo rito naghihirap, tinatamaan

ng bagyo, may COVID pa tayo. Basta kaya ng panahon ko at ng aking katawan, pinangako ko sa inyo, pupuntahan ko po kayo kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas,” Go reiterated.

“Wala pang proklamasyon, pumunta po ako rito. Pagkatapos ng proklamasyon ko… pumunta po ako sa nasunugan sa Caloocan... Pumunta rin po ako rito sa Binan noon sa mga nasunugan. Dahil pangako ko pong babalikan at tutulungan ko kayo sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan,” he added.

In his speech delivered at Alonte Sports Arena, the Senator also advocated for the creation of a department that would focus on addressing and mitigating the impacts of disasters. Among his priority bills is Senate Bill No. 205, or the Department of Disaster Resilience, that aims to improve and streamline the country’s disaster preparedness mechanisms. “Huwag na nating antayin pa na panibagong bagyo o pagbaha na naman ang dumating sa buhay natin. Kailangan po magkaroon ng Cabinet Secretary-level na departamento para rito,” Go stressed.

“‘Yun na po ang makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs. Naka-preposition na po ‘yung mga goods, ilikas po ‘yung mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at pagalis po ng bagyo ay nakatutok sa restoration of normalcy at rehabilitation efforts,” he continued.

“Kung mayroon na pong departamentong nakatutok, ‘yon na po ang makikipagcoordinate, tuluy-tuloy na po ang serbisyo ng gobyerno,” he added. Go also reassured the beneficiaries that the Duterte administration will continue to support underprivileged communities to help them recover from disasters amid the ongoing pandemic. sa Biñan para sa mga natamaan ng bagyo... At huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo,” Go expressed. “Sabi ko nga, trabaho po namin ‘yan. Pinasok namin ito. Obligasyon namin ang magserbisyo po sa inyong lahat,” he added.

Biñan City Mayor Atty. Arman Dimaguila shared his gratitude towards Senator Go for his efforts to help in any way he can to support communities in distress.

“Marami na akong inabutang opisyales sa national. Kalimitan, makikilala ka lang kapag pupunta rito. Kalimitan pagkatapos ng usapan, tapos na. Pero kay Senator Bong Go, ako ang napanood niya sa TV, siya ang tumawag, at nandirito na ang tulong niya para sa atin,” Dimaguila expressed. “Senator Bong Go,

ang Biñan ay susuporta sa iyo. Hindi dahil sa pinadala mo, hindi dahil sa tulong. Kaming mga taga-Biñan, hindi kami tumitingin sa materyal na bagay. Tumitingin kami sa pakikisama, at pagmamahal na tunay, at pagpapakita ng malasakit,” the Mayor continued.

Go acknowledged various officials for their efforts to help constituents including Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Rep. Len Alonte, Vice Gov. Karen Agapay; Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte; and other local and barangay officials, among others.

“Ako’y nagpapasalamat kay Senator Bong Go dahil isa siya sa mga lingkod bayan na tunay na tumutupad sa kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin para sa ating bayan,” Cong. Alonte attested while recalling the times when Go consistently responded to the various needs of the people of Laguna in the past. Go’s outreach team enforced necessary health protocols while distributing grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. There were also select beneficiaries who were provided shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance and grocery packs. The Department of Health supplied medicines,

vitamins, and masks while the Department of Agriculture gave agricultural products to the beneficiaries.

Livelihood support will be given to qualified individuals who were assessed by the Department of Trade and Industry. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office delivered fresh vegetables to the typhoon victims and livelihood equipment for fisherfolks, such as boats and fishing nets. “Senator Bong Go, nagpapasalamat po kami. Napakalaking tulong po ng ibinigay niyo sa amin kaya buong puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo. At sana po ay magtuluy-tuloy ang inyong pagtulong sa aming mga mahihirap, lalo na po kaming tinamaan ng bagyo,” Jesly Sabenia, one of the typhoon victims, shared. As Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go reminded the public to prioritize their health and take part in the national vaccination program against COVID-19. “Kung mahal niyo po ang inyong mga pamilya at inyong mga anak, dapat po ay protektado kayo. Magtiwala kayo sa gobyerno ninyo, magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon sa ngayon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay,” he explained. He then encouraged residents to seek medical care at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz or San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City where there are Malasakit Centers ready to serve them.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which provides convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, DOH, PCSO, and PhilHealth. It seeks to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses. Go, as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, supported various infrastructure initiatives in Biñan such as the improvement of drainage systems. He also pushed for the acquisition of ambulance units in Calamba City, Liliw, Magdalena, Nagcarlan, and Santa Rosa City; improvement of drainage canals in Cabuyao City, and San Pablo City, and many others.

“Alam niyo po, si Pangulong Duterte matanda na po ‘yan 76 years old na po ‘yan. Pero patuloy ang ginagawa niya para sa ating bayan, ‘yung sakripisyo niya po. Ako naman, sasamahan ko siya dahil alam ko po na nagsasakripisyo po siya sa ating mga kababayan. Uulitin ko, nandirito lang po kami ni Pangulong Duterte na handang magseserbisyo sa inyo, ” Go ended. In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

BFP Modernization Act, one of Bong Go’s priority bills, signed into law

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law Republic Act No. 11589 which mandates the Bureau of Fire Protection to develop and implement a fire protection modernization program. Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1832 on which the law was based.

“As the principal author of the bill, I just want to thank the President for signing into law the BFP Modernization Act. This is one of the priority bills I filed in my first month as Senator,” said Go.

With the enactment of the measure, Go said that the government can now pursue and invest further in the fire bureau’s modernization and capacity enhancement efforts, as he expressed his concern for the plight of Filipinos who have been displaced by fires. “Importante po na mabigyan ng suporta ang modernization ng ating Bureau of Fire Protection dahil napaka-importante ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila upang makapagligtas ng buhay,” said Go. “Halos linggo-linggo po akong bumababa sa mga nasusunugan. Nakikita ko po ang hirap ng ating mga kababayang nasunugan. Kahit isang bahay lang po ang masunog, damay po pati ang kapitbahay. Maraming pamilya ang apektado. Kaya po dapat lang na palakasin ang kapasidad ng BFP sa pagresponde sa sunog,” he added.

RA 11589 mandates the BFP to develop and implement a fire protection modernization program. This will include the acquisition of modern fire equipment, the expansion of the BFP’s manpower, and the provision of specialized training for firefighters, among others. The BFP shall also be mandated to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit.

“Hindi lamang po ang pag-modernize ng ating equipment ang makatutulong sa paglaban Caraga INFOCUS

sa mga sunog. Mahalaga rin dito ang fire safety education. ‘Yung atin dito, kung papaano i-prevent at maturuan ang mga kababayan natin kung papaano ba maiiwasan ang mga sunog,” Go pointed out. Sharing his experience going around the country to aid victims of fires, Go explained that fires emanate from small, crowded communities, giving rise to the need to educate residents in these mostly impoverished communities on how to avoid fires.

“‘Yung mga maliliit na bahay, bantayan at turuan rin natin para maiwasan ang ganitong insidente. Kadalasan dito sa mga maliliit talaga at mga liblib na lugar nagkakasunog,” he said.

“Kahit anumang problema ang inyong hinaharap— sunog, lindol, baha, pagputok ng bulkan o kahit anong klaseng krisis— handa kaming tumulong at magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Huwag kayo mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyerno na palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo,” Go reiterated.

Meanwhile, the Senator has also expressed his admiration for firefighters who put their lives at risk to respond to save lives during fires and natural calamities. “Bilib po ako sa ating mga bumbero dahil kahit hindi sunog, kasama sila sa mga unang sumusuong sa panganib at rumeresponde tuwing may sakuna at kalamidad. Maituturing po natin sila na first responders dahil parte sila ng ating emergency response,” said Go.

He said that providing them with modern equipment would capacitate them further in saving lives and protecting themselves while in the line of duty. “Kahit mayroong pandemya, patuloy pa rin namang nangyayari ang mga sunog at iba pang aksidente o sakuna. Kaya nga po habang binabalangkas pa natin ang batas na ito, isinulong ko na po last year ang additional budget na 1.7 billion pesos para sa BFP para sa firefighting and rescue equipment ng BFP para sa taong ito,” he pointed out. Among the provisions in the law is establishing specialized fire protection services in every region and city which includes a Security and Protection Unit (SPU). The SPU shall be provided with appropriate equipment to protect firefighters during fire suppression, containment of HAZMAT and CBRNE materials, fire investigation, and in the performance of all other acts pertinent to their mandate. of local governments and the BFP that firefighters often face threats on the ground especially during volatile environments when they respond to fire incidents. Hence, the provision aims to create the SPU so that firefighters can protect themselves from such threats.

“Security has been a serious concern of the BFP on the ground especially in volatile environments. They can only effectively suppress fires and save lives if peace and order is in place and they are also protected from unruly elements,” Go explained. “That is why it would be best if they have their own Security and Protection Unit. Aside from capacitating our firefighters, we are also promoting their safety and welfare,” Go added.

Moreover, Go stated that firefighters are capable of handling such situations given their training so a special unit to ensure their safety and protection is an essential part of enhancing the capabilities of the BFP. “Iyong ibang mga BFP officers ay PNPA graduates naman sila. May alam sila kung paano ma-ensure ang peace and order. Para ito sa proteksyon ng kanilang mga kahanay. Para ito sa proteksyon ng ating BFP personnel na sumusuong sa emergency situations,” Go said.

Active cases down to 151,135 with 20K new Covid-19 recoveries

The nation’s total number of recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has reached 1,948,198 after 20,151 new recoveries were reported on Wednesday. In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) noted that recoveries account for 91.3 percent of the total case count which has reached 2,134,005 since the start of the pandemic last year. Meanwhile, 12,751 new infections brought the total number of active cases nationwide to 151,135.

The DOH noted the relatively low numbers reported on Wednesday is due to the technical issues encountered in the extraction of updated data from the COVIDKaya digital platform on Sept. 7. About 91.6 percent of these active cases are mild, 3.7 percent are asymptomatic, 0.7 percent are critical, 1.5 percent are severe, and 2.54 percent are moderate. Another 174 new deaths were also reported, pushing the country’s total number of Covid-19 fatalities to 34,672. Caraga INFOCUS

According to DOH data on Sept. 6, about 28.1 percent of 57,260 who were tested turned out positive for Covid-19.

“About 54 duplicates were removed from the total case count, and of these, 46 are recoveries. Moreover, 80 cases previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” it added.

All laboratories were operational on Sept. 3 while five laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System. The DOH noted the five non-reporting laboratories contribute, on average, 0.9 percent of samples tested, and 1.2 percent of positive individuals based on data in the last 14 days. To date, 76 percent of 4,100 intensive care unit beds, 67 percent of 20,900 isolation beds, 72 percent of 15,400 ward beds, and 56 percent of 3,200 ventilators are utilized by patients with Covid-19 nationwide.

Meanwhile, 74 percent of 1,400 intensive care unit beds, 63 percent of 4,700 isolation beds, 72 percent of 4,300 ward beds, and 63 percent of 1,100 ventilators dedicated to patients with Covid-19 are in use in the National Capital Region. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor) September 4-10, 2021 | 57

Cold chain facility assures no wastage of Covid jabs

The Department of Health’s national logistics partner in the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program has assured that no vaccine was wasted since the start of the vaccination rollout early this year. “As the national logistics partner of the Department of Health (DOH), PharmaServ Express has ensured that no Covid-19 vaccine has been wasted from storage to careful packing and distribution to LGUs since April 2021,” said PharmaServ Express, Inc. President Andrian Perez in a statement.

Perez issued the pronouncement after the DOH reported during its budget hearing at the House of Representatives that the handling of coldchain facilities for Covid-19 vaccines has remained “very well-managed.” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said that from March to Aug. 20 this year, the DOH recorded 4,528 total wastage in doses, which she described as “very low.” However, she did not mention when or where the wastage occurred.

Vaccine arrival at the airport (File photo)

“From Day One of the country’s vaccine rollout, PharmaServ Express assures the Filipino people that we have always ensured the vaccines we have handled are intact and maintained,” Perez said.

Based on the company’s previous experience working with government agencies and private institutions, Perez said PharmaServ Express “will continue to work hard to provide quality and dependable cold-chain management service to every Filipino family, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.” Pharmaserv Express worked with the DOH and the UNICEF in the campaign to stop the measles and polio outbreaks that both occurred in 2019 in various parts of the country. Due to its timely and efficient delivery of vaccines even to far-flung areas of the Philippines, PharmaServ Express helped end the polio outbreak this year. PharmaServ Express has also provided the coldchain and logistical needs of various private pharmaceutical companies in the past years. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS

PH vaccination program reaches 35.8-M mark

A total of 35,838,964 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide as of Sept. 5, the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) reported.

A total of 15,033,354 have already completed two doses while 20,805,610 have the initial dose, according to the NTF report on Tuesday. The total doses administered in the 27th week of the national vaccination program reached 2,739,572 while the average daily jab accomplishment in the last seven days stood at 391,367 doses.

The Philippines’ jabs stockpile is already at 52,792,130 doses.

The government targets to vaccinate 70 percent of the eligible adult population or 77,139,058 Filipinos out of the

country’s 110,198,654 total population.

File photo

The government is also looking at pediatric vaccination and booster shots once population protection is achieved. Vaccine czar and NTF chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. previously pointed out that the World Health Organization has not yet recommended the use of booster shots in the Philippines.

Local experts are also assessing the feasibility of administering them.

“But once they give us the cue that boosters are needed, we will process and arrange the procurement,” Galvez said in a previous interview. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

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