Bullet.Line (PIA Bulletin Online) Issue No. 4, September 7-13, 2020

AUGUST 2020

PRRD signs

Bayanihan to Recover as One Act

Source: PCOO

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signs into law the ‘Bayanihan to Recover As One Act,’ also known as the ‘Bayanihan 2’, in a signing ceremony at the Malacañang Golf (MALAGO) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on September 11, 2020.

The law provides a fund of PhP165.5 billion to aid the government in its ongoing response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and recovery programs.

Fund allocations shall be used in major efforts such as additional

personal protective equipment (PPE) and compensation for health workers, construction of isolation and quarantine facilities, repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), cash assistance in areas under lockdown and other subsidies to various sectors.

DOTr unveils one of six TBMs for MMSP in a virtual tour

Vanessa Q. Rodriguez QUEZON CITY -One of the six Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to be used in building the first ever underground railway system in the Philippines, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) was unveiled by the Department of Transportation in a virtual tour recently. The TBM has undergone the Factory Acceptance Test 1 PIA Bulletin Online

on September 4.

The TBMs, manufactured by Jim Technology Corporation in its factory in Tsurumi Prefecture, Japan is expected to arrive in the Philippines by February 2021. This will be used to fast-track the construction of the partial operability section of the MMSP. The TBMs are used to build the subways, as

these excavate tunnels using circular crosssection mechanism.

These machines can also be used to dig out through different variety of grounds, such as hard rock to sand.

With its groundbreaking ceremony held in February 2019, the Metro Manila Subway will commence partial operations in 2022 and

DOH reports 90% success rate of One Hospital Command Center

Source: MMDA

By: Josephine L. Babaran QUEZON CITY, — The One Hospital Command Center (OHCC) has successfully closed 2,202 out of 2,447 cases to date, indicating a 90% success rate in its ability to quickly connect Filipinos needing medical attention, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on September 7.

“The high success rate in closing cases is also attributed to the increasing COVID-19 bed capacities in different hospitals and facilities across the country, with the OHCC ensuring that the demand for beds and facilities is appropriately and adequately met,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

According to OHCC Operations Manager Dr. Bernadett Velasco, OHCC provides patients with 24/7 access to healthcare referral through its off-site center. Agents at that command center are able to check availability of medical staff at the different healthcare facilities in the network, and can even check for available beds at both private and private hospitals as well as the temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMF) through the DOH’s bed tracker.

The center can be accessed in three different ways: by downloading the free Pure Force Citizens application, through the dedicated hotlines; 02886-505-00, 0915-7777777 and 0919-9773333, and by scanning its Quick Response (QR) code.

Source: Screengrabbed from Department of Transporatation Facebook page live

will be fully operational by 2026. The MMSP is expected to serve about 370,000 passengers daily in its first year

of full operations. It was a designed to accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers per day.

MRT-3 restoration and rehabilitation program ontrack - DOTr

By Vanessa Q. Rodriguez QUEZON CITY, – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announces that it will continue to be relentless in its efforts to restore and rehabilitate the Metro Rail Transit Line - 3 (MRT-3) into an advanced, and highgrade design condition.

This is to be able to provide the Filipino people a more reliable, safe, efficient, and comfortable commuting experience.

According to DOTr, the target date of completion for the rehabilitation program is on July 2021.

Improvements include increase in the MRT3’s number of train sets to be fielded during peak hours, from 15 to 20; faster train ride as the rail line’s speed will be doubled from the current 30kph to 60kph; and shorter waiting time, from 8.5 minutes to just 3.5 minutes.

The rehabilitation program for the MRT-3 also includes the rail replacement works, which is still making strides amid the implementation of community quarantine in the country. In fact, the DOTr said that it might reached an earlier date of completion, earlier than its target date of February 2021.

Source: Department of Transportation Facebook page

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Worker mobility crucial in economic resumption – NEDA

By: Jan Karl C. Coballes QUEZON CITY,Worker’s mobility is one significant element in sustaining the country’s gradual and calibrated resumption of economic activities, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Acting Secretary Karl T. Chua said in a statement recently.

“We must emphasize the importance of safe and sufficient modes of public transport to allow workers to safely go back to work and businesses to operate.

Subsidies for service contracting need to be considered to incentivize transport owners and operators to operate even with a reduced passenger load,” Chua said.

According to the NEDA, the country’s

merchandise trade performance maintained its path to recovery last July.

“Month-on-month growth performance showing respectable growth indicates that the economy is steadily making its way out of the economic downturn,” said Chua.

He added that government needs to sustain the gradual and calibrated opening of the economy while ensuring strict compliance to health and safety standards, to support the recovery and make the economy stronger and more resilient.

Editor-In-Chief Marie Angelie Villapando Associate Editors Melinda Quiñones, Vanessa Rodriguez Staff Writers IDPD headed by Joselito Reyes Art Department CPSD headed by Bradley de Leon Production/ Aggregation DDCU with Team Leader Kate Shiene Agna

SEPT. 18 is

World Bamboo Day!

Source: National Economic and Development Authority Facebook page

HULAAN MO Online Game in Canada

By Alexa M. Tinsay MANILA, – Philippine arts and culture will be showcased in Canada on September 26 in its Alberta Culture Days 2020 celebrations through the online game dubbed “Hulaan Mo” (Guess It).

The event which will be held via zoom, includes interactive play, collaboration, inquiry, and critical thinking and will also have a lecture component. It will introduce participants to the Philippine language, history, architecture, geography, cuisine, customs, traditions, and pop culture.

Philippine Consul General to Calgary Zaldy Patron encouraged the Filipino community in Alberta, especially

Editorial Director Benjamin Felipe

the second- and thirdgeneration FilipinoCanadians, to join the online game.

Hulaan Mo is organized by the Philippine Arts Council in Canada, a network of artists engaged in the work of Philippine art and culture and supported

by the Alberta Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

Interested participants may register through PAC’s Facebook page and website or may visit https://www.calgarypcg. dfa.gov.ph or https:// www.facebook.com/ PHinCalgary/.

By: Melinda T. Quinones In celebration of the 11th World Bamboo Day on September 18, the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesForest Management Bureau (DENR-FMB) instills awareness on bamboo not only for its economic importance, and useful products, but also for its impact on the environment and, on climate change mitigation.

From “poor man’s timber,” to “green gold,” bamboo has been a symbol of strength and flexibility due to its wide range of products and markets.

Those interested to engage in bamboo enterprise or simply shift to sustainable lifestyle are invited to visit the FMB Facebook page for the whole month of September and join in the following activities: • Trivia Mondays • Bamboo planting • Webinar Wednesdays

I-ACT member agencies BOI urges Filipinos reaffirm their commitment to buy locally to address transport woes

By Vanessa Q. Rodriguez QUEZON CITY, -- Members of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) reaffirmed their commitment to address the country’s road transport concerns and strengthen interagency collaboration as they signed the 2020 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in a virtual conference, September 11.

The MOA aims to

address road transport concerns effectively, such as traffic congestion, colorum operations, road safety, and rampant road traffic violations, among others and consolidate enforcement agencies’ resources and synchronize their activities. This is critical in helping the people transition to the ‘new normal’ It can be recalled that I-ACT was established in August

2016 through a MOA between concerned agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police (PNP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Metro Manila Council (MMC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The signatories of the MOA are officials of the member agencies including DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante, LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III, PCG Commandant ADM George V. Ursabia Jr., MMDA Chairperson B/Gen. Danilo Delapuz Lim (Ret.), PNP Chief P/Gen. Camilo P. Cascolan, Metropolitan Manila Council Committee on Transportation Mayor Edwin De Leon Olivarez, and DOTr Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns I-ACT Task Force Chief Manuel S. Gonzales.

(Photo from IACT official Facebook page)

FDA assures public safety on cell sites installations By: Marites B. Paneda QUEZON CITY, - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures the public that prior to installation of antennas for cell sites, an evaluation and calculation of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) will be conducted with the FDA issuing a Certificate of Safety Evaluation (CSE).

The FDA issued the advisory No. 20201623 in reference to the interagency Joint 3 PIA Bulletin Online

Memorandum Circular No. 1v series 2020 of the Streamlined Guidelines for the Issuance of Permits, Licenses, and Certificates for the construction of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure (PTTI) to streamline the process and hasten the construction of more cell site across the country.

According to FDA citing the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation

(ICNIRP), antennas installed in cell sites emits radiofrequency radiation (RFR) which at very high levels, can heat up body tissues.

However, it said that it is very unlikely that a person could be exposed to the RFR levels greater than the limits specified under DOH Administrative Order No. 175 series 2004 since antennas are installed high above cell site towers which ensure minimal exposure at the

produced PPE

Souce: Bureau of Immigration

By: Teresita N. Negrillo QUEZON CITY, -- The Philippine Board of Investment (BOI) is urging organizations to buy domestically-produced Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as the volume of these supplies produced have increased.

At the onset of the pandemic, the BOI asked manufacturers to repurpose their production towards making facemasks, PPE and other products needed in fighting Covid-19.

“Locally produced PPE has not only helped out in the fight against Covid-19, but helps Philippine manufacturers stay afloat amid the economic impact of the pandemic, protecting thousands of jobs for ordinary Filipinos,” the BOI statement read.

Philippine manufacturers are now producing 60 million facemasks every month, compared to only 6 million in January – an increase of 900% – with the expectation that this will rise to 66.4 million before 2020 is out.

“The upsurge in PPE now being produced in the Philippines is great news, for the health and economic wellbeing of the country. Every time someone buys an item of PPE made here, they not only help protect people, they help save thousands of jobs and keep food on the table of families across our nation,” said.

Ceferino Rodolfo, Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head. ground level.

Further according to the World Health Organization (WHO) through its Electromagnetic Fields and public health publication, there is no adverse effect from typical exposure to RFR produced cell sites as

ICNIRP maintains that any adverse health effect arising from exposure to RFR is only possible at high powered/intensity exposures exceeding limits and safe distances in front of the antennas that are normally inaccessible to the public.

NEDA calls for stakeholder chamber membership to attain SDGs By: Melinda T. Quinones QUEZON CITY, - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is calling for membership to the ‘stakeholder’ chamber to help ensure attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Developed by the United Nations, the SDGs are global goals that serve as the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all to be achieved by 2030. It addresses the global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate

change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

The Stakeholder chamber for SDGrelated engagements aims to promote a whole-of-society approach to strengthen the linkages between government and nongovernment agencies and organizations, development priorities, and resource allocation to realize the SDG. It will also feature “pledging sessions” where members can pledge contributions to the attainment of the SDGs. .

“With the disruptions brought about by the

COVID-19 pandemic, we need to further intensify the implementation of strategies to ensure the attainment of the SDGs. We have to catch up and prioritize what needs to be done amid these challenges,” said Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua.

NEDA is eyeing members from the local government organizations, academic institutions, business groups, trade unions, youth organizations, organizations working on the SDGs, and representatives from the basic and vulnerable sectors. Representatives

Source: Department of Agriculture

from the United Nations – Philippines will also form part of the stakeholder chamber Interested parties seeking endorsement from government agencies or development partners may contact their counterpart agency at their own preference.

Within 45 days from

the call for membership, a shortlist of all qualified members based on the qualifications provided by the guidelines will be endorsed to the SubCommittee.

The membership of the stakeholder chamber will be reviewed, updated, and approved annually.

KWF nag aanyaya sa publiko na sumali sa ‘Tula Táyo!’

By: Melva C. Gayta LUNGSOD NG QUEZON, -Inaanyayahan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ang lahat na sumali sa ‘Tula Táyo!’ na ang huling araw ng pagpapaskil online ng mga lahok ay sa Setyembre 28.

Ang Tula Táyo ay isang online na timpalak sa pagsulat ng katutubong tula na itinataguyod ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino para sa Buwan ng Wika at nagdaang Buwan ng Panitikan.

“Nakasentro ang tema ng Buwan ng Wika 2020 -- “Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika” Ang mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya -- sa halaga ng Filipino at mga katutubong wika sa bansa bílang mabisang sandata sa pakikidigma laban sa pandemya,” ayon sa KWF. Ang Abril ay Buwan ng Panitikan o National Literature Month -- alinsunod sa Proklamasyon Bilang 968 na nilagdaan noong 2015. Ang pagdaos ng mga institusyonal na programa ay naantala bilang pagsunod sa umiiral na enhanced community quarantine sa bansa dulot ng COVID-19. Ang mga proyektong online at pagpapatuloy ng mga programa nito para sa selebrasyong ito ay naganap nitong Agosto kasabay ng Buwan ng Wika, ayon pa sa KWF.

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Para sa mga nais sumali, narito ang mga tuntunin: 1. Ipapaskil ang mga tula—diyona, dalít, o tanaga—sa seksiyon ng mga komento sa nakatalagang poster para sa bawat anyo ng tula. Ibig sabihin, ipapaskil ang mga diyona sa poster na tampok ang diyona, mga tanaga sa poster para sa mga tanaga, at mga dalit sa poster ng dalít.

2. Magiging opisyal lamang ang mga lahok kapag ipinaskil ito sa seksiyon ng komento ng mga poster na matatagpuan sa page ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.

3. Nasa wikang Filipino at orihinal dapat ang mga tula. Papaksain ng mga ito ang kasalukuyang danas ng bayan sa pandemya. Pahihintulutan ang kahit ilang entri mula sa mga kalahok.

4. Kikilalanin ang mga nagsipagwagi sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Guro sa 5 Oktubre 2020.

Tatanggap ang mga nagsipagwagi sa tatlong anyo ng katutubong tula ng sumusunod: Unang Gantimpala: PHP5,000.00 Ikalawang Gantimpala: PHP3,000.00 Ikatlong Gantimpala:PHP1,500.00 5. Setyembre 28 ang hulíng araw ng pagpapaskil ng mga lahok.

6. Para sa mga naunang nagpaskil ng kanilang mga lahok, ito ay naisave na ng KWF para sa gagawing

Photo from Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Facebook page

deliberasyon ng mga hurado.

7. Narito ang mga links kung saan nyo ipapaskil ang inyong tula: Para sa Dalit: https://www.facebook.com/komfilgov/ photos/a.926809631048246/1089439321451942 Para sa Diyona: https://www.facebook.com/komfilgov/ photos/a.926809631048246/1089438951451979 Para sa Tanaga: https://www.facebook.com/komfilgov/ photos/a.926809631048246/1089437834785424