PRRD satisfied with government’s ‘Rolly’ response – Palace In the wake of the devastation left by Super Typhoon Rolly in CALABARZON and the Bicol Region, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who conducted an aerial inspection of affected areas, was satisfied with government’s typhoon preparedness. “(T)he President is very happy to note that everyone did their job to warn people, to evacuate, to prepare evacuation centers, to preposition supplies, to preposition equipment para maprepare ang mga kalsada. Yan po ang importante, na pinaghandaan natin nang mabuti ang bagyong ito,” said Seretary Roque during a press briefing on November 3. Prior to typhoon Rolly’s entry in the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways has already mobilized 4,931 personnel and 1,295 equipment that enabled the faster clearing of affected roads. From 15 closed road sections yesterday because of the typhoon, there are now only 10 remaining closed roads that are undergoing clearing or are yet to be cleared. Likewise, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Manila International Airport Authority, and Clark International Airport Authority have secured airports, runway equipment, and other facilities and have coordinated with local disaster offices as part of their typhoon disaster response. This is 1 PIA Bulletin Online
why airports in Manila, Clark, Subic, Sangley, Legazpi, Naga, and Virac are already back to their normal operations. Similarly, the LRT, MRT, PNR, and the EDSA Busway are also back in operations. “Dito makikita natin ang kahandaan ng buong pamahalaan, at kahit nasa Davao ang Presidente ay namo-monitor niya ang mga ito,” said Sec. Roque. In yesterday’s briefing with the President, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado assured the availability of P3.622-Billion in calamity funds, a portion of which can be used to assist those who have been severely affected by super typhoon Rolly. Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said that a price freeze will be in effect in areas that declared a state of calamity, while the Suggested Retail Price will be in effect in areas where there will be no price freeze implementation.
COVID-19 response ‘big brother’ partnership results in improved situation in Laguna
The step of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) tasking Cabinet members to oversee the implementation and compliance of LGUs with the National Action Plan against COVID-19 is significantly bearing results, especially in Laguna. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who is also the COVID-19 response “Big Brother” for Laguna, lauded the local governments as the province is finally showing significant decline in number of cases and is no longer on the roster of areas considered as hotspots. With the declining number of new COVID-19 cases in Laguna, Secretary Andanar expressed confidence that the recovery efforts of the government remains on track. He emphasized that the partnership with local government units (LGUs) and private stakeholders remains a priority in implementing response efforts against adverse impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and other disasters coming in the country. “Prayoridad pa rin natin ang patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan kay Governor Hernandez, at sa mga local government units ng Laguna dahil mahalaga ang papel na ginagampanan ng buong lalawigan sa muling pagbubukas ng ating ekonomiya at pagbangon sa mga kalamidad [Our priority is still to maintain coordination with Governor Hernandez and all local government units in Laguna since they have an important role on our efforts to restart our economy and recover from calamities],” Sec. Andanar said during another leg of the Pagdalaw sa Laguna: “Explain, Explain, Explain” conference on 5 November.
DSWD chief flies to Catanduanes, extends aid to Typhoon Rolly victims Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista flew to Catanduanes Tuesday, November 3 to extend assistance and oversee the disaster relief operations for families affected by Typhoon Rolly. Upon arrival, the Secretary proceeded to the municipality of Virac where he led in the distribution of relief supplies to residents of Barangay Francia. After Virac, he went to one of the barangays of Bato municipality via Air
Force helicopter as the area was difficult to reach being one of the hardest hit towns in the province. The Secretary, together with Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, distributed family food packs (FFPs). With the assistance of the Office of the Civil Defense and the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the Secretary initially brought 1,320 FFPs as resource augmentation assistance to the provincial government.
Editorial Director Benjamin Felipe Editor-In-Chief Marie Angelie Villapando Associate Editor Melinda Quiñones Staff Writers IDPD Art Department CPSD headed by Bradley de Leon Production/ Aggregation DDCU with Team Leader Kate Shiene Agna
DICT provides Internet connection for gov’t press briefing in ground zero Catanduanes
Red Cross acts fast, goods already on the ground The Department of Information and Communications Technology has worked together with other agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in making possible the provision of internet service for the constituents of Catanduanes, as this is their only means of communication support in this challenging time. The Philippine Red Cross provided assistance of nonfood Items (sleeping mats, blankets, tarpaulin, mosquito nets, jerry cans, and
hygiene kits) to 172 families in Brgy. Bon-Ot, San Andres, Catanduanes following Rolly (Goni), the strongest typhoon to hit the
country this year. PRC Chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon, personally visited the areas in
Catanduanes which were heavily affected and led the distribution yesterday. Chairman Gordon emphasized
the need to rise again ”Basta’t tayo ay magkakasama, tayo ay makakababangong muli”. PIA Bulletin Online 2
Govt’s anti-hunger program, a gift to present and future generations Nograles
DILG orders 10 mayors to explain their absence during typhoon Rolly’s devastation By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
“The Duterte administration envisions the anti-hunger, antipoverty program as a lasting gift to the Filipino people, a legacy that should be enjoyed by generations to come.” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the remark during the virtual launching of the National Food Policy initiative held last November 4, 2020 led by the National Food Coalition (NFC) and 3 PIA Bulletin Online
the Koalisyon sa Karapatan sa Sapat na Pagkain (KKSP). The NFP lays down six key result areas (KRAs) that shall determine and address issues involving review of current policies, ensuring a steady supply of food during emergencies, access to food and agricultural resources, as well as education and information campaigns to get more citizens involved in the program.
“The NFP is ambitious but doable, that’s why we strongly encourage the participation of stakeholders from the private sector NGOs, religious groups and various other stakeholders to truly make it effective. Addressing hunger and poverty is every Filipino’s concern. The NFP’s success, in a sense, will be everyone’s legacy to the next generation,” Nograles stressed.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a show cause order to 10 local chief executives who were allegedly “missing-in-action” when Typhoon Rolly hit the country. In a report by PTV News, DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said these 10 mayors are based in provinces hit by Rolly in Regions 8, 5, 4A, 4B, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Malaya said the mayors were given 5 days to respond. “Bigyan natin sila ng kaukulang panahon na magpaliwanag because hindi naman sila presidential appointee ng Pangulo na pwede mo na lang tanggalin,” he added. The DILG will file a case against the mayors with the Office of the Ombudsman once proven that they have neglected their post when the typhoon hit their respective areas. They may face charges of dereliction of duty and grave misconduct.
Police, military should take credit for PHL’s high score in Gallup report – Duterte peaceful,” Duterte said. “So, if it’s a recent The police and Gallup survey, it the military should only shows that, be given credit well, we have to for maintaining credit the police peace and order and the military in the country after and the other the Philippines uniformed services scored high in the of government who 2020 Global Law have toiled to make and Order report this country at least released recently, very peaceful.” President Rodrigo The Philippines Roa Duterte said on landed in the list of Thursday evening, 5 Top 50 nations with November 2020. good peace and “We are on the order, according to Top 50 and we the Washingtonare lumped with based analytics and countries that advisory firm Gallup are really ideally after releasing its
By Jimmyley E. de Guzman
2020 Global Law and Order report. The Philippines was included in the list of 50 countries with good peace and order with a score
of 84/100. Similar scores were posted by Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Serbia. The 2020 Global Law and Order
report is based on the people’s sense of personal security and experiences with crime and law enforcement in the country.
DTI holds Digital Transformation, Business Resilience webinar for businesses in New Normal By Janine Alexa Tinsay - PIA/IDPD
The country’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are given the chance to learn new normal strategies and digital transformation with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) free webinar on November 9, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN. This webinar titled, “Digital Transformation, Business Resilience, and Thriving in the New Normal: A Guide for Retail and High-Tech SME” is a product of the collaboration of the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (US-ASEAN) Business Council, DTI, Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and logistics company UPS Philippines. This activity is under the SME Webinar Series, a part of the US-ASEAN Business Council’s commitment to leverage digital transformation for SMEs in the region. To join this online seminar, visit tinyurl.com/SMEWorkshop2020 PIA Bulletin Online 4
House launches donation drive to help Typhoon victims The House of Representatives led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has launched a fund drive to aid communities affected by two successive strong typhoons that hit the country in less than a week. Velasco said donations are voluntary and lawmakers are welcome to contribute any amount to the fund that will help in the rescue, recovery
and rehabilitation efforts in areas ravaged by typhoons Quinta and Rolly. Several lawmakers made the first contribution, pledging their full salary for the month of November to help victims of the two consecutive typhoons, which battered many areas in Luzon and the Visayas. “The devastation caused by the
two successive typhoons demands that each of us must help in every way we can to provide some relief and comfort to our
countrymen who continue to endure these sufferings as the nation battles with COVID-19,” he said. Since Monday when the fund
drive started, the House has already raised almost P7 million in cash donations from its members, according to the House Secretariat.
PhilHealth works on policy to extend coverage of hemodialysis By Melinda Quiñones - PIA/IDPD
The new management transition team of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is working on the needed policy to possibly extend coverage to patients availing of hemodialysis sessions beyond the 90-day session limit per year even after the declaration of state of calamity has been lifted. Following the passage of Bayanihan Law, the state insurer has initially exempted hemodialysis patients from the 45-day limit or 90-session limit per year. Hence, PhilHealth accredited facilities can accommodate dialysis patients even beyond the abovementioned limits. In a statement, the health insurer appeals to public for understanding as it consults with various stakeholders to further help dialysis patients especially at this time of the pandemic. 5 PIA Bulletin Online
DTI’s ‘Make It Happen in the Philippines’ campaign invites Australian, New Zealand investors By Janine Alexa Tinsay - PIA/IDPD
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) encouraged businesses in Australia and New Zealand to expand operations in the Philippines in its new investment campaign dubbed ‘Make it Happen in the Philippines’. The campaign was organized as part of the PH government’s thrust to further accelerate the country’s economic growth as the world reaches its recovery stage from the pandemic. In its online launch on October 28, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez endorsed to prospective Australian and New Zealand investors, the country’s Information Technology– Business Process Management (ITBPM) sector which is currently the second largest in the world, as well as other business
opportunities in Philippine aerospace, electronics, automotive, and copper. Speakers from DTI, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Australian firms with bases in the Philippines showcased
advantages of the country as an ideal investment destination with its large domestic market with
rising income, competitive salary and steady wage increase, access to key markets and low labor attrition.
According to Sec. Lopez, the country currently “holds a strong track record in supporting global operations.” For more information, visit www.philippines. business or https://www. philembassy.org. au PIA Bulletin Online 6