Caraga InFocus – April 4-10, 2020

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 8

04 - 10 April 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

Volume IV, No. 15

PROVINCIAL NEWS

21 24 26 27 28 29 31 32

8 9 11 12 13 14 17 MINDANAO NEWS 18 34 Over 5K Caraga workers 35 receive financial aid NATIONAL NEWS from DOLE 38 40 42 44 46 DOH confirms first COVID-19 case in Caraga Region Caraganon families, SCs continue to receive assistance from DSWD amid COVID-19 pandemic

3 more PUIs test negative for COVID-19 in Caraga

GSIS grants 3-month moratorium on loan payments DBP offers payment holiday on salary loans

Hybrid rice model farm increases yield of Butuan farmers Backyard gardening to secure every household’s food source

Pump and engine sets fuel rice farmers

TESDA-AdN, TVIs show support to COVID-19 frontliners PCOO, AgNorte guv dispel fake news on COVID-19 POPCOM Caraga continues service amid COVID-19 threat

SurSur worries safety, lack of PPEs for frontliners TESDA, TVIs provide face masks, healthy drinks, disinfectants to frontliners in SurSur

DA cash assistance reaches SurSur rice farmers DAR-assisted coops extend assistance in SurSur Dagdag pasilidad inihanda sa Surigao del Sur para sa mga PUIs

Piñol calls on Mindanao leaders to help PRRD Chinese groups donate medical supplies to Davao City PCOO on Chinese medical team: PH not alone in facing Covid-19 PRRD ‘careful’ in distributing Covid-19 relief efforts DSWD distributes aid to first batch of ‘Bayanihan’ beneficiaries Duterte donates 1-month salary for Covid-19 response DAR releases guidelines on the issuance of ARB IDs during ECQ

COVID-19 NEWS

49 50 52 54

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UP-developed Covid-19 test kits approved for commercial use RMSC quarantine area ready to house Covid-19 patients Gov’t praises health workers days before Day of Valor More aid for public health workers amid Covid-19 crisis sought

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News Briefs Extended hanggang April 30, 2020 ang pagbabayad ng PhilHealth contribution ng self-paying direct individuals, professional practitioners at miyembro sa ilalim ng Group Enrollment Scheme para sa 1st Quarter 2020.

The National Task Force COVID19 (NTFCOVID19) launched www.StaySafe.ph. This is an initiative of the National Task Force COVID19, DOH, DILG, and DND. StaySafe.ph aims to help persons who intentionally or unintentionally had contacts with COVID-19 patients to be given health assistance by the health care workers of the national and local governments. The system is compliant with laws on securing the privacy of individuals. Check out the site!

The region’s top cop also emphasized that members of the police force shall only follow the guidelines set by the interagency task force on COVID-19 pertaining to the exercise of police power under the ECQ. Police officers are prohibited from operating under regulations that are not in line with that of the inter-agency task force’s guidelines.

On this crisis situation on COVID-19, Dir. Kristina Cassion, OIC-regional director of LTFRB emphasized the need to unite with all the stakeholders in addressing the needs of the vulnerable sectors in the region. She further asked the government officials to allocate a portion of their salary to help others.

Over 5K Caraga w financial aid from

B

UTUAN CITY - Some 321 establishments with more than 5,000 workers in Caraga region have applied and submitted the requirements for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

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workers receive m DOLE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Said program provides cash assistance amounting to P5,000.00 for each of the qualified workers in the private sector, who have been affected by the temporary closure of the respective establishments where they work with, as a preventive measure against the harmful COVID-19.

This has started since the implementation of the Community Quarantine in most areas of the Caraga region and with the recent declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, wherein the workers are among the vulnerable sectors affected by this crisis.

As part of the government efforts to help cushion the impact of the ECQ on Caraganons, different government agencies have also provided assistance that would ease workers from worries and peril in this trying time.

cope with life while undergoing the community quarantine,” said Mantilla.

The official added that though said program is open for all affected workers in the private sector, it follows the “first come, first serve” basis in the

“This benefit for the workers in release of the cash assistance. All the formal sector are directly given applications also are evaluated and to them in the amount of P5,000. We validated by the DOLE-Caraga. really need to unite and work together in providing the needed assistance to As one of the beneficiaries, the vulnerable sector and help them Christian James Alfon thanked the APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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DOLE for reaching out to them and upholding their rights and welfare. “We are thankful to DOLE because without this assistance, our family would suffer hunger while we are jobless,” he said.

“It’s been hard without a job for now, but I’m thankful knowing that the government does not leave us behind on this crisis situation,” bared Ervie Jane Cachuela, a co-worker.

for their workers and immediately responded and coordinated with the department and complied with the necessary requirements for the cash assistance.

Meanwhile, Director Mantilla revealed that under the “Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko” (BKBK) Disinfection and Sanitation Project, there were 1,700 enlisted from the informal sector while 1,500 beneficiaries have already started

Sean Christian Cabardo, who also working. worked at the same restaurant with the two others, also expressed his gratitude With this project, the qualified to his employer for taking the initiative beneficiaries will receive the P3,000.00 and have them included in the first cash assistance after they completed batch among the beneficiaries. the 10-day work with 4-hours a day, through the supervision of their

Director Mantilla also appreciated respective barangay officials. (JPG/ all the employers who expressed concern PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

Regional News

DOH confirms first COVID-19 case in Caraga Region

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga confirms the first positive case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region.

DOH Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. says the patient is a 68-year old Filipino male who has a preexisting medical condition of chronic obstructive lung disease and diabetes.

admitted at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City on March 29 and is currently in stable condition.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of DOH Caraga is currently conducting a contact tracing of persons who have interacted or was situated within close proximity of the patient and his flight details.

The patient was also found to have traveled from the National Capital Region and arrived in Butuan City on March 12, three days before Pres. Rodrigo Duterte imposed a travel ban in Luzon.

Dr. Llacuna, Jr. calls on the public to follow the health protocol of the

Upon arrival, the patient was authorities religiously, especially the subjected to monitoring and had stay at home policy. developed symptoms of the disease during home quarantine. He was “We must take this matter seriously.

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Regional News Our best weapon is to always practice investigation (PUIs) admitted in the social distancing, as the virus cannot hospital annex or the designated PUI thrive over the lack of hosts,” he says.

Centers in the city.

He also reminds everyone to verify local news pertaining COVID-19 and always confirm such information on the agency’s website and Facebook page, DOH – Center for Health and Development Caraga.

The samples for the said tests will be delivered to the Southern Philippine Medical Center for a confirmatory reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to detect the viral load in the samples.

Meanwhile, the health agency is set to provide technical assistance to the city government of Butuan for the rapid testing for the patients under

As of April 5, there are 12 PUIs in the region, wherein four are currently admitted and eight are under strict home quarantine. (PIA-Caraga)

Caraganon families, SCs continue to receive assistance from DSWD amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Due to the ongoing crisis in the country brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Caraga has constantly been looking after the needs of the poor families and senior citizens in the region.

According to Marko Davey Reyes, regional information officer of DSWDCaraga, the senior citizens benefit from the Social Pension Program, wherein an amount of P3,000 is allocated for the

first semester of this year and is set to be distributed to them.

Apart from that, with the assistance of the local government units and other APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Regional News concerned agencies in the region, the food and nonfood essentials are also set to be delivered to the said sector.

“We continue to provide the basic services through our assistance to individuals in crisis situations or AICS, wherein individuals who are in need of help could get the medical, burial assistance, and cash assistance. We have also transportation and food Meanwhile, Reyes clarified that assistance for the most vulnerable with the new guidelines, the local sector,” said Reyes. government units under the Enhanced

The senior citizens are glad with Community Quarantine (ECQ) are the the kind of support that the government ones being prioritized by the department for the augmentation should they need has provided them. it for their fellow residents.

“The DSWD has greatly helped us by providing us the social pension benefit so I could buy the basic commodities which my family needs,” bared Victoria Nerpio, a senior citizen from Barangay Golden Ribbon, Butuan City.

He further stressed that the DSWD is ready and prepared to provide the needed augmentation to the LGUs, as the department has already allocated funds for this crisis situation and has prepositioned the food packs for the beneficiaries.

“We have already prepared 7,999 family food packs worth 6,530,183.70.

These family food packs have been prepositioned to the different strategic areas within the region,” Reyes added.

For walk-in clients, Reyes bared that they are limiting to 50 clients per day as they strictly observe social distancing in the office’ premises. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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3 more PUIs test negative for COVID-19 in Caraga BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga on Thursday announces three additional coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lab results released from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). All three results received tested negative.

The negative results were from the admitted 39-year-old, male at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City and two patients (51-year-old, male from Agusan del Sur and 37-year-old, female from Butuan City) who both completed the home quarantine period following physician’s assessment and management.

Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing may be collected from Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) that have recovered from severe and critical condition, elderlies (regardless of clinical manifestations), presence of existing medical conditions that may exacerbate COVID-19 clinical course,

“There are still pending lab results and healthcare workers in facilities with and we have high hopes that it would PUIs and confirmed cases of COVID-19 be in our favor,” said DOH Caraga that have manifested signs and Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. symptoms of the disease.

As per Department Memorandum (DM) No. 2020-0108-B or the Further Amendment to DM No. 2020-0108 entitled, “Guidelines for Management of Patients with Possible and Confirmed COVID-19,” respiratory specimens for the Reverse Transcription Polymerase

“We are closely coordinating with our partner sub-national laboratory in the release of the test results.

Meanwhile, we would like to reiterate to the public to continue following our health advisories,” said Dr. Llacuna, Jr. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Regional News

GSIS grants 3-month moratorium on loan payments BUTUAN CITY - President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet announced yesterday that the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) approved Resolution No. 422020 granting a moratorium on loan payments of GSIS members and pensioners, including housing loan amortization of borrowers.

“The GSIS Board of Trustees, in compliance with the “Bayanihan Heal as One” law, decided to grant a moratorium to our borrowers,” Macasaet said.

Section 4 (aa) of Republic Act 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan Heal as One Law,” instructs all lending institutions to grant a 30day grace period or extension on loan payments during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period without imposing interest or penalties on borrowers.

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Under the said GSIS Board Resolution, collection of loan payments due for the months of March, April and May 2020 shall be deferred. GSIS will resume collection of loan payments on 01 June 2020 without penalty or additional interest. All loan terms, as a result of the moratorium, shall be effectively extended by three months.

“We hope that this 90-day grace period will give our members some financial relief in these trying times,” the GSIS chief stated.

Regional News

Aside from regular government employees, pensioners with GSIS pension loans will also get a moratorium.

“We are halting loan deductions in their next month’s pension (in May),” Macasaet said.

GSIS housing loan borrowers will likewise not be required to pay their monthly amortizations during the said 3-month period.

default when the account has incurred more than six (6) months of unpaid amortizations.

Macasaet said that GSIS already issued a memorandum circular (MC) instructing all heads of government agencies to stop loan deductions for the months of March, April and May 2020. He however emphasized that premium contributions of government employees will continue to be deducted and remitted to GSIS.

All GSIS borrowers are automatically covered by the moratorium, except those whose GSIS shall resume collection of loan accounts are in default as of 29 loan payments on 01 June 2020. (GSIS/ February 2020. GSIS considers a loan in PIA-Caraga)

DBP offers payment holiday on salary loans BUTUAN CITY - State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is implementing a 60-day moratorium on the payment of amortizations under its EC Credit Salary Loan program to assist its borrowers in managing their expenses during the State of Public Health Emergency.

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Regional News

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the payment holiday covers all salary loan amortizations with due dates covering March 15 to April 12, 2020.

lending companies as well other financial institutions whether government or private are directed to implement a minimum 30-day grace period for the payment of all loans falling due within the Enhanced Community Quarantine

“This moratorium on DBP’s EC period.

Credit Salary Loan Program is the Bank’s firm response to the national Herbosa said the moratorium government’s call to ease the burden would allow participating government of our countrymen during this period of agencies to defer amortization the State of Public Health Emergency,” payments without incurring interest, Herbosa said. penalties, fees and other charges.

The EC Credit Salary Loan program is a credit program with government agencies including local government units for their respective employees. The program offers a maximum loanable amount of P1 million, with flexible payment terms of up to 48 months.

He said the payment holiday will be automatically applied to all salary loan accounts while auto-debit arrangements will be put on hold and will resume after the moratorium period.

“For further details, agencies

Under Republic Act No. 11469 may coordinate with their respective or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, servicing DBP branch,” Herbosa added. all banks, quasi-banks, financing and (DBP/PIA-Caraga)

Hybrid rice model farm increases yield of Butuan farmers

BUTUAN CITY - Rice farmers in Barangay Lemon, this city begin to reap the benefits of planting hybrid rice.

Last year, 40 rice farmers in the Rice Model Farm Project. city accepted the challenge to be farmer-cooperators of the Department The 76-hectare model farm is a of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga’s Hybrid collaborative project with the local

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Regional News

government unit of Butuan City and nine private seed companies. It stages the nine hybrid rice seeds such as M20-public hybrid, M51-Pioneer 79, M50-TH82, M78-Longping 937, M81-SL19H, M46-Bigante Plus, Boiseeds 453, Syngenta NK5017, Ramgo-Kimbee 58.

and fertilizers. Aside from planting the nine varieties of hybrid rice, different planting methods were demonstrated and rice mechanization was integrated.

“The department is establishing technology demonstration (technodemo) farms to give farmers the options

The use of hybrid rice is an to choose from with regard to the most approach to improve the yield to more suitable hybrid rice variety to use,” than 6-8 metric tons per hectare given Atega said. that appropriate farming technologies and good agricultural practices are Sammy Barneso, 32, a rice applied. farmer for five years shared his on-farm experience planting hybrid rice for the

“The department has been first time. exploring all strategies to see to it that He planted M46-Bigante Plus we sustain food security especially (hybrid) in one hectare and Rc300 now in the challenging time in our (inbred) in another hectare. history. The model farm will encourage more farmers to try and plant hybrid Based on the recommendation rice seeds in the region,” DA-Caraga, he applied six bags of fertilizers for the OIC-Regional Technical Director for hybrid rice while three bags for the Operations Rebecca R. Atega said. inbred variety.

The farmer cooperators were “I am grateful for the result provided with free hybrid rice seeds because there is a big difference in APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Regional News the yield between the hybrid and inbred seeds. The result showed that I can maximize my production through the help of the high yielding variety,” Barneso testified.

His testing has shown significant yield advantage of hybrid rice over the inbred rice. He harvested 90 bags or equivalent to 5.31 metric tons by using Rc300 while 134 bags equivalent to 7.77 metric tons using M46-Bigante Plus.

Based on the estimated production cost farmers need at least P25,000 for inbred while P35,000 for hybrid rice.

“With higher yield, hybrid rice production also translates to higher gross returns. My gross income for inbred rice production is P90,000 while I earned P116,000 for the hybrid rice production.

Which has a difference of P26,000, this is a big help for us,” Barneso said.

Through his experience, Sammy Barneso is one of those who are now convinced to use again the technology for the next cropping season.

Meanwhile, DA-Caraga Rice Program is now undergoing the data analysis and impact assessment of the said model farm.

clustering approach in promoting hybrid rice and the city of Butuan has been one of the department’s partners in implementing the program.

“Hybrid rice can grow best when there is appropriate water and fertilizer coupled with appropriate technologies.

As part of our strategy identifying areas for this matter is necessary. We are encouraging other farmers, especially those areas who are good for hybrid rice production to adopt the technology,” said Marisa Garces, Rice Program Focal Person.

For the continuous adoption of the technology this year, rice farmers in the region’s five provinces will receive 6,648 bags of hybrid seeds worth P33 million and 18,000 bags of fertilizers worth P22 million, Garces added. (DA The Department is now on its Caraga/PIA Caraga)

The region has 74,580 hectares planted with rice for the dry cropping season (Sept. 2019 – March 2020) wherein 2,189 hectares were planted with hybrid rice.

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Regional News

Backyard gardening to secure every household’s food source

By Vanessa Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY - As the whole nation is battling a pandemic brought about by the coronavirus disease, ensuring food availability for every Filipino is among the top things that need to be secured.

With the said task at hand, the Department of Agriculture has been looking into ways to ensure that food production in the country continues.

In the region, one initiative taken by the Department of Agriculture – Caraga through the High Value Crops Program (HVCDP) is the distribution of vegetable seeds to walk-in clients who want to engage in vegetable gardening.

“Backyard gardening will help ensure that every household will have their own source of food in the coming days especially now that we are facing this COVID-19 threat,” Marco Antonio Morido, HVCDP Program Coordinator said.

In addition, growing your own food ensures it is safe and gardening can also be a form of exercise. Moreover, Morido said that now that the whole country is placed under quarantine, people are discouraged from going APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Regional News out so they really have time to plant people can plant and grow their own and tend to a backyard garden and source of food. still be productive.

This initiative is also in support to

The HVCDP team has repacked the DA’s Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat their remaining available vegetable or ALPAS Covid-19 which is also called seeds so that more people can be the Plant Plant Plant Program. given. They Department will also be procuring additional seeds to cater to According to DA Secretary more requests.

William Dar the government through the ALPAS Covid-19 commits to provide

Morido also said that they are adequate, accessible and affordable encouraging the Local Government food for every Filipino family. (DA Units (LGUs) who may still have available Caraga/PIA Caraga) seeds to also do the same so that more

Pump and engine sets fuel rice farmers

BUTUAN CITY - Irrigators associations continue to produce food despite the many concerns brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Regional News

Eight pump and engine sets that were given from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga have been used and benefited by the six irrigators associations since the items were turned over to them last March 5, 2020.

will be realized. We just need your support and your cooperation,� said Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo during the turnover ceremony.

The intervention is in line with

The six associations who have agricultural modernization wherein the untiringly produce rice are the Department has turned over a total of Mandacpan-San Vicente-Bit-os P350 million worth of farm equipment.

Good Farmers Irrigators Association, Kinamlutan Service Irrigators Association, Around 280 farmer associations Kinamlutan-Tabontabon-Kabacungan and cooperatives received their Irrigators Association, Bonbon Sunriser proposed farm equipment such as Irrigators Association, Malalang- mechanical rice transplanters, fourBancasi Irrigators Association, and wheel-drive tractors, rice combine Alubihid-Manapa Irrigators Association. harvesters, hand tractors, rice threshers, rice reapers, seed spreaders, and

“Rest assured that more pump and engine sets. (DA Caraga/ interventions are coming and sooner PIA Caraga) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Provincial News

TESDA-AdN, TVIs show support to COVID-19 frontliners

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY – The provincial office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Agusan del Norte in partnership with Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) have shown support to COVID-19 frontliners.

Dubbed as “Bayanihan Na! Talunin Natin ang COVID-19,” the Association of Technical and Vocational Schools of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte (ATSBAN) has partnered with TESDAAgusan del Norte Provincial Office through the Northern Mindanao School

of Fisheries (NMSF), and some medical professionals from Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Diamond Batch 1992 who solicited materials and funds in making face shields and washable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontliners.

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Provincial News

The TVI association organized solicitation program to collect and accept materials and funds to purchase materials needed for the PPEs; accepts cash and deposit donations; coordinate with TESDA and NMSF for the transport and production of PPEs; promotes solicitation over social media; and documents all activities and donations for transparency.

“This initiative is really a collaborative effort supporting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of President Rodrigo R. Duterte especially in these times of crisis, which is also in line with the Bayanihan Program: Heal our Land,” Atega said.

Meanwhile, TESDA-Agusan del Norte Acting Provincial Director Liza B. Budtan said that TESDA and the academe sector in the province and the city of Butuan are one in supporting the frontliners who have risked their lives just to serve the Agusanons and

In a statement, ATSBAN President Butuanons. “In this little way, we could and AMA-Computer Learning Center- be able to show our support to our Butuan School Director Engr. Allan modern heroes,” she added.

Atega said this development came after medical professionals who are alumni of FSUU Diamond Batch 1992 coordinated with ATSBAN and pledge to provide materials for the making of the PPEs.

ATSBAN coordinated with TESDAAgusan del Norte Provincial Office and the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) through School Administrator Romel M. Natad to utilize their trainers in Tailoring NC II to design and sew the PPE suits.

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Provincial News

Dir. Budtan likewise expressed her sincerest thanks and gratitude to ATSBAN, FSUU Diamond Batch of 1992, NMSF, ACLC-Butuan and those who have made the project noble and worthwhile.

Among the priority beneficiaries are medical frontliners in: Butuan City Medical Center (BMC) which is a COVIDExclusive Hospital in the province; BMC (PUI Facilities); Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital; private hospitals in Butuan City; public and private outside Butuan City, and frontliners in major checkpoints in the city.

To date, Atega said 300 faceshields were already distributed to major checkpoints (Butuan City’s entry points) like Bit-os, Bancasi, Sumilihon, Taligaman and Barangay Villa-Kananga. The facemasks have

been donated to BMC while NMSF has initially produced eight, at four suits per day. “We hope to deliver at least 20 or more suits to BMC,” he added.

As of April 2, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga reported that there are no patients who are found positive of the COVID-19 in the five provinces and six cities in the region.

Also, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Agusan del Norte reported in their Facebook page that DOH-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said the swab sample of the patient under investigation (PUI) who died at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City on March 26, 2020 tested negative of COVID-19.

(TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Provincial News

PCOO, AgNorte guv dispel fake news on COVID-19

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar dispelled fake news amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

During the Laging Handa Network Briefing on April 2, Governor Corvera clarified that the Malasakit Center in Butuan City was not used as a storage facility for the donated medical equipment donated for hospitals and frontline workers. This is in response to the circulating news that the Malasakit Centers, particularly in Metro Manila, are taking in donations from private donors and handing them out to its supposed beneficiaries with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s name plastered on the items.

stop-shop for indigent citizens who wish to avail medical services without compromising their budgets and is not for such purposes,” Sec. Andanar affirmed.

Further, the country’s top communications officer elucidated that anyone who wishes to contribute through donations can give it directly to its chosen beneficiaries. This, in turn, invalidates the viral posts pertaining to the ransacking done to certain hospitals in Metro Manila due to the regulations imposed by the Office of Civil Defense “The Malasakit Center is a one- (OCD).

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Provincial News

“Our function is to bridge the donors and frontline agencies and workers and address the prevalence of shortage of needed medical supplies during this pandemic,” he added.

Governor Corvera also views the importance of the accessibility of the communication lines between the national and local governments in effectively carrying out the daily duties of the government.

The Caraga Regional Task Force He cited the Laging Handa Network on COVID-19 is actively combating the spread of fake news on COVID-19 in Briefing program as manifestations of accessible communication lines and the region. lauded Sec. Andanar for creating the program.

RMN-DXBC Radio Anchor and Station Manager Ramil Bangues

“The program is a great tool for said that the Cybercrime Unit of the local officials to make their concerns police force in Caraga is constantly and plight of the Filipinos in the southern monitoring different social media pages part of this country known to the whole to immediately provide appropriate nation and in turn enable awareness interventions on the matter. that maintains inclusivity,” the governor

Such diligence resulted in the apprehension of a pastor in the province of Agusan del Sur on March 20, after spreading false information in a Facebook post that some patients of the said disease were living in two separate towns in the province.

expressed.

Legitimate information on the development of the country amid the pandemic can be accessed through the Laging Handa and the PCOO pages on Facebook, Twitter, and on YouTube. (PIA-Caraga) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Provincial News

POPCOM Caraga continues service amid COVID-19 threat

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)Caraga continues its information and services for the population program amidst contagion, coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano of POPCOM Caraga issued regional guidelines, including the adoption of a four-day workweek and work-from-home, to ensure the safety and health of the personnel without sacrificing the mandate of the agency, primarily the coordinating arm for the country’s population management program.

Under the special work arrangement, they are now enforcing, regular function of the agency will be done with adequate workforce to

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address the concerns of their program partners and stakeholders, particularly the local population workers and volunteers.

POPCOM Caraga can be reached online through its official website, http://caraga.popcom. gov.ph/; email addresses popcom_ caraga@yahoo.com and caraga@ popcom.gov.ph; official Facebook account “PopCom Caraga” as well as through mobile numbers 0945-221-7568 (Globe) and 0949-414-1541 (Smart).

Provincial News

POPCOM Caraga is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as personnel are assigned to specific day schedule in compliance with POPCOM Central Office Memorandum No. 2020-195 dated March 16, 2020 and Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 07, series of 2020.

local government units, and program partners in the region to maximize the use of electronic media in coordinating, communicating, and sending reports.

Noting the social distancing measures against COVID-19 and continuously working for the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP), POPCOM Caraga is encouraging population officers,

“Let us keep on seeking the Divine Intercession that this health crisis shall be over very soon, and we’ll go back to the normal life in continuously serving the Filipino families,” urged Dir. Makinano.

(POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Meanwhile, Dir. Makinano reminded everyone to continue to look after each other’s health and safety.

SurSur worries safety, lack of PPEs for frontliners

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Due to the ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and concern on the health situation of the frontliners who still continue to serve the locals, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur is worried about the depleting stocks of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the frontliners.

According to Governor Alexander Pimentel, there is scarcity in the availability of PPEs to be used by the frontliners, hence, putting them at risk as they do their operations in the field.

region situated in Tandag City, is in dire need of additional PPE that would ensure the safety and protection of the medical workers.

It is also one of the two hospitals identified by the Department of Health

The Adela Serra Ty Memorial to accommodate those patients under Medical Center (ASTMMC), which is investigation in the region. one of the biggest hospitals in Caraga APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Provincial News

“Since the Caraga Regional Hospital is already full and could no longer accommodate more, there are patients who have been referred to Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center for treatment, and our frontliners really need PPEs to also ensure their protection,� said Pimentel.

the provincial health officer highlighted that Surigao del Sur remains to be negative from COVID-19.

The four-day work week for employees of the capitol and other local government units is also implemented while the whole province is under the preventive community quarantine.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eric Montesclaros, (JPG/NGBT/PIA-Caraga)

TESDA, TVIs provide face masks, healthy drinks, disinfectants to frontliners in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office in partnership with the Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) in the province has provided face masks, healthy drinks, and disinfectants recently to the front line service providers in the province.

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Provincial News

According to TESD Specialist Lee Escobal, the said activity is in response to the mandate of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) in preventing the spread of COVID 19 which calls for readily available support and technical assistance to the front line services and the local chief executives.

TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva led the distribution of the 228 face masks and 165 bottles of Calamansi juice, and disinfectants to the frontliners assigned at the entrance and exit points of the province.

Escobal said the face masks came from Lorenz International Skills Training Academy, Inc. (LISTA), a Tailoring NC II accredited provider, owned by Maggie Gudella Z. Tse while

the Calamansi Juice was from Callano Farm, a TESDA accredited farm school in Tagbina town.

Also, Karl Toledo, owner of the National Institute for Technical Excellence, Inc. (NITEX) - Carrascal Campus, an accredited TVI in Carrascal, provided plastic bottles for juice and containers/bottle sprays for disinfectants.

The provision of the face masks, healthy drinks, and disinfectants to frontliners are also in support of the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act�. which calls for a partnership with the private sector and stakeholders in delivering the aforementioned measures quickly and efficiently, Escobal noted. (PIABislig City)

DA cash assistance reaches SurSur rice farmers TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to release cash assistance worth P975,000 to 195 rice farmers in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Provincial News

Rice farmers who are tilling 0.5 hectares to two hectares of land and registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) are the priority of the program and will receive P5,000 cash aid. Farmers need not worry because the assistance is an unconditional cash transfer intended to help farmers affected by the implementation of the rice tarrification law.

It is a nationwide response of the national government to rice farmers particularly the marginal ones.

RFFA Program Regional Focal Person Hazel M. Colinares headed the releasing of the cash support in coordination with the local government

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unit of the municipality of Cagwait.

“For the province of Surigao del Sur, 426 rice farmers have received the cash aid. Amidst the threat of COVID-19 the Department will continue to reach more farmers for them to use the assistance for their daily subsistence,�

Colinares said.

In the region, a total of 1,405 have been served by the program with total cash released worth P7 Million.

Another 18,375 eligible rice farmers for the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur will receive the financial assistance not later this month, Colinares added. (DA-Caraga, FOD-Technical Staff/PIA-SUrigao del Sur)

Provincial News

DAR-assisted coops extend assistance in SurSur

By Myra Yu

TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur - Two of the DAR assisted cooperatives in Surigao del Sur, namely, Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PARBMCO) and Ugoban Multi-purpose Cooperative (UMPC) have recently extended assistance to their members, as the coronovirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to threaten the whole nation.

PARBMCO distributed food packs to 281 members worth P600 of groceries a lot to those in need and helpless,” while UMPC gave packs of rice, sugar, Bautista said. and salt to 332 members and nonmembers or 290 households.

UMPC is a group of farmers/ agrarian reform beneficiaries engaged

In an interview with UPMC in consumer store business, microfinance Manager Maryjane Magamayo, she (money lending), hog raising and said that the officers of the cooperative rice production. It was organized in decided through a resolution that the year 1991 duly registered with the instead of giving a donation, which is part of the cooperative’s yearly Cooperative Development Authority community activity, “why not distribute (CDA).

food packs to the members and non Meanwhile, PARBMCO is also members?” engaging in a consumer store business

Meantime, Provincial Agrarian located in Poblacion Tagbina, Surigao Reform Program Officer Leoncio del Sur. Organized in the year 2006 Bautista expressed his commendation and registered with CDA. These coop to the cooperatives for their assistance. members were recipients of DAR Project ConVERGE and capability training to

“The spirit of cooperation was ensure the stability of the operation of greatly appreciated and could be an the coop. (DAR Info. Officer/PIA-Bislig inspiration to others. Small things mean City) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Provincial News

Dagdag pasilidad inihanda sa Surigao del Sur para sa mga PUIs

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Sa gitna ng patuloy ng pagtaas ng kaso sa coronavirus (COVID-19) sa buong bansa, inihanda na ng lokal na pamahalaan ng probinsya sa Surigao del Sur ang dagdag pasilidad para sa mga patients under investigation (PUIs).

Sinabi ni Provincial Health office chief Dr. Eric Montesclaros, ang mga ito ay referral facility na ilalaan sa mga CoViD-19 mild PUIs lamang, kung saan puspusan na ang isinagawang pagsasanay sa mga mangangasiwa na frontliners dito.

Napag alaman mula mismo kay Dr. Montesclaros, na dalawa hanggang tatlong hospital ang kanilang inihanda sa ngayon, bagamat di naman sinabi o tinukoy kung saan ang mga ito.

Kasabay nito, naglalaan din ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ng mga munisipyo sa buong probinsya ng isa o dalawang pang eskwelahan sa kanilang bayan na pwedeng gamitin, at kasalukuyan na rin ginagawa ng mga kainuukulan sa pakikipag ugnayan na rin sa Department of Education (DepEd)

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ang paghahanda bilang dagdag pasilidad na gagamitin ng mga PUIs, dagdag pa ni Dr. Montesclaros.

Ang ginawang hakbang umano ay aprobado ng Provincial InterAgency Task Force na pinamumunuan ni Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel, kung sakaling dumating sa punto na patuloy na lumubo ang bilang ng mga PUM o kaya PUI sa buong probinsiya.

Nilinaw ni Dr Monteclaros na ang Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) ng Tandag City pa rin ang maghahandle ng mga malubhang PUI at nagpositibo sa COVID-19, isa sa dalawang hospital sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga na accredited ng Department of Health. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao News

Piñol calls on Mindanao leaders to help PRRD

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has called on Mindanaoan leaders to ease the burden of President Rodrigo Duterte as the government musters all its resources to fight the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Last night, we all heard the pained admission of President Duterte that our government is now in dire straits financially because of the expense required in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. Everything is at a standstill and our government could not sustain this if the quarantine protocols and lockdowns continue,” he said on a Facebook post on Tuesday.

to start with boosting agricultural production to increase food supply and support relief operations.

“I believe it is in areas unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic where we should initiate Mindanao’s effort to support our President. Let us support our President by restarting our production engines,” he said. “Let us produce more food so that the country will not run out Piñol urged Mindanaoan leaders of supplies.”

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Mindanao News

Piñol said local governments can “Let us not rely on our national start adopting MinDA’s Self-Sustaining agencies alone. It is also hard for them Food Security Strategy (SSFSS). to mobilize because of the current situation,” he pointed out.

“Let us not be unreasonable in implementing total lockdowns, He also encouraged farmers especially at the barangay level. Loosen and fishermen to produce more food, some guidelines so that our farmers and especially on rice. fishermen can still work and perform their jobs,” he said.

“Any excess in food production must be absorbed by the LGUs and

Part of the SSFSS recommendation distributed to their constituents as food is for the governors and mayors to use supply support,” Piñol said. their calamity funds or realign some of their budgets as authorized by the He said MinDA is also doing its part Bayanihan Act to support the farmers in ensuring that farmers’ products are and fisherfolk in producing food. given wider market access. (PNA)

Chinese groups donate medical supplies to Davao City

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – The city government here distributed medical supplies donated by various Chinese groups to hospitals in the region to be used by health personnel working to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Matias Regis, Jr., chief of Investment and Trade Promotion and Generation Unit of Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), said the 1,162 boxes of medical supplies donated by different Chinese groups to Mayor Sara Duterte have been distributed starting Sunday.

Regis said Tuesday the Southern

Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)-the designated Covid-19 facility for the region--was the first recipient of the donation.

“Yesterday (Monday) we delivered the supplies to the private hospitals in this city and today we will now give it to the various hospitals in APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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Mindanao News

Davao Region,” he said.

equipment (PPE) from this city’s sistercity Jinjiang, China.

He said the medical supplies arrived here in two batches on Friday The second batch of donations (April 3) and Sunday via C-130, courtesy from Chinese Ambassador Huang of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Xilian and the Davao Fil-Chinese MultiSectoral Association, Inc. includes 20

He said supplies’ arrival was made units of respiratory machines, 1,200 faster with the help of the Bureau of pieces infrared thermometers, 10,020 Customs and the Office of the Civil pieces of protective septic suits, Defense (OCD. 2,000 pieces face shields, 600 pieces’ protective goggles, 9,660 N95 masks,

“The cargoes were sanitized by and 37,500 pairs of gloves. the City Health Office (CHO) before it was transported for distribution,” Regis Regis said the CHO, Central 911, said. and the various Covid-19 patient care centers were among the recipients of

The first batch of medical supplies the donated medical supplies. consisted of 1.1 million facemasks from Jinjiang Panpan Food Company, 500 “We are optimistic that more units of infrared thermometer, and donations will come in for our front3,000 pieces of personal protective liners,” he said. (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

PCOO on Chinese medical team: PH not alone in facing Covid-19 MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar thanked the Chinese government for sending a team of medical experts and a fresh batch of supplies to help address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country.

“We give our deepest gratitude to China for extending its assistance to the Philippines in its collective fight against the Covid-19 disease, by sending a team, composed of 10 medical experts and two officials, that can share technical knowledge in dealing with the disease,” he said in a statement.

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He said the Chinese government also donated 300,000 surgical masks, 30,000 medical N95 masks, 5,000 medical protective suits, 5,000 medical face shields, and 30 non-invasive ventilators.

“The help given by China and that of other countries has strongly shown that the Philippines is not alone in facing this virus and in working to flatten the curve of its spread, it has the help and the support of the global community,” he added.

Globally, the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 has surpassed 1 million, while over 50,000 people have died from the disease which originated in Wuhan City in Hubei province, China.

In the Philippines, there are a total of 3,246 total cases with 152 deaths as of April 5.

Earlier, Peace Adviser and chief implementer of the National Action Policy against Covid-19 Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is looking to start mass testing on April 14.

The PCOO chief, meanwhile, urged the public to support global efforts

National News

to address the pandemic by adhering medical team who took the heat of to all preventive measures and the the pandemic. guidelines set by the government under the enhanced community quarantine.

“They have a lot of good practices, if not, best-practices, when they

In a tweet, the Department of manage their patients, the Covid-19 Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that patients, in Wuhan and Hubei,” Duque DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on added.

Sunday welcomed 10 medical experts and two officials to “share technical He said the Chinese medical advice” to prevent the spread of the experts would be visiting hospitals with disease. the Department of Health (DOH) staff to conduct training and clarified that

Locsin, in his Twitter account, their task here was “purely advisory.” thanked the Chinese government for sending experts who have “invaluable “It is really guiding how to improve, first-hand experiences” to share in level-up our Covid-19 response, responding to the health crisis. learn different levels of surveillance, risk-assessment, isolation strategies,

Health Secretary Francisco Duque detection through accurate testing, III, in an interview with government clinical case management, and media, said the country’s pool of non-pharmaceutical public health medical professionals will greatly measures,” he said. (Azer Parrocha / benefit from the experience of the PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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National News

PRRD ‘careful’ in distributing Covid-19 relief efforts

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday disclosed that he is “careful” in processing the release of PHP200-billion worth of emergency subsidies that would be granted to 18 million poor households affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country.

In an address to the nation aired on state-run PTV-4, Duterte said he was meticulous when it came to the details of the distribution of relief to avoid the PHP3,000 lang. Kupit doon (That’s possible commission of corrupt activities why I’m careful. I need the LGUs and village captains but there’s a possibility by some unscrupulous individuals. that the money would be pilfered that

He also explained that he had beneficiaries might get only PHP3,000 to strip local government units (LGUs) instead of PHP5,000),” Duterte said. of their role to provide emergency aid On Wednesday, the President to make sure that beneficiaries would receive the full financial aid from the tapped the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) national government. to lead the relief efforts, following

“Kaya careful ako. Tinanggal ko. complaints on the supposed unfair Wala akong sinabi sa LGU. Wala rin distribution of relief by some LGUs. akong sinabi sa barangay captain.

While he acknowledged the Kailangan ko sila. Pero maya, ‘yung magdating doon, makulang ang pera. complaints against LGUs, Duterte said ‘Pag ibigay mo, PHP5,000, ibigay, he believes that mayors and village

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National News captains are not involved in corrupt income families to help them with the activities. stress brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak.

“There’s always the sense of competition on anything that comes Poor households from Manila and from government. And mauna niyan, Parañaque were the first beneficiaries iyan nga yung kaltas-kaltas. The mayor, to receive emergency subsidies from hindi niya gagawin iyan kasi matatalo the national government on Friday. siya sa elections, nor the barangay captains. But down the line, hindi ko Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles na masabi. Wala naman ako (Mayors said the subsidies for other beneficiaries and village captains will not do that would be released in the coming days. because they might lose in the election.

But down the line, I cannot say). I’m not Under the PHP200-billion accusing anybody,” he said.

Emergency Subsidy Program, beneficiaries in Metro Manila will

Duterte noted that to avoid a receive PHP8,000 each, while those in “disaster”, he delegated the task of Central Luzon and Calabarzon will get distributing the assistance to the DSWD PHP6,500 each. led by Secretary Rolando “Rolly” Bautista. He added that he would allow Poor families in Western Visayas, the DSWD to seek the military’s help to Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, ensure the speedy distribution of aid. and Davao region will be granted a PHP6,000 subsidy each, while those living

“Sinabi ko kay Rolly, Gen. Bautista, in the Cordillera, Ilocos, and Cagayan secretary ng DSWD, ‘Ikaw na ang Valley will take home PHP5,500 each. humawak.’ Ang problema ngayon, sabi niya hindi kaya. Hindi kaya ang A subsidy of PHP5,000 will be distribution. Kulang ang tao niya (I told distributed to each beneficiary-family Gen. Rolly Bautista, secretary of DSWD, in Mimaropa, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, to lead the distribution. The problem is, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, he said the distribution could not be Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous done due to the lack of manpower). Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He can always call the armed forces,” the President said.

Duterte advised beneficiaries to stay home because the government will

Republic Act 11469 or the go to them directly to give assistance.

Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, inked

by Duterte on March 24, mandates “Diyan lang kayo. Huwag kayong the granting of a monthly emergency lumabas. Pupuntahan kayo (Just subsidy ranging from PHP5,000 to stay home and don’t go outside. The PHP8,000, depending on the regional assigned government personnel will go minimum wage, to about 18 million low- to you to give the aid),” he said. (PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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National News

DSWD distributes aid to first batch of ‘Bayanihan’ beneficiaries

By Christine Cudis

MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun distributing the social amelioration package to lowincome households heavily affected by the enhanced community quarantine brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said Friday that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries would receive their top-up grants for April.

Photo by Avito C. Dalan

reach the PHP8,000 subsidy.

Beneficiaries of the 4Ps will receive PHP3,650 to PHP6,650 per month for two months, depending on the prescribed emergency subsidy per

“The beneficiaries will receive region determined from the particular PHP750 for health and PHP600 for rice. region’s minimum wage levels.

So, they have PHP1,350 from (the) 4Ps program. (Also) note that walang The Department of Finance pasok sa (there are no classes in) April has earlier suggested that for Metro so the education grant is not included,” Manila beneficiaries, the grant would Dumlao said. be PHP8,000, while for other regions, it would be PHP5,000.

She added that the beneficiaries would receive PHP6,650 top-up from The regions that were covered for the social amelioration package to Friday’s schedule of release included

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National News Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

other health safety protocols would be strictly observed during the withdrawal of emergency cash assistance.

In a statement on Friday, the DSWD said program beneficiaries with Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) cash cards may withdraw from any Land Bank of the Philippines automated teller machines (LBP-ATMs) or any ATM subject to minimal charges.

The checks were turned over to the LGUs of Manila at 3 p.m. and Parañaque at 4 p.m. on Friday.

Meanwhile, for 4Ps beneficiaries who have yet to receive their cash cards, the city/municipal links will coordinate with them for the distribution of their grants.

In a separate interview, Interior and Local Government Manila Director Rolynne Javier also said the grants would be distributed to the households

by Monday.

Earlier, the DSWD declared “force majeure” for the 4Ps program covering February and March, which suspends the monitoring of compliance that serves as the basis for the computation of cash grants.

“The city government continues to distribute food supplies to Manila households while there is no amelioration package yet,” Javier added.

Director of the DSWD-NCR, Vic Tomas, said the LGUs would have to

The rest of the regions will receive distribute the checks for the social their subsidies on April 4 and 5. amelioration package beneficiaries.

“The payout, supervised by DSWD staff, will be through the LGUs to observe safety and security protocols in compliance with the (Inter-Agency

“They may also use their cash Task Force for the Management of cards to purchase necessary items in Emerging Infectious Diseases’) and establishments with point of sale (POS) health department(‘s) instructions,” terminal,” it added.

Tomas said.

The newly signed Republic Act 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as

This was later on extended to One” Act allows the government to cover April and May. provide emergency cash assistance to 18 million low-income households,

The DSWD said it has already including 4Ps household beneficiaries. coordinated with local government units (LGUs) and city/municipal links to This is to cushion the impact of ensure that proper arrangements would the public health emergency brought be made and that social distancing and about by the pandemic. (PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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National News

Duterte donates 1-month salary for Covid-19 response

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has opted to donate his onemonth salary to raise the national government’s emergency funds allocated to curtail the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country, Malacañang said on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the announcement, as he confirmed that most members of Duterte’s Cabinet have pledged to cut 75 percent of their monthly salaries from the month of April to December to help the government step up its fight against Covid-19.

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“The President is likewise donating his one-month salary for the cause,” Panelo said in a press statement.

Following the signing of Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act on March 24, Duterte can now tap PHP275-billion emergency funds to address the Covid-19 threat in the Philippines.

National News

On Saturday, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said majority of Cabinet members have pledged to donate 75 percent of their monthly wages to boost funding for countermeasures against Covid-19.

31, has been tasked as the main coordinating body to manage all the donations for Covid-19 response.

Panelo said some Cabinet secretaries have volunteered a salary deduction for the whole duration of the state of public health emergency to effectively halt the spread of the new pathogen.

“Assistant secretaries of the Offices of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson will continue providing financial and relief assistance from their salaries to groups who are at the front line of this health crisis in the succeeding months,” said Panelo, who is also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

“Other officials with the rank of secretaries are similarly giving portions of their respective salaries to boost the collective fight against the dreadful disease,” he said.

Panelo said the Palace was also pleased to know that the two other branches of the government have their own program of helping the battle against Covid-19.

On March 8, Duterte signed Proclamation 299, placing the entire Philippines under a state of public health emergency.

“We acknowledge the support given by various heads of offices and agencies in their personal capacities to thwart the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

The declaration of a state of public health emergency, which remains in effect unless lifted by Duterte, allows the government to immediately act on Covid-19 pandemic and utilize appropriate resources to implement measures to contain the coronavirus.

Apart from Cabinet secretaries, Panelo noted that assistant secretaries from his office have likewise committed to donate at least 10 percent of their income directly to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) this month.

One of the measures being implemented by the national government to arrest the spread of Covid-19 is the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in the island of Luzon. The measure is set to expire on April 12.

Panelo expressed confidence that the country would be successful in its fight against Covid-19.

“In the meantime, we call on our countrymen to be steadfast in our commitment to take care of each other

OCD, through Administrative in this imminent threat to our nation’s Order 27 inked by Duterte on March survival,” he said. (PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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National News

DAR releases guidelines on the issuance of ARB IDs during ECQ QUEZON CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) released Memorandum Circular No. 4 last Thursday, April 2, 2020 to serve as guidelines on the issuance of Identification Cards (IDs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in response to the current national health emergency measures arising from Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19.

It will be recalled that Congress passed on March 23, 2020 Republic Act No. 11469, entitled “An Act Declaring the Existence of a National Emergency Arising from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) Situation and a National Policy in Connection Therewith, and Authorizing the President of the Republic of the Philippines for a Limited Period and Subject to Restrictions to Exercise Powers Necessary and Proper to Carry Out the Declared National Policy and for Other Purposes,” or otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Office (LAO) Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan said “The ARB IDs will be issued for the purpose of facilitating the access of the ARBs on the various government assistance, especially during the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).”

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Included among the assistance being eyed to be facilitated by the DAR in favor of the ARBs is the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP), which is a social amelioration program to provide cash or non-cash subsidy to 18 million household beneficiaries. This program is being implemented under the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2020 signed between and among the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA), Finance (DOF), Budget and Management (DBM), and Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Included also is the Emergency Support Services Program to be implemented by the DAR-Support Services Office (SSO) that will benefit the ARBs, agrarian reform beneficiaries’ cooperatives (ARBOs) and agrarian reform communities (ARCs) at the field levels by conducting activities

National News to ensure food security, economic “The Memorandum Circular cover empowerment and promotion of ARBs’ all ARBs who have been issued with rights. registered Emancipation Patents (EPs), individual or collective Certificates of

Another is the Programs which Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), other provide benefits and services being titles issued under any agrarian reform offered by the Local Government Units program, and holders of Registered (LGUs), National Government Agencies, Leasehold Contracts”, he said.

Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, Bureaus, and other Pañgulayan estimated that instrumentalities of the government, as 352,511 ARBs will be covered by the well as in all Government Hospitals and ARB ID, who were given CLOAs from other public medical facilities.

Calendar Year 2010 to 2020.

And last is the Programs from either the public or the private sectors which provide other support services to ARBs, ARBOs, ARCs and agrarian reform cooperatives on health, credit accessibility, education, housing, and other related necessities.

“The ARB IDs to be issued under this Memorandum Circular shall be valid until December 31, 2020 unless sooner revoked or extended by the Secretary upon the recommendation of the Regional Director,” he said.

“The ARBs, who belong to the marginalized sectors of the society, are badly affected by the strict implementation of the government community quarantine, not only in the entire island of Luzon, but also in the other regions of the country due to the danger of pandemic COVID-19, which is rapidly transmitted from human to human and has already claimed thousands of lives, “ he said.

Pañgulayan emphasized that the Regional Office in coordination with the DAR Management Information Systems Service (MISS) will generate a masterlist of ARBs, and to expedite this process, the DAR Provincial Office (DARPO) may require the assistance of the DAR Municipal Office (DARMO) and supervise by the DARPO in the generation and issuance of IDs to individual ARBs.

Pañgulayan said the ARB ID will contain a control number based on the ARB’s title number and affixed with the official dry seal of the DAR, electronic signatures of the Secretary and the Regional Directors and countersigned by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer.

He added that the DARPO, upon receipt of the masterlist from the Regional Office and upon comparison with the record on file shall generate the corresponding ARB IDs with control numbers and dry seal and issue the IDs to the individual ARBs, through the DARMO. (DAR) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News

UP-developed Covid-19 test kits approved for commercial use

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test kits developed by the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH).

(Image grabbed from DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña’s Facebook page)

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved the Real-Time PCR for the detection of COVID-19 manufactured by the Manila HealthTek, Inc. for commercial use,” the FDA said in an advisory on Friday night.

week with coronavirus detection kit

“This is the first locally made PCR based COVID-19 test kit approved by the FDA which was developed in collaboration with the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Health

The UP-developed test kit was (UP-NIH), funded by the Department of previously approved by the FDA for Science and Technology (DOST),” the field trial.

FDA said.

Upon the company’s submission of necessary requirements, the FDA issued a certification for the COVID-19 test kit “to be allowed for commercial use”.

Aside from the locally-made PCR based test kit, the FDA has also approved one additional rapid test kit on Friday, namely, “Hightop SARSCoV-2 IgM/IgG Antibody”, bringing the total number of Covid-19 approved READ: UP-NIH to do 1K tests per test kits to 30. (PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News

RMSC quarantine area ready to house Covid-19 patients

By Christine Cudis

MANILA – The Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate is ready to serve as quarantine area for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) (Photo courtesy of NTF against Covid-19) asymptomatic and symptomatic patients beginning Wednesday.

In his briefer on Monday, National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 chief implementor, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the government has converted NAS into a 120-bed quarantine area to isolate and treat Covid-19 patients.

“The facility is equipped with WiFi and was turned into a comfortable 120-bed quarantine area,” said Galvez, also Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

Galvez along with Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco

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Duque III visited the RMSC quarantine area for monitoring on Monday.

He said the government and the private sectors pooled their resources to build comfortable recovery shelters for the patients.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President Vince Dizon said the quarantine site was turned over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police medical

COVID-19 News corps on Monday.

The military medical corps, composed of three doctors, five to 10 nurses, and 20 staff, will manage facility in compliance with the DOH policies.

Galvez also announced that both the quarantine areas of the Philippine International Convention Center and World Trade Center in Pasay City will be open this week.

He said PICC and World Trade between government and private Center quarantine areas can house sector, composed of the DOH, Department of Public Works and 294 and 502 patients, respectively.

Highways, the Inter-Agency Task Force

“We fast-tracked the completion for the Management of Emerging of these facilities in order to decongest Infectious Diseases, and the BCDA. our hospitals and to protect our frontMass testing liners,” Galvez said.

Aside from comfortable rooms and access to internet, Galvez said the patients and medical workers will also be provided with meals.

Galvez said the government is shifting its focus on gradual mass testing starting in the National Capital Region to identify and isolate all possible Covid-19 carriers.

Duque, for his part, said only “We now have 89,938 testing kits asymptomatic and with mild symptoms patients will be housed at the three and we will start with the testing here in the NCR, the epicenter. [Followed by] facilities. regions 4, 3, Davao, and Zamboanga

“This protocol may change peninsula,” he said. depending on the number of patients A DOH data shows a total of 20,092 under investigation and persons under monitoring. If a patient’s condition persons were tested for the Covid-19 worsens, he or she will be rushed with 20 percent or 3,616 of them have immediately to a hospital for proper been tested positive. management and treatment,” Duque

Galvez said over 13,000 patients added. under investigation (PUI) will be tested

The conversion of the three in the coming days. (With reports from quarantine facilities is a collaboration Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News

Gov’t praises health workers days before Day of Valor

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – The government praised health workers anew for working despite the constant threat to their lives posed by the 2019 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), just days before the country commemorates the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9.

Cabinet Secretary and InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said that despite Day of Valor being remembered as a time to honor the sacrifices of soldiers during World War II, history shows that every generation produces “its own set of heroes”.

threat to their lives and their well-being.

They are our real-life, real-time heroes,” he said in a virtual presser on Monday.

“For the past few weeks, as the country and the whole world has grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, our heroes have been our health workers and all our front-liners who continue to work despite the constant

He denounced anew acts of discrimination inflicted upon frontliners and Covid-19 cases, whether confirmed or suspected, recovered or undergoing treatment, patients under investigation (PUI) and persons under

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| APRIL 4-10, 2020

Besides health workers, he also considered overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as modern-day heroes for keeping the economy afloat through their remittances.

COVID-19 News monitoring (PUM).

Front-liners including health workers, those transporting essential goods, even without RapidPasses, are already allowed to pass through checkpoints with minimal interference with or without RapidPasses.

Earlier, he said the IATF-EID approved a resolution, urging the local government units (LGUs) to impose appropriate sanctions against persons who discriminate health workers, Covid-19 patients, suspected carriers, Nograles said exempted and even OFWs. individuals can apply for RapidPasses on the website rapidpass.ph.

He said the government will act on cases of discrimination after the Once their application is verified Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier and approved, they will receive a QR offered health workers with legal code, which they can either print or assistance if they have experienced save on their device. discrimination. Violators will also be slapped with criminal, civil, and Those without IDs can simply administrative charges, he added. present their control number to the checkpoint personnel along with a

Last Friday (April 3), stones were valid ID, he added. hurled at the residence of a family after they admitted that four more The RapidPass System was members tested positive for Covid-19. developed by the Department of The 70-year-old patriarch had died Science and Technology (DOST), from the viral disease last March 29.

Department of Information and Communications Technology, Armed Rapid Passes not required Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and DEVCON

While RapidPasses may be used Community of Technology eXperts by front-liners and other individuals (DCTx), a non-profit digital solutions exempted from the Luzon-wide developer. enhanced community quarantine to facilitate faster travel through

It will be available in all 56 quarantine checkpoints, Nograles said checkpoints in National Capital Region these are not required.

(NCR) but will be first rolled out in the

“The RapidPass will be available busiest checkpoints, such as the one at to everyone but it will not be required. the Marikina-Marcos Highway.

Puwede pa rin magpakita ng ID o documents para makadaan sa checkpoint (They can still show their ID or documents to pass through checkpoints),� he said.

This system will only last until the end of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon on April 12 unless an extension is approved. (PNA) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

53

COVID-19 News

More aid for public health workers amid Covid-19 crisis sought

MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has reiterated his call for the provision of special risk allowance for public health workers (PHWs) as they continue to work in hospitals and other health facilities despite the growing threats of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In a statement, Go said the services to respond to the public government must protect the welfare health emergency, placing their lives of PHWs who provide critical and urgent at risk.

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| APRIL 4-10, 2020

COVID-19 News

“Sa kabila ng enhanced community quarantine, patuloy pong nagseserbisyo sa bayan ang ating frontliners na mga public health workers upang masiguro ang ating kalusugan at kaligtasan (Despite the enhanced community quarantine, our front-liners continue to serve to ensure our health and safety),” he said.

granted SRA on top of the existing hazard pay they are receiving under the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers or the Covid-19 hazard pay under Administrative Order No. 26 (s.

2020), whichever is higher.

Noting their important role in the fight against the virus, Go, who also chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Joint Oversight Committee for the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, said that more government funds should be utilized for increased protection of the front-liners, particularly nurses, doctors, and other public health workers.

He added that the front-liners deserve to receive a risk allowance on top of hazard pay for their sacrifices, saying, “Nararapat lamang na mabigyan sila ng special risk allowance.

Kailanman ay hindi sila pababayaan ng gobyerno (They deserve to be given special risk allowance. The government would never neglect them).”

“Gamitin po natin ang pondong meron tayo para mabigyan ng

Under Section 4 of the Bayanihan proteksyon at alaga ang ating mga to Heal as One Act, President Rodrigo health workers, doctors, nurses at Duterte is given the temporary authority iba pang front-liners, tulad ng pulis at to provide SRA to PHWs. military (Let us use the fund that we have to protect and take care of our

PHWs may refer to medical, allied health workers, doctors, nurses, and medical and other necessary personnel other front-liners, like the police and the assigned to hospitals and healthcare military),” he added. facilities and who are directly catering to or in contact with Covid-19 patients, Earlier, Go also urged the patients under investigation, or persons government to provide hazard pay under monitoring. even to job order and contract of service workers employed by the

If approved, Go proposed national government as long as they that national government agencies, are required to report to work amid the government-owned and controlled enhanced community quarantine. corporations, and local government units will be authorized to grant their On March 23, Duterte issued respective PHWs a one-time Covid-19 Administrative Order No. 26 (s. 2020) SRA equivalent to a percentage of granting hazard pay to government their basic monthly salary. personnel, including job order and contract of service workers, who render

This means that PHWs may be work during the quarantine. (PR) APRIL 4-10, 2020 |

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