Bullet.Line (PIA Bulletin Online) Issue No. 5, September 14-20, 2020

NATIONAL

STATE OF CALAMITY

EXTENDED

By Marie Angelie Villapando

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has extended the State of Calamity throughout the country from September 13, 2020 to September 12, 2021, “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.” through Proclamation No. 1021 which he signed on September 16.

All government agencies and local government units (LGUs) are enjoined to continue rendering full assistance to and cooperation with each other and undertake critical, urgent and appropriate and timely disaster response to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

All law enforcement agencies with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippine are

“Unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.” PRRD

also directed to continually ensure peace and order in COVID-19 affected areas.

The extension also has given ample latitude to the national government and local government units to utilize appropriate funds, including the quick respond funds for the pandemic.

On March 17, 2020, the President signed Proclamation 929 which declared a state of calamity throughout the whole country due to COVID-19.

SCAM SA LAPTOP COMPUTER CONTEST

By Melinda Quiñones - PIA/IDPD

Pinapaalalahanan ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) ang lahat hinggil sa kumakalat na scam na humihikayat sa publiko na sumali sa anumang contest upang mabigyan daw ng DepEd ng libreng laptop at cellphone.

Ang DepEd ay hindi mamimigay ng “free wifi and gadgets” sa pamamagitan ng anumang online giveaway, raffle draw o contest.

Ang learning continuity packages na donasyon ng LGUs at partners nito ay ipinamamahagi sa mga magaaral at mga guro sa pamamagitan ng DepEd regional and division offices at mga paaralan.

I-report ang scams ukol dito sa action@deped.gov.ph.

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MILLION JOBS FOR RECOVERY

Photo: DPWH Sec. Mark Villar Facebook page

By Melinda Quiñones - PIA/IDPD Around 1 million jobs more jobs will be created next year as the government ramps up infrastructure spending under the Build, Build, Build program.

In the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) budget hearing last September 4, 2020, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua emphasized the multiplier effects attributed to infrastructure. Its projects provide jobs and income which will help reinvigorate consumer spending towards other sectors of the economy.

“As part of the recovery program, we propose to ramp up our infrastructure spending by next year, and our estimate is that this will create a million jobs,” Chua said.

According to DPWH data, around 5 million jobs were already provided by Build, Build, Build program from 2016 to 2019. It is expected to create 1.5 more jobs this 2020.

DOH calls for more health workers T. Duque III said.

Of the 10,693 openings for doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers that started Photo: Department of Transportation in the mid of April 2020, the DOH has

By Josephine L. Babaran - PIA/IDPD already hired 8,056 or 75.34% as of The Department workers under the September 12. of Health (DOH) emergency hiring Some 43% is calling on program. hired under the individuals with “We are still program were medical training to appealing to those deployed to public join the Department with medical training hospitals under of Health in to join in the effort. the Department of the continuing Let’s save people.

Health, 17% were fight against Someone’s mom sent to laboratories the COVID-19 or dad, son or or COVID-19 pandemic as it daughter, spouse, diagnostics facilities, is now hiring or sibling needs and 15% were over 2,600 critical care,” Health deployed to isolation more healthcare Secretary Francisco and quarantine

facilities or temporary treatment and monitoring facilities. Meanwhile, 979 or 12% were sent to local government units and other hospitals and 554 or 7% were sent to COVID-19 referral facilities.

For more information on vacancies and the hiring process, please visit bit.ly/ hrhhiringFAQs. For further inquiries, you may also email hcwhiring@doh. gov.ph or call 72667979.

Meanwhile, Secretary Duque

lauded the passage of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act as he considers this “a win for every Filipino, most especially for every healthcare worker who tirelessly caters to all our COVID-19 patients.

Aside from the procurement of various health equipment that will ramp up our fight against COVID-19, this law will allow us to better care for our true heroes and ensure that they are protected and provided for.”

TUBERCOLOSIS, PRIORITY HEALTH AGENDA

find, diagnose, test, and prevent TB cases as the country targets to find and treat 2.5 million Filipinos with TB by 2022.

By Marites B. Paneda - PIA/IDPD

Lawmakers have committed to ensure infectious diseases like tuberculosis will still remain a high priority in the country’s legislative agenda amid the COVID-19 p a n d e m i c .

Speaking in an online event during the observance of National Lung Month, Lower House Committee on Health Chairperson Angelina Ta n , principal author of the National TB Elimination Act of

Editorial Director Benjamin Felipe

2016 or Republic Act 10767, said that lawmakers will continue to find ways to honor their commitment before the family of nations to end TB in their lifetime as House Bill No. 6496, a resolution to strengthen and amend the current

TB Law has already been submitted to the Senate.

In response to the lower house version, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed Senate Bill 1748 aiming to fast-track the amendments of the current TB law as a priority

of the Duterte administration.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anna Marie Celina Garfin, Department of Health -National TB Prevention (NTP) program manager, assured the public that NTP has the plan, the process, and the promotion to

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 PIA Bulletin Online 2

Wanted: 50K contact workers public health risk assessment of COVID-19 cases and their identified close contacts; refer the close contacts to isolation facilities; conduct enhanced contact tracing in collaboration with other agencies and private sectors; conduct daily monitoring of close and general

By Josephine L. Babaran - PIA/IDPD

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is looking for dedicated and patriotic individuals who want to join the fight against COVID-19 as contact tracers, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año announced.

With the signing of President Rodrigo Duterte of the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act” at least 50,000 contact tracers nationwide will be hired and trained to significantly rampup the country’s contact tracing program.

There are currently 97,400 contact tracers nationwide and the additional contract tracers are seen to meet the Magalong formula of tracing 37 close contacts of 1 COVID patient up to the 3rd degree, 3 PIA Bulletin Online

Ano said.

The contact tracers will earn a minimum of P18,784 per month in a contract of service status.

The applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree or college level in an allied medical course or criminology course. Aspirants must also be skilled in data gathering and have assisted in research and documentation; able to interview COVID-19 cases and close contacts in order to gather data; possess the ability to advocate public health education messages, and have the investigative capability.

Among their responsibilities are to conduct interviews, profiling, and perform an initial

contacts for at least 14 days, and perform such other tasks in relation to the COVID response.

Applicants should submit their application and documents to all DILG Provincial and City Field Offices nationwide or visit their websites.

Sec. Año added

that contractual personnel whose employment were not renewed, Overseas Filipino Workers whose employment were disrupted, and local employees whose service have been recently terminated, may be given priority in the hiring process if qualified as contact tracer.

PH top Digital Riser

Photo: DICT

The Philippines is recognized as the top Digital Riser in East Asia and the Pacific by the European Center for Digital Competitiveness in its recently released its Digital Riser Report 2020.

The Digital Riser Report analyzes and ranks the changes in the digital competitiveness of countries over the last three (3) years based on digital ecosystem and mindset. It builds upon data from the Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) every year.

According to the report, one of the strengths of the Philippines is the passage of the “Innovative Start-up Act,” a law aimed at strengthening, promoting, and developing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem and culture. The act includes the creation of the Start-up Development Program (PSDP) which offers benefits and incentives for start-ups and start-up enablers.

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan III said “the DICT is thrilled by the news that the Philippines was named as one of the top Digital risers, not just in Asia, but worldwide,” and gave assurance that DICT will speed up the country’s digital transformation.

‘BIDA ANG MAY DISIPLINA’

By Josephine L. Babaran - PIA/IDPD

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) inked partnership with the private sector and local celebrity ambassadors to promote the “BIDA ang may Disiplina: Solusyon sa COVID-19” campaign.

According to DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año, the participation of the private sector and local celebrities in the campaign is seen to significantly boost its cause and encourage more citizens to have individual self-discipline, especially now that there are reports of deliberate violation of the minimum health protocols and some even flaunted these on social media.

Among the private sector entities lending their expertise and resources for the ‘BIDA ang May Disiplina’ campaign are Ad Standards Council; Digital Outof-Home, Inc. and Macgraphics Carranza International Corporation; and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas.

Local Actress Regine Tolentino was also launched as one of the new female Disiplina Muna (DM) Ambassadors. The other ambassadors are Diether Ocampo, James Deakin, Jiggy Manicad, and Paolo Bediones who graced the occasion along with Alden Richards, DOH’s BIDA Solusyon Ambassador.

Last September 2, 2020, Local Chief Executive DM Ambassadors were introduced on ‘Kuwentuhang Lokal’ aired on DZMM Teleradyo, they are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez.

Provincial bus trip to resume in Mertro Manila

Photo: LTFRB Facebok Page

By Guilbert Contreras - PIA/IDPD

A limited number of provincial bus trips between the provinces and Metro Manila may resume this September, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III said.

“Inaayos lang po natin, (ang pagbubukas ng Metro Manila), hopefully we’ll be able to open it within the month,” Delgra said during the “Laging Handa” press briefing on Wednesday, September 16.

Only four out of 81 provinces consulted were willing to open their borders for passengers that will come from Manila.

Among these local government units (LGU) are Antique, Bataan, and Quirino.

“Marami po sa kanila ayaw magbukas ng borders lalo na doon sa mga nanggagaling sa Metro Manila,” Delgra said.

“We need to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) concerned kasi sila ang sasalo ng mga pasahero.

And since we are in the context of a pandemic, naghahanda rin ang mga LGUs kung papaano nila iha-handle iyung mga pasahero na aalis or dadating sa kanila,” Delgra added.

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FREE FERTILIZER APP

Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

FOR RICE ON PLAY STORE

A new, free fertilizer android application that can access nitrogen status of rice plant developed by the Department of AgriculturePhilippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is now available at Google Play store. (https://play.google. com/store/apps/ details?id=ph. g o v. p h i l r i c e . l c c ) .

DA-PhilRice said, the app derived from

senior researcher, said app users only need to lay down the topmost, fully expanded rice leaf on smartphone’s front camera to capture its image with the surrounding light as source of luminance..

“The app measures the intensity of green color based on the captured leaf images and converts this into values correlated with the amount

a four-stripped handy “ruler” called Leaf Color Chart (LCC), the PhilRice Leaf Color Computing Application (PhilRice LCC App) was designed for farmers, extension workers, researchers, and students.

Ailon Oliver Capistrano, PhilRice

of nitrogen in the leaf,” he explained.

The mobile app generates nitrogen recommendations in just under a minute based on the digital images of intact rice leaves photographed directly from the field.

This app can also be installed even in an inexpensive

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PHIL. COAST GUARD DEMO OF BRB GABRIELA SILANG

By Vanessa Q. Rodriguez - PIA/IDPD The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) held a sailing demonstration of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) in Manila Bay at the vicinity waters 25 nautical miles off Port of Manila, on September 15.

According to the PCG, this 84-meter vessel which is the largest and most advanced aluminum hull offshore patrol vessel in the world constructed by the OCEA, which is the leading aluminum shipbuilding company in France, is designed to help PCG in fulfilling its mandate on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, security, safety, and marine environmental protection.

BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) is capable of transporting approximately 500 people at one time and performs beyond its contractual specification of 20 knots of speed. It has a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots and an endurance of up to five weeks of non-stop operations. Above all, it has an excellent seakeeping ability and maneuverability, on top of the great comfort it offers for people onboard, according to PCG. The sailing demonstration was done to showcase the capabilities of the ship, as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization plans of Department of National Defense - Philippines (DND) Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana and Philippine Navy (PN) and Flag-Officer-In-Command, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo J Bacordo.

smartphone brand and benefit from its function as the research team found that regardless of brand, smartphone cameras will deliver an almost similar reading at 5MP. This is also also handy for new users or adopters who have no training or

experience in the use of the manual LCC, Capistrano added.

D r.

Karen Eloisa Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive director for development, said the app is useful for farmers who often apply too much nitrogen especially during wet season,

which results in pest infestation.

“Many farmers are now online. They also have their children to assist them. I’m sure that the LCC app will quickly find its way to them to guide them in the accurate application of nitrogen,” Barroga said.

LANDBANK’S “i-STUDY’ educational loan

By Marie Angelie C. Villapando

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has rolled out (i-STUDY) or Interim Students’ Loan for Tuition toward Upliftment of Education for the Development of the Youth, a loan program which allows parents, guardians or benefactors of students in private schools to borrow an

amount equivalent to one school year or two semesters-or up to P150,000 per student.

Loans under the i-STUDY program, which cannot exceed P300,000 per eligible borrower, carries an affordable fixed interest rate of 5 percent per year.

Short-term loans payable within one year are available for pre-school, primary and secondary

school students under the program, while term loans payable up to a maximum of three years, inclusive of a one-year grace period on the principal amount are available for tertiary level students.

“This program will not only help families who have kids they want to send to school, but will also assist private schools and downstream

Photo: Land Bank of the Philippines

industries to sustain and continue their operations,” L A N D B A N K p r e s i d e n t CEO Cecilia Borromeo said.

For more information on regarding this program, please visit https://www. landbank.com/ loans/businessloan/i-study.

Anti-Cyber Crime Group warns public on Facebook

By Melinda Quiñones - PIA/IDPD

Excited to know your personality type? Or your celebrity look-alike?

These are common Facebook quizzes that may seem harmless to relieve boredom from being quarantined but the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) warns the public on taking these online quizzes as they are threats to one’s cyber security and privacy.

“Popular Facebook quizzes often ask users to answer a series of sharable personal questions, ranging from the name of their pet up to their birth city. Some people see them as a fun way to bond with friends, or a way to make new ones,” the PNP-ACG bulletin reads while reiterating hackers’ ability to build a profile from users’ answers, hack into bank accounts, and trick one into clicking malicious links.

The PNP-ACG advises public to follow these tips to avoid the dangers of Facebook quizzes and challenges: Be skeptical: Before taking a quiz, figure out who created it. Is it a brand that can be trusted? Just because something appears to be fun and innocent, doesn’t mean there isn’t any inherent risk.

Adjust privacy settings: Review the privacy settings of your social media account and be strict about what information you share and be mindful to whom you are sharing it with.

Remove personal details from your profile: Don’t share information like phone number or home address on social media accounts.

For additional information, PNP-ACG suggests public to refer to the following websites:

• https://www.familyeducation.com/facebook/dangeroussocial-media-trends-among-teens-0 • https://www.gravoc.com/2020/04/17/the-hiddendangers-of-facebook-quizzes-challenges/ • https://support.malwarebytes.com/docs/DOC-2295 • https://securelist.com/the-banking-trojan-emotetdetailed-analysis/69560/ • https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16992-scamalert-that-facebook-quiz-might-be-a-big-data-companymining-your-personal-information For any inquiries regarding cyber security, please contact PMAJ JOSEPH ARVIL L VILLARAN, Police Communication Relation officer thru e-mail address acg@pnp.gov.ph or call (632) 7230401 local 3562.

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