Caraga InFocus – August 15-21, 2020

CONTENTS

Caraga Volume IV, No. 34 August 15-21, 2020

INFOCUS

ARTICLES

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REGIONAL NEWS

DOH Caraga reports 16 COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths LGU Butuan completes SAP distribution OWWA Caraga assists 2,590 repatriated Caraganon OFWs Hybrid rice technology farm, tinututukan ng DA sa Caraga Region Proyektong makakatulong upang sugpuin ang local communist armed conflict sa rehiyon ng Caraga, patuloy na ipinapatupad OWWA-Caraga pinaghahandaan ang pagdating at pagturn-over ng OFW cremates mula sa bansang apektado rin ng COVID-19

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DOH Caraga hinikayat ang publiko na suriin ang presyo ng mga medical devices Grupo ng mga negosyante sa Caraga, namigay ng PPE para sa mga frontliners

PROVINCIAL NEWS AgNor frontliners receive ‘Thank you’ cards, food, gift packs P673M supplemental budget sa probinsya aprobado na 885 frontliners sa Agusan Norte binigyang pugay ng DRRM Council

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Oportunidad sa trabaho alang sa mga bag-ong migradwar gipaniguro sa gobernador sa Agusan Norte Mga residente sa AgSur nakiisa sa panawagan ng Phil. Red Cross Mga katutubo sa AgSur hiniling ang malakas na cellphone signal, internet access sa kanilang komunidad para sa pagbubukas ng klase TESDA launches Provincial Training Center in SurSur town SurSur town donates lot to TESDA Surigao Norte town buys P1.69-M products of local farmers

MINDANAO NEWS

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Zambo Norte town readies ‘Balik Probinsya’ plantation area

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Supporting Peace Efforts: P280-M loan fund sought for LDS cassava farmers

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NATIONAL NEWS Andanar vows to help Laguna craft action plan vs.

Covid-19 PCOO ‘ready, available’ to support blended learning: Andanar Palace appeals to nurses’ ‘sense of nationalism’ anew Duterte working ‘nonstop’ in Davao City: Palace DepEd assures funds for learning continuity plan

COVID-19 NEWS

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WHO chief warns against ‘vaccine nationalism’ PH lab experts eye possible use of saliva for Covid-19 test Plans need harmonized response up to local level: Galvez Covid-19 vaccine to remain free for 20-M indigents

COVER

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LGU-Butuan inaug molecular lab

By Venus L. G

T 4

he first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) molecular laboratory in Caraga region was recently established and inaugurated by the city government unit of Butuan.

| August 15-21, 2020

gurates COVID-19

Garcia

The local government hastened the operationalization of the testing facility situated at the Butuan Medical Center (BMC) after cases of local transmission have been recorded.

The medical staff of the BMC who would exclusively man the testing laboratory had completed and passed the necessary training.

The three real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machines of the new molecular diagnostic laboratory can potentially process 300 swab samples per week.

This technology is an important tool in detecting COVID-19 quickly, enabling doctors to immediately come up with a diagnosis and provide proper medical care, increasing the survival chance of patients.

It is also equipped with a special filtration system that would eliminate infectious droplets to ensure the safety of the medical staff who will be assigned at the testing laboratory.

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada thanked the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga and other partner stakeholders for the support in the realization of the project.

August 15-21, 2020 |

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“It is a global challenge, it is even threatening the developing countries, and the economy is also affected aside from the people themselves. So, I urge everyone to do your part to beat COVID-19. The government cannot do it alone. Your cooperation and the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ are crucial in this time of the pandemic. This is a team effort in fighting the unseen enemy,” Lagnada said in his speech during the inauguration.

Meanwhile, Dr. Caridad BurdeosPlete, OIC-Medical Director of BMC, expressed her gratitude to the local government of Butuan for the continued support in the efforts against COVID-19. She further hoped that the pandemic will be over soon and that more Caraganons will be spared from acquiring the virus. “No harm can ever penetrate if we ourselves will be proactive and collectively perform our duties to protect the people,” she said.

As part also of the preparation, a dedicated fleet of ambulances for COVID-19 patients is also readily available for use.

confirmed cases in the coming days so we should be more vigilant and practice the imposed guidelines,” said Lagnada.

Mayor Lagnada, together with DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose Llacuna, Jr., DOST Regional Director Dominga Mallonga, and City Councilor Cherry Mae Busa, led the cutting of the ribbon during the inauguration.

The newly constructed storage building and COVID-19 ward with 50bed capacity were also inaugurated.

The ward has two recovery rooms, four critical care units, operating and delivery rooms, and an isolation ward.

The total COVID-19 confirmed cases in Caraga region have reached

“We are aware of the increasing to 393 as of yesterday, August 16. The number of confirmed cases in our LGU and DOH are continuously urging region, but this is just the start. We need the Caraganons to follow the public the strict observance of the health health measures and respond to the protocols to prevent the spread of the call for “Bayanihan” in fighting against virus. We expect an increase of the coronavirus disease. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs Suspension of Frontline Services in the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Regional Office XIII, Caraga on August 21, 2020. This is in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day pursuant to Proclamation No. 845, s. 2019. (PRC-13) xx

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga is hosting a Re-orientation of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC Inter-Cluster Agencies on the Merged Functions at the Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City. Member agencies of the task force convene to discuss the inter-cluster merged functions and identify appropriate interventions substantiating the goals of the Executive Order No. 70 that will suit the conditions set under the new normal.

The Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) Loan Program offers loans to finance capital requirements of agri-fishery based micro and small enterprises.

Joint meeting with the IATF-MEID, NTF-COVID19, CORDS, RIATF, Caraga RTF-COCS, and LCEs, RTF COVID-19 One Caraga Shield chairperson and Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale Corvera disclosed that Caraga region has an estimated of P4.5B revenue loss from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in which 15,562 establishments are affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

REGIONAL NEWS

DOH Caraga reports 16 COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga reported on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, 16 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and two deaths in the region.

The department also reported 94 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) negative results from the following cases: a) Three suspect cases from Butuan Doctors’ Hospital, b) Twelve probable cases from Nasipit District Hospital, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, and Surigao del Sur Quarantine Facilities, c) 79 individuals who had positive Rapid Antibody-based Tests, close contacts of

previously confirmed cases and Health Care Workers.

Of the 16 positive cases, a) 75% (12) are from Butuan City wherein six are close contacts of case numbers 280 and 338, five are additional local transmission cases, and one health care worker with travel history to Davao City, b) 19% (3) are Locally Stranded Individuals coming from the areas of August 15-21, 2020 |

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Buenavista, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and Socorro, Surigao del Norte, and c) 6% (1) is from Kitcharao who was admitted in one of the hospitals in Butuan.

As to sex distribution, 56% (9) are males and 44% (7) are females.

Referring to age group, majority of the cases or 56% (9) are 51-80 years old, 13% (2) each for age groups: 10-20, 20-30, and 40-50 while 6% (1) belong to ages 0-10. The other new confirmed cases are from municipalities of Agusan del Norte: Buenavista (1), Kitcharao (1), San Francisco, Agusan del Sur (1) and Socorro, Surigao del Norte (1).

was referred immediately to a private health facility in Butuan, and died less than 24 hours from admission.

To date, COVID-19 confirmed positive cases in Caraga region now totals to 393 with 305 (78%) recoveries that have been discharged and released, 85 (21%) are active cases, and 3 (0.7%) deaths.

“Butuan City local transmission cases are still on the rise and regrettably, we now have two additional deaths,” said DOH Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr.

“For the past weeks, our cases

Asymptomatic cases are 63% (10), were consistently from the young and 13% (2) presently exhibit mild symptoms, productive age group.

13% (2) are moderately-severe, and 13% (2) had severe COVID-19 symptoms However, for this set of results, the which eventually led to their demise. older population is then again affected.

Furthermore, asymptomatic cases are strictly monitored in the designated With this, we reiterate our call quarantine facilities while symptomatic to protect our vulnerable population patients are admitted at identified especially our senior citizens, pregnant hospitals for management. women, and those with co-morbidities.

For the other members of the household,

For the two new COVID-19 exercise strict minimum health protocols deaths, DOH Caraga said the first like proper handwashing, physical case is a 30-year-old male from Butuan distancing of at least one meter, and City who had an onset of COVID-19 making sure that all items and dirty signs and symptoms on August 5, clothing are removed and cleaned sought consultation last August 11 and upon entering the house. We appeal admitted in a private hospital on the to our vulnerable groups to observe same date. Four days after, the patient social distancing and wear face mask died. The second case is a 79-year- if it is necessary to go out. Let us not let old female from Kitcharao, a known our guards down but continue to be Diabetic and Hypertensive, who had vigilant, seek early consultation and do onset of signs and symptoms on August not wait for your signs and symptoms to 4. The patient sought consultation last worsen,” added Dr. Llacuna, Jr. (DOH August 11 in a district hospital and Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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LGU Butuan completes SAP distribution

By Ramil V. Daygo

The city of Butuan completed its distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) financial subsidy to a total of 14,456 left-out/waitlisted beneficiaries, which started on July 29.

Due to the prevalence of local transmission in the city, the local government unit (LGU) had to strategize the appropriate mode of payout. As such, an offsite payout methodology and a special house-to-house payout strategy in Brgy. Buhangin, where the local transmission is most prevalent, was conducted.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion emphasized the adherence of the on-field personnel to health protocols during the payout to warrant the safety of both the residents and the personnel.

“We have ensured that health protocols were strictly adhered during the conduct of the distribution and so we hope that our beneficiaries will continue to practice the same vigilance as they expend the financial subsidy that they received,� she said.

The success of the SAP distribution was made possible in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and the supervision of the DILG Caraga. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIACaraga) August 15-21, 2020 |

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OWWA Caraga assists 2,590 repatriated Caraganon OFWs

As the lead agency tasked to protect and promote the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents and in line with the constant effort of extending the optimum support to the member-OFWs especially in this time of the pandemic, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office (RWO) Caraga continues to provide assistance to repatriated OFWs upon their arrival at the various ports of entry inside and outside Caraga region.

As of August 6, 2020, OWWACaraga has assisted a total of 2,590 repatriated OFWs from Manila, Cebu and other parts of the country. Of this number, 618 were residents of Butuan City, 465 from Agusan del Norte, 384 from Agusan del Sur, 545 from Surigao

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del Norte, 517 from Surigao del Sur and 61 from Dinagat Islands.

The said OFWs were sent home through a series of chartered/sweeper flights and Malasakit voyages from Manila to various ports of entries such

as in Laguindingan International Airport and Macabalan Port (Cagayan de Oro City), F. Bangoy International Airport (Davao City), Surigao City Port, Nasipit Port and Bancasi Airport in Butuan City.

They also adhered to all the established health protocols before they were allowed to board the plane and vessel that includes, Bureau of Quarantine Certificate yielding negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

All returning OFWs were provided with free food, food packs, transportation assistance during those times where the influx of Caraganon OFWs was in Cagayan de Oro City and referred to their respective LGUs for quarantine procedures and transportation from Butuan City going to their respective localities. With the resumption of flights in Bancasi Airport in July of this year, temporary shelter was provided to OFWs bound for Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands in cases of the late night or early dawn arrivals of the Philippine Airline sweeper flights and while waiting for their respective LGUs to fetch them.

Once fetched by their respective LGUs, the said OFWs will be subjected to the established health protocols in their areas such as the rapid antibody test and strict 14-day mandatory quarantine. For OFWs with positive rapid antibody test results, they will automatically undergo the RT-PCR for

confirmatory testing and will stay at the designated quarantine facility for further quarantine procedures.

Meanwhile, OWWA-Caraga has three repatriation teams rendering services 24/7 at the airport and as the need arises. The repatriation assistance was successfully provided through the support and coordination with other partner agencies like Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), other members of the Regional Task Force for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield and most importantly the provincial and local government units here in Caraga region. (OWWA13/PIA-Caraga) August 15-21, 2020 |

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Hybrid rice technology farm, tinututukan ng DA sa Caraga Region

By Nora C. Lanuza

Upang mabigyan ng mas magandang ani ang mga magsasaka sa rehiyon ng Caraga, isang 100-hectare area rice technology demonstration farm para sa hybrid rice sa lungsod ng Butuan ang tinututukan ngayon ng Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga.

Sa taong kasalukuyang Basag at Lemon sa Butuan ang wet cropping season, 61 farmer- kasama sa nasabing rice technology cooperators ng barangay Ampayon, demonstration.

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Ayon kay DA Caraga regional director Abel James Monteagudo, mahalaga ang technology demonstration area upang malaman kung ano magandang practice at variety para sa rehiyon, at makita din ng mga magsasaka ang maging resulta nito. Kung saan ang mayroong magandang resulta, iyon din ang gagamitin sa rehiyon.

pre-planting activities, may nga seedlings ng naibigay ang DA at mga partners nito, mga input requirements, crop protection at pati na rin technical assistance.

Binigyang diin din ni Butuan city administrator Reynante Desiata ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng mga partners lalo na sa teknolohiya ng pagsasaka, dahil dito mas madagdagan pa ang kita ng mga magsasaka at malaking tulong upang matupad ang hinahangad ng lungsod na maging “city of opportunity.�

Dagdag pa ni director Monteagudo, kung saan ang mayroong magandang resulta, iyon din ang gagamitin sa rehiyon dahil sa panahon na may coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), malaki ang obligasyon ng Ang nasabing rice technology mga magsasaka dahil hindi pwedeng demonstration ay isa ding paghahanda mahinto ang industirya ng pagkain. sa gagawing 11th national rice technology forum sa darating ng

Sa ngayon, ang mga farmer- Oktubre kung saan ang rehiyon ang cooperators ay abala na sa kanilang magiging host nito. (NCLM/PIA Caraga) August 15-21, 2020 |

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Proyektong makakatulong upang sugpuin ang local communist armed conflict sa rehiyon ng Caraga, patuloy na ipinapatupad

By Nora C. Lanuza

Sa pangunguna ng Department of the Interior and Local Government o DILG, patuloy ang implementasyon ng mga proyektong may kaugnayan sa pagpapatupad ng Executive Order No. 70 upang tuluyang masugpo ang local communist armed conflict sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Sa ginawang pagtitipon na dinaluhan ng mga local chief executives, local government opeartions officers, partner agencies at iba pang mga stakeholders upang

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mas mapalakas at mapadali ang pagpapatupad nito gumawa ng pagrereview ng mga aktibidades at mga proyektong ipapatupad at sa iba’t ibang barangay na tukoy ng

pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pangangailan. retooled community support program (RCSP) ng DILG.

Sinabi din Annabel Yangson ng DILG, marami ng nasimulan at natapos

Ayon kay DILG Caraga regional noong taong 2019 pero kinakailangan director Lilibeth Famacion, patuloy na pang ipagpatuloy ang mga ito upang bibisita sa mga barangays katuwang tuluyan ng makarating ang proyekto ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa mga naturan glugar at makamit upang magbigay ng mga kaukulang ang tunay na kapayapaan. Sa taong interventions dito.

2019 na-implementa ang RCSP sa 79

Dagdag pa ni director Famacion, STG-affected barangays ng Caraga walang barangay na maiiwan sa pag- region. unlad kahit paman may banta ang coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa kalusugan. Lahat ng mga 80 barangays na tukoy ay makakatanggap ng proyekto, depende sa kanilang

Sa ngayon patuloy ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto at aktibidades sa mga tukoy na barangays ng rehiyon. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

OWWA-Caraga pinaghahandaan ang pagdating at pagturn-over ng OFW cremates mula sa bansang apektado rin ng COVID-19

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Habang abala pa rin ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga sa pagtulong sa returning OFWs o ROFs na nastranded sa Luzon at Visayas, pinaghahandaan din ngayon ng ahensiya ang posibleng pagdating ng mga labi ng OFWs na namatay sa mga bansang apektado ng coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Ayon kay OWWA-Caraga regional director Irene Cambaling, kabilang sa mga ito ay Caraganon OFWs. Ang labi ng OFW ay kailangang ma-cremate muna bago ibiyahe sa rehiyon at maihatid sa kani-kanilang pamilya.

Sagot ng ahensiya ang gastosin ng cremation bilang tulong na rin sa mga naulilang pamilya.

“Gastos lahat ng ahensiya ang gastosin mula sa Luzon at pagpapadala ng cremates ng OFW sa kanyang pamilya, para maibsan kahit papaano ang kanilang pagdadalamhati,� ani ni Cambaling.

Kaugnay nito, binigyang-diin din ni Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., na kailangang magkaisa at magtulungan ang lahat ng LGUs sa rehiyon para sa pagpapatayo ng isang crematorium para sa labi ng expired COVID-19 patients.

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Bahagi pa rin ito ng pagpapatupad ng new normal.

Samantala, sa isang meeting ng Regional Task Force COVID-19 One Caraga Shield, binigyang-diin din ni Ray Gregory Jaranilla ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga na patuloy ang kanilang koordinasyon kasama ang OWWA at iba pang kinauukulang ahensiya sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng locally stranded individuals (LSIs), ROFs at maging ang posibleng pagdating din ng cremated remains ng OFWs sa ilang probinsya ng rehiyon.

Hiniling naman ni Director Cambaling sa ROFs na habaan pa ang pasensya sakaling kabilang sila sa mga naantala sa paguwi sa rehiyon dahil na rin sa limitado at by batch ang biyahe pabalik sa kani-kanilang probinsya.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga hinikayat ang publiko na suriin ang presyo ng mga medical devices

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Hinikayat ng Department of Health (DOH) Caraga ang publiko na alamin ang umiiral na presyo ng medical devices kagaya ng face shield and face masks na ginagamit upang panangga laban sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Kasunod ito sa striktong pagsusuot ng face shields sa pampublikong transportasyon simula Agosto 15, base sa mandato ng Department of Transportation (DOTr).

0345 ng DOH. Makikita ang naturang memorandum sa kanilang opisyal na Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/caraga.doh.gov.ph/.

Samantala, tuloy naman ang

Karamihan sa commercially pagtaas ng recovery rate ng mga available na devices ay hindi medical nagka COVID-19 sa Caraga region. grade kung kaya’t kinakailangang tutukan ang presyo ng mga ito. Ngunit Umabot na sa 305 o 81 percent nilinaw ng kagawaran na bagama’t sa kabuuang bilang ng kumpirmadong hindi medical grade ang ginagamit na kaso sa rehiyon ang nakarecover at devices ay pwede pa rin naman itong nadischarge na. gamitin.

Kasalukuyang may 85 active

Paalala ng DOH Caraga, ang cases, 189 cumulative probable cases, suggested retail price (SRP) ng mga 301 cumulative suspect cases, at medical devices ay nakasaad sa tatlong deaths ang rehiyon. (DMNR/ Department Memorandum 2020- PIA-Caraga) August 15-21, 2020 |

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Grupo ng mga negosyante sa Caraga, namigay ng PPE para sa mga frontliners

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Tumanggap ng mga personal protective equipment (PPE) ang mga kawani ng Overseas Wokers Welfare Administration (OWWA) sa Caraga region.

Malimit kasi silang exposed sa mga sinasalubong na mga locally stranded individuals (LSIs) at mga returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs). Ang OWWA ay isa lamang sa mga ahensiyang tumanggap ng ayuda mula sa grupo ng mga negosyante.

May pabaon pang food packs sa mga LSIs at ROFs bago umuwi sa kanikanilang lalawigan.

Matumal man ang kita ngayong may pandemya, umaasa pa rin ang mga negosyante sa Caraga region na makakabangon din ang business

“Pasalamat kami sa Agusan sector at uunlad pa ang ekonomiya.

Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Incorporated dahil part ng “Kapag siguro may vaccine na kanilang corporate social responsibility laban COVID-19, mas makakaplano ang pagbibigay ng face masks. Ang na kami at makaka-expand ng aming mga face masks na ito ay hindi lang mga negosyo,” pahayag ni Joey Tan, para sa amin. Nirerepack namin ito at part ito sa food packs para sa mga presidente ng Agusan Filipino-Chinese ROFs,” ani ni OWWA-Caraga regional Chamber of Commerce Incorporated.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga) director Irene Cambaling.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgNor frontliners receive ‘Thank you’ cards, food, gift packs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council members of Agusan del Norte visited the medical frontliners in the existing health facilities in the province.

The team also reached out to the personnel of the rural health units and isolation facilities and handed over food and gift packs to the frontliners.

Those who are manning the quarantine control points have also received the same from the team.

Agusan del Norte for the 885 frontliners in the said province who continuously give their best in serving the people amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“One way to lift the spirits of the frontliners is to recognize their

This activity formed part of the valuable efforts, especially during tribute initiated by the PDRRMC- this COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19

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patients would not be treated if not because of our medical frontliners who continue to risk their lives to help co-Filipinos who are affected by this crisis,” cited Agusan del Norte Governor and PDRRMC chair Dale Corvera.

the hardships and sacrifices of our frontliners who continue to provide the needed services during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Anjo Arante, a member of Young ADNERT.

Meanwhile, for a frontliner like Dr. Gertrudes Cembrano, she was

The youth organizations and thankful for the local government’s volunteers also gave “Thank You” initiative and effort in recognizing their cards to the frontliners. efforts and valuable contributions to the people during this time of the

“We truly recognize the valuable pandemic. effort and contribution of our frontliners who continue to take risks “We are thankful that the local just to handle this crisis on COVID-19 and help patients be treated, as well government has recognized our efforts as prevent others from the infection,” as frontliners and this simple gesture bared Kim Lawrence Palarca, vice would inspire us to do more and help president of the Young Agusan del more Filipino people who are greatly Norte Emergency Response Team affected by this COVID-19 crisis,” said Dr. Gertrudes Cembrano, hospital (ADNERT). chief of Nasipit District Hospital. (JPG/

“We are the living witness of PIA-Caraga) August 15-21, 2020 |

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P673M supplemental budget sa probinsya aprobado na

By Ramil L. Pasco

Pinaagi sa Provincial Resolution No. 347-2020, gi aprobahan na bagohay pa lamang sa Sanguniang Panlalawigan ang 5th Supplemental Annual Investment Program (AIP) para sa tuig 2020 sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte, nga mokabat sa kantidad nga P673,552,025.13.

Subay kini sa Provincial Development Council Execom Res. No. 15-2020 nga gi-indosar ni Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera ngadto sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga nag-unod sa mga prayoridad nga proyekto, programa ug uban pang mga aktibidad (PPAs) sa probinsya basi sa mga nakahan-ay nga mga listahan para sa proyekto karon tuiga.

Hospital (KDH), Jabongga Municipal Hospital (JMH), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), ug Department of Education-Cabadbaran City;

3. Economic Development Sector adunay gahin nga P9,754,569.40, lakip na niini ang Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Provincial Veterinarian Office (PVO), ug Provincial Economic

Gi bahin ang maong kantidad Enterprise Development and sa nagkalain-lain nga mga sector ug Management Office (PEEDMO); mga buhatan nga adunay mando nga ma-implimentar ang maong mga

4. Environment Development PPAs sa mosunod: Committee- ENRD-PGO P6,746,610.00;

1. Development Administration 5. Infrastructure Development Sector sa Provincial Engineering Sector nga adunay budget nga ubos P16,170,235.00, lakip na niini ang Office (PEO) nga adunay gahin nga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & P573,000,000.00.

Management Office (PDRRMO);

Sa pagpangamahan ni Vice

2. Social Development Sector nga Gov. Ramon A.G. Bungabong ang adunay budget nga P68,102,040.00 maong resolution gi aprobahan lakip na niini ang Provincial Health atol sa ika 53rd regular session sa Office (PHO), Cabadbaran District Sanguniang Panlalawigan.

(LGU Hospital (CDH), Las Nieves Municipal Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Hospital (LNMH), Kitcharao District Norte)

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885 frontliners sa Agusan Norte binigyang pugay ng DRRM Council

By Nora C. Lanuza

Bilang pagkilala sa serbisyo at sakripisyo ng mga frontliners maging sa hospital, checkpoints, rural health units at isolation facilities sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte laban sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nagsagawa ng isang tribute ang provincial disaster risk reduction and management council o PDRRMC sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa lahat ng mga frontliners sa buong probinsya.

August 15-21, 2020 |

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Walong daan at walumpo’t limang (885) frontliners ang nakatanggap ng mga food at gift packs mula sa council. Nagbigay din ng kanilang pasasalamat ang mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng isang thank you cards sa pangunguna na mga Young Agusan del Norte Emergency Response Team o Young ADNERT.

labanan ang COVID-19.

Ayon kay Kim Lawrence Palarca, vice president ng Young ADNERT at Anjo Arante, miyembro ng Young ADNERT, malaki ang kanilang pasasalamat sa mga frontliners dahil dito may pagkakataon pa silang magkaroon ng magandang buhay dahil nandiyan ang frontliners laging handa upang

Ayon din kay Gob. Corvera, ang ginawang tribute ay isa lang sa mga paraan upang mabigyan ng pagkilala ang mga serbisyo at sakripisyo ng mga frontliners sa kanilang laban kontra sa COVID-19 upang maprotektahan ang mga Agusanons sa nasabing virus.

(NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Bilang isang provincial COVID-19 facility, hindi rin madali sa mga frontliners ng Nasipit District Hospital ang kanilang naranasan kung kaya’t laking tuwa ni Dr. Gertrudes Cembrano, ang chief ng hospital sa tribute na bigay sa kanila, sa pagkilala ng kanilang mga sakripisyo.

Oportunidad sa trabaho alang sa mga bag-ong migradwar gipaniguro sa gobernador sa Agusan Norte

By Karen V. Decamotan

Daghang oportunidad sa Agusan del Norte bisan sa mga limitasyon nga dala sa krisis tungod sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ug giawhag ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ang mga bag-ong migradwar nga tan-awon kini uban ang hagit nga motabang pagpasiuli ug pagpaangat pa sa kahimtang sa ekonomiya ug kalidad sa katilingbanong serbisyo sa probinsya.

Sa iyang virtual commencement address sa mga migradawar sa Caraga State University – Cabadbaran City Campus, partikuar nga gitumbok sa gobernador ang mga oportunidad nga motumaw sa mosunod nga mga bulan tungod sa kampanya sa kalambuan nga gipadagan sa iyang administrasyon nga mao ang AGUSAN UP!.

Ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, gipadagan sa probinsya ang programang AGUS 3Ps o Plant and Process for Prosperity nga mas nailhan sa mga proyekto niini nga Plant! Plant! Plant ug Process!

Process! Process, duha sa mga proyekto nga gilantaw’ng momugna og libuang trabaho.

ang mga proyekto nga nagpakusog pa sa katilingbanong serbisyo ug momugna og laing libuang trabaho ubos sa Amomang Agusanon, ang mga proyekto nga magpasiuli sa kabaskug sa kinaiyahan ubos sa programang Lunhaw’ng Agusan ug mga proyekto alang sa malukpanong pagdumala ubos sa Hiniusang Lihuk Agusan.

“Mga minahal kong graduates, ingnon ko nga daghang mga oportunidad aron makab-ot ninyo ang gidamgo ninyong ugma. Mahimong mugnaon ninyo kini dinhi sa probinsya ug napundar na nato ang gambalay sa pagpalambo nga makatabang aron mahuptan ninyo ang katumanan niini,” sumala ni Gob. Corvera.

Gipadagan usab sa probinsya

Dugang

sa

gobernador

nga

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kinahanglan sa probinsya ang mga tawo sa nagkalain-laing hawanan sa pagpalambo sama sa agrikultura, pagproseso, pamaligya ug pagoperate sa mga pasilidades, apil na ang gitawag nga digital lane.

panginahanglan daku ang nahimong hagit sa CSU-Cababaran ug uban pang eskwelahan sa paghatag sa mga mogradwar sa nahisgutang mga katakus.

Gipadangat usab sa gobernador

Kinahanglan usab sa probinsya sa maong okasyon ang iyang pahalipay ang mga tawo nga moatiman sa sa mga ginikanan nga ang-antus aron katilingbanong serbisyo diha sa lang makahuman og kurso ang ilang gobyerno ug pribadong sektor. mga anak. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA

Tungod usab niini nga Agusan del Norte)

Mga residente sa AgSur nakiisa sa panawagan ng Phil. Red Cross

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Tumugon ang mga residente ng Barangay Poblacion sa bayan ng Rosario, probinsya ng Agusan del Sur sa panawagan ng Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Sur Chapter para magdonate ng dugo.

Isa sa kanila si Charity Canudas, isang estudyante. “Isang kasiyahan para sa amin na representative ng youth na makapagdonate lalo na sa pandemic ngayon na maraming nangangailangan ng dugo. Kaya napaka-blessed ko ngayong araw na ito na makapagdonate ng dugo kasama ang iba pang sektor,” banggit niya.

“Layun ng bloodletting activity na ito na makakolekta ng dugo mula sa mga donors upang makatulong sa mamamayan ng Agusan del Sur na nangangailangan ng dugo sa panahong ito ng pandemya at para na rin sa mga cancer patients, surgical operations, at mga buntis,” ani ni Regine Gail Casido, ng CSR Blood Services, PRC-Agusan del Sur Chapter.

Umabot ng 68 units ng dugo ang

Sinamahan ng higit 70 kabarangay nakolekta ng Red Cross sa nasabing si Charity sa pagdo-donate ng dugo. aktibidad.

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“Sa kabila ng pandemya ngayon, kami sa Barangay Council ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa mga nag-donate ng dugo. Ang mga ito ay malaking tulong din sa mga nangangailangan lalo na sa mga may sakit,� ani ni Joel Bantilan, punong barangay ng Poblacion,

Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Tumanggap naman ang bawat donor ng isang supot ng bigas at ilang canned goods bilang pasasalamat at tulong na rin ng mga miyembro ng council sa nasabing barangay para sa mga residente. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Mga katutubo sa AgSur hiniling ang malakas na cellphone signal, internet access sa kanilang komunidad para sa pagbubukas ng klase

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Problemado ang mga katutubo sa mga liblib na lugar sa Agusan del Sur ngayong nalalapit na ang pagsisimula ng pasukan ng kanilang mga anak.

Dahil sa blended learning na ipatutupad ngayon, pahirapan ang signal ng mga cellular phone companies at internet connection sa lugar.

(NCIP), na siya ring executive director ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC), isa ito sa pinarating ng mga leaders ng tribong Higaonon, Banwaon at Manobo.

Kaya sa dayalogo kasama si Secretary Allen Capuyan ng National Bukod pa riyan ang malinis na Commission on Indigenous Peoples suplay ng tubig at maayos na kalsada.

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“Ang pinaka-importante na talagang kailangan namin dito sa aming barangay ay signal. Napakahirap makasagap ng signal dito. Yung mga teachers na naka-assign dito nahihirapan din dahil sa kawalan ng signal para sa komunikasyon. Lalo na ngayong nalalapit na ang pasukan, kahit may ibang paraan kailangan pa rin namin ng signal,” pahayag ni Bae Naytalogpad Ligaya Ayocdong, bise presidente ng Brgy. Salug Women’s Association.

sa pag-package ng aming mga finish products at ma-sustain ito,” sabi ni Datu Balobagyo Carlos Otacan, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) sa bayan ng Esperanza.

“Nananawagan kami sa ating presidente na mabigyan kami ng mga programang pang-agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng trainings upang mas mahasa pa kami sa tama at naaayon na paraan ng pagsasaka. Nais din sana naming magkaroon ng training

“Sa ating kinakaharap na pandemya ngayon kung saan kahit tayo ay nasa bundok kailangan pa ring mag-mask dahil ito ay omnibus order sa pagsunod ng health protocol,” ani ni Mayor Manpatilan. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tiniyak naman ng kalihim ang pag-aksyon ng pamahalaan sa mga hinaing ng mga katutubo ng Agsan del Sur.

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat din Mayor Leonida Manpatilan sa aktibong partisipasyon ng mga

Hiling din nila sa pamahalaan, ang IPs sa ginagawang hakbang ng mapalakas ang sektor ng agrikultura sa gobyerno upang matugunan ang lugar. pangangailangan ng mga tribu.

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TESDA launches Provincial Training Center in SurSur town

By Lee Escobal

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Marihatag launched its Provisional Provincial Training Center (PPTC) at CASAMA LAHDZ 3 Health Institute Building in Poblacion, Marihatag, this province.

First District Rep. Prospero Pichay led the ribbon cutting and the unveiling of the PPTC-Marihatag approved programs together with Provincial Administrator Pedro Trinidad representing Governor Alexander Pimentel, TESDA officials, LGU officials headed by Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio,

and other government representatives.

agency

During the event, TESDA Caraga Regional Director Ashary Banto has awarded the LGU of Marihatag the Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR) on Masonry National Certificate August 15-21, 2020 |

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(NC) II, Driving NC II, Electrical Installation Production with an allocated budget and Maintenance NC II, and Organic of P3M and P600,000.00 for skills training.

Agriculture Production NC II.

Cong. Pichay assured that he will

Director Banto also lauded the LGU allocate P20 million for the construction of Marihatag for the strong partnership of the Provincial Training Center and support to TESDA programs and building and another P40 million for the initiatives. construction of the Regional Training Center in Cantilan.

Mayor Pelenio, on the other hand, expressed his commitment and support The training for the approved in providing the needed equipment, program will commence this week. supplies and materials, and other The scholarship package includes utilities for the implementation of the free training, free assessment, training skills training. support fund of P160 per day, personal protective equipment (PPE) allowance

Meanwhile, the LGU Marihatag amounting to P500, internet allowance through Vice Mayor Jovita Umapas amounting to P500, and a one-year has awarded TESDA Surigao del Sur accident insurance coverage from Provincial Office chief Provincial GSIS. Director Julius Sol Jamero the deed of donation of the two-hectare lot Those interested Surigaonons may where the Provincial Training Center visit the Provincial Training Center in will be constructed. The building will be Marihatag for more details. (TESDA/PIAconstructed through the Training-cum- Surigao del Sur)

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SurSur town donates lot to TESDA

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The local government unit (LGU) of San Miguel has donated a lot to the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the construction of a TESTA training court in the town.

Mayor Hazel Elizalde represented

by Rosely Lina handed over the deed of donation documents to TESDA Provincial Director Julius Sol Jamero, together with Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) chief Marcos Quico during the regular meeting of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) held at the Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU)-San Miguel Campus in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, Barangay Umalag in San Miguel town also availed the scholarship training under the Executive Order No. 70 project that would benefit the former rebels and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the area.

According to Dir. Jamero, Barangay Umalag has a total of 175 approved scholarship slots for Organic Agriculture Production National Certificate II (NC II).

Each scholar can avail of the free training, free assessment; P160 worth of daily training support fund, P500 worth of PPE allowance, and one-year accident insurance coverage from the Government

The donated lot measures 9,627 Service Insurance System, Dir. Jamero noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) square meters.

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Surigao Norte town buys P1.69-M products of local farmers

By Alexander Lopez

FARMERS ‘ MARKET. The ‘Tabo sa Munisipyo’ program of the local government of Claver in Surigao del Norte helps farmers and fishermen sell their products amid the implementation of community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease 2019. The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region hopes the town’s initiative would be replicated by other local government units. (Photo courtesy of DA-13 Information Office)

The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has commended the initiative of the Claver municipal government in Surigao del Norte for buying the agricultural products of its local farmers.

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“The move of the LGU-Claver demonstrates that we could do more if we will strategize the food supply chain in our community,” said DA-13 Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo in a statement Thursday.

Monteagudo also expressed hope the town’s initiative will continue and would be replicated by other local government units (LGUs) in the Caraga Region.

middle of March 2020 limits our work and field operations but this did not hinder us to continue our partnership with our local farmers to address food availability and accessibility in the municipality,” Quirequire was quoted as saying.

“The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) reached out to 35 rice farmers from the irrigator’s association and farmer groups within the town to supply milled rice for the relief operations,” he

“This will be instrumental in said, adding the town also purchased improving farm productivity, thereby around 532 bags of rice from the local improving the quality of lives of the farmers at the price of PHP2,200 per farmers,” Monteagudo said. bag of 50 kilograms.

According to DA-13, the Claver LGU--led by Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangke--has found a way of making the farmers in the area productive and at the same time ensuring the availability of food supply to all their constituents.

Aside from the milled rice, the LGU also bought around 810 kilos of squash at PHP10.00 per kilo from the local farmers and outsourced assorted vegetables from the other municipalities and cities in the region with a total worth of PHP521,167, he added.

Since the start of the community quarantine in the middle of March this year, DA-13 noted that Claver has strengthened its partnerships with different farmers’ organizations in the area through its “Tabo sa Munisipyo” or the “Market at the Municipal Hall” program.

Claver’s procurement initiative, Quirequire said, has benefited a total of 13,674 families in the municipality, not only through the direct selling at the “Tabo sa Munisipyo”, but also through the relief operations conducted during the lockdown.

Carlos Quirequire, Claver’s acting municipal agriculture officer, said the local government has already bought over PHP1.69 million worth of agricultural goods directly from local farmers.

“We wanted to help our farmers by buying their products to ensure their income despite the implementation of the community quarantine. Aside from it, the LGU sees a better alternative of providing nutritious food packs for our constituents,” Quirequire said.

“The imposition of the localized community quarantine measures in the

He added that farmers who sell August 15-21, 2020 |

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100 bags of fresh palay directly to traders can only earn around PHP85,000 compared to the earning of PHP116,000 if farmers sell the same volume of fresh palay to LGU Claver.

Rene Taer, the president of the Ladgaron Irrigators’ Association has expressed gratitude to LGU Claver for the support they received especially during the lockdown.

“Without the proactive measures of the municipal office, we will be selling our fresh palay to the rice traders at a farm gate price ranging from PHP16 to PHP18 per kilo. But the rice procurement initiated by the LGU during the lockdown aids us to earn more out of our products as they encouraged us to do value-adding to boost our income,” Taer said.

He added that their office also provided assistance to local farmers through linkages to market their products outside of the municipality.

He was also grateful to the initiative of LGU Claver for buying out his 25 bags of milled rice with a total price of PHP55,000.

“We used different platforms in the social media to help our farmers sell their products to other towns and cities during the lockdown,” Quirequire said.

Quirequire said the “Tabo sa Munisipyo” program also allowed farmers and fishermen to directly sell their products, especially during the quarantine.

Among those who benefited from the linkage support was the family of Russel Acero, whose father is a watermelon farmer from Barangay Sapa, Claver.

The “Tabo sa Munisipyo is our version of “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” here in our town. This is to help our farmers and fishers to continue earning even at the height of the pandemic. This is also our way to ease the difficulties of consumers in accessing fresh produce at a good price,” Quirequire said.

“Due to the lockdown, we encountered cancellation of orders from our usual buyers. But with the quick response of the MAO, we were able to sell our 10,000 kilos of watermelon at PHP8.00 per kilo through online orders and at the Tabo sa Munisipyo,” Acero said. (PNA)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Zambo Norte town readies ‘Balik Probinsya’ plantation area

By Che Palicte

The municipality of Kalawit in Zamboanga del Norte has earmarked a 200-hectare plantation area for the first 200 families coming home from Metro Manila under the government’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2).

In a statement on Thursday, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the agency turned over on August 18 PHP500,000-support fund for the survey of the proposed BP2 site.

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“I met with Kalawit Mayor Salvador Antojado and Zamboanga del Norte official Joey Bernad in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to turn over the support fund.

The Kalawit Balik Probinsya Resettlement Village is one of the four Pilot Sites chosen

to serve as model BPBPP communities all “In contrast, the Kauswagan Model only has a compact area of 6.3-hectares over the country,” Piñol said. where the beneficiaries will undertake

The other sites, Piñol said, are in Organic Chicken and Vegetable Camarines Sur, Leyte, and Kauswagan, Production,” he said.

Lanao del Norte.

BP2 is being pushed by Senator

Kalawit, a young town with vast, Christopher Lawrence Go and backed unused land, offered to host 200 families by President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued originally from Zamboanga del Norte Executive Order No. 114 to institutionalize who are now temporarily living in Metro the initiative.

Manila.

EO114 said BP2 aims to “ensure

Quoting Mayor Antojado, Piñol balanced regional development said the families to be selected for the and equitable distribution of wealth, Kalawit resettlement will be those who resources and opportunities through would be willing to till the land and get policies and programs that boost involved with agriculture. countryside development and inclusive growth; provide adequate social

He said each family will be given services, and promote full employment, a house and the whole community will industrialization and improved quality of work as one in undertaking agricultural life in rural areas.” (PNA) production.

Supporting Peace Efforts: P280-M loan fund sought for LDS cassava farmers

Malabang, Lanao del Sur - The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will present to the its funding partner, the Development Bank of the Philippines, a P280-M loan program to finance an expansion program for Cassava production farms in the poor towns of Lanao del Sur.

In a meeting in Mataling, and officers of the Matling Industrial Malabang yesterday, MinDA officials Commercial Corporation (MICC) August 15-21, 2020 |

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agreed to fasttrack work on a financial the country at 69%. loan fund of P240-million loan for an expansion program covering 8,000 The proposed expansion area will hectares. complement the existing production fields totalling 3,500 hectares.

It was the second meeting between MinDA and MICC officials A Cassava farmer is projected following my visit to the MICC Cassava to earn about P70,000 per hectare by Starch Production Facility in March. planting the recommended variety of

In that visit, I saw the newly- MICC, Lakan 1, which has a very high completed Corn Starch Processing starch content. facility, MICC’s second, which needed Cassava Starch is used for food additional production areas to be fully processing and also industrial uses. utilized.

The financial loan package will

MICC official Sally Mancilla said propose a low-interest loan of P35,000 the second processing facility worth per hectare for 8,000 hectares.

P400-M which is not operating because of lack of Cassava tubers.

With an average landholding of 2 hectares per family, the program is

The expansion program which expected to lift up 4,000 families from would cover 8,000 hectares in several abject poverty and contribute to the towns in Lanao del Sur is also aimed at peace gains of the administration of reducing poverty in the province which President Duterte in the Bangsamoro has the highest poverty incidence in Autonomous Region.

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NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Andanar vows to help Laguna craft action plan vs.

Covid-19 Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday pledged to assist Laguna’s provincial government in crafting a new action plan to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province.

situation in their province and will help in crafting the government’s next action plan for Laguna,” Andanar said.

His meeting with Hernandez came after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved on Wednesday Resolution 62, directing its members to provide stronger support to local government units (LGUs).

The resolution tasked IATFEID members to strictly monitor the LGUs’ health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance with surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

Andanar said he had been briefed about the challenges being faced by the local government of Laguna.

He said he and Hernandez have agreed to work together to fight Covid-19 and mitigate its impact on the province.

“The governor also cited the big help that the provincial government has been receiving from the national government while we explore how we

Andanar made the commitment can provide further assistance to the a day after his virtual meeting with province,” Andanar said.

Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez.

In a press statement, he said his first meeting with Hernandez focused on the provincial government’s efforts to address the Covid-19 outbreak.

Having a “well-coordinated” contact tracing strategy among affected villages and industrial parks and ensuring the stability of medical supplies are among the new approaches of the Laguna government, he said.

“Their presentation was very insightful for us to understand the

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Andanar guaranteed that the

national government would help Laguna control and manage the transmission rate and effects of Covid-19 in the province.

and we will continue to engage the provincial government in monitoring the progress of the province as we assist them towards their full recovery.

Together, we will heal and rise as one

“We are committed to supporting nation,” he said. (PNA/ Ruth Abbey the local government units in Laguna Gita-Carlos)

PCOO ‘ready, available’ to support blended learning: Andanar

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday assured that his office is “ready and available” to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) in implementing blended learning amid the health crisis.

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(Photo from DepEd Facebook page)

Andanar gave the guarantee after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the postponement of the school opening initially scheduled on August 24.

of classes in both public and private schools to October 5 from August 24.

The DepEd welcomed Duterte’s decision, which it said would give the department more time to “fill in the

“As for the PCOO and its attached remaining gaps” of the school opening. agencies, we have always been ready and available to support learning under However, online classes of some the ‘new normal’, and have offered private schools that have already the use of our current transmission and begun before August 24 will resume. communications capabilities in aiding the provision of our public school Andanar said the deferment of students and teachers access to the the opening of classes for School Year blended learning that will be provided 2020-2021 would help ensure that all

by DepEd, through our government preparations for the adoption of a channels,” he said. blended learning set-up for students would be “smooth and successful.”

In a Palace memorandum issued Friday, Duterte approved the DepEd’s He added that the move would recommendation to move the start enable the country to adapt to the

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impact of the pandemic on the Leonor Briones said her office has educational system. successfully conducted blended learning simulations in more than 500

“Moving the start of classes public schools nationwide. from August 24 to Oct. 5, 2020, also provides the government and relevant The restrictions on face-to-face agencies ample time to fulfill the needs classes have prompted DepEd to resort of its teachers, learning institutions, to different teaching modalities, such and education authorities when they as the use of modules, the Internet, implement the blended learning television, and radio to continue system of education come October,” education in the country.

Andanar said.

Briones said about 21.5 million

He said the government’s resolve students have enrolled in public schools is to prioritize the safety of teachers and for the coming school year, while some students amid the health crisis.

1.59 million have signed up in private

On Thursday, Education Secretary schools. (PNA)

Palace appeals to nurses’ ‘sense of nationalism’ anew

By Azer Parrocha

Malacañang on Thursday appealed to nurses’ sense of nationalism to convince them to stay while the country is facing a state of public health emergency amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after Filipino Nurses United sought for the lifting of the deployment ban on healthcare workers as many of them remain unemployed.

transportation, and free and frequent testing.

He emphasized that once the Bayanihan 2 legislation is passed, healthcare workers in the private sector

Roque said the government would also get salaries and benefits is already providing healthcare as competitive as those in the public workers additional benefits such as sector. risk allowance, PHP15,000 for those who get infected with Covid-19, life “Sa tingin ko po,sa panahon ng insurance, free accommodation and pandemiya, mananaig naman po ang August 15-21, 2020 |

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Contributed photo

nasyonalismo sa puso at damdamin ng ating mga nurses (I think at a time of pandemic, nationalism will prevail in the hearts and feelings of our nurses),” Roque said.

saying the country needs as many medical front-liners as it could get.

“Nakikiusap po kami sa aming mga healthcare workers na sana yung nationalism natin ay manaig sa panahon

He also reminded healthcare ngayon na meron tayong pandemya workers to consider their family members (We appeal to our healthcare workers they will be leaving behind if they were hoping that their sense of nationalism persistent in working abroad. will prevail at a time of pandemic),” she said.

“Kahit mangibang bansa ang ating mga health workers, maiiwan According to Roque, members silang mga mahal sa buhay dito at sana of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the maisip din ng mga health professionals Management of Emerging Infectious na wala namang mag-a-attend sa Diseases (IATF-EID) are also scheduled mga pamilya dito kapag kailangan to discuss to deployment ban on ng mga health workers (Even if our Thursday afternoon. health workers go abroad, they’ll leave “Ireresolba po e kung meron their loved ones here. I hope they also mang exemption o wala (We are trying consider that nobody would attend to to resolve if there are exemptions to the their families here),” he said. deployment ban or not),” he said.

DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Philippine Overseas Employment Maria Rosario Vergeire echoed Roque, Administration (POEA) earlier issued

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Resolution 09, temporarily suspending the deployment of all healthcare workers “until the national state of emergency is lifted.” Exemptions were made to those who have completed their documentation by March 8.

The resolution also urged the Department of Health and government hospitals to hire healthcare workers to augment the workforce.

Earlier this month, Malacañang announced plans to hire 10,000

On Tuesday, the IATF released healthcare workers to boost the resolution No. 64 temporarily workforce. suspending the deployment of medical professionals.

In an interview over CNN Philippines, Filipino Nurses United

“Considering the continuing president Maristella Abenojar said State of Public Health Emergency, the there is no reason why the government overseas deployment of the medical should ban nurses from being deployed and allied health workers is hereby abroad. temporarily suspended pursuant to the Philippine Overseas Employment She said the government had no Administration Governing Board right to prevent healthcare workers Resolution No. 09, series of 2020,” the from working abroad to uplift the lives resolution read. of their families. (PNA)

Duterte working ‘nonstop’ in Davao City: Palace

By Azer Parrocha

Amid rumors about his health, Malacañang on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte has been working “nonstop” in his hometown Davao City.

In a virtual Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is busy with a “mountain” of paperwork, particularly appointment papers.

mga dokumento na dala namin para kay Presidente so wala pong tigil naman ang trabaho ng ating Presidente (I know that when he leaves Manila, we bring him a mountain of documents so he works nonstop),” he said.

“Alam ko po na kapag may umaalis ng Maynila kabundok po ang

Roque said the President is very August 15-21, 2020 |

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meticulous when it comes to signing (When he’s in Davao, he still fulfills his official documents. duties but in a different venue),” he said.

“I’m sure ang ating Presidente kasi, dating mayor, iniisa-isa niya ‘yan Meanwhile, Roque said Duterte bago pinipirmahan so tuloy-tuloy is scheduled to hold another public naman po ang pagta-trabaho ng address on Monday (August 24). ating Presidente kahit nasaan siya (I’m sure our President, a former mayor, Over the weekend, rumors swirled is checking them one by one before that the President flew to Singapore he signs them so he continues to work due to a health emergency. wherever he is),” he added.

Duterte belied these rumors by

Roque said Duterte always appearing on a Facebook live video assured that he does not neglect his on Monday together with his former work, regardless of whether he is in aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. Davao City or Malacañan Palace in Manila.

He said he never left his hometown as a precaution against catching

“Kapag siya po ay nasa Davao, coronavirus disease (Covid-19). different venue lang po ‘yan sa pagganap ng kaniyang katungkulan In his public address the same

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night, Duterte said he had no reason to The 75-year-old President suffers hide any of his foreign trips especially if from back pains, migraines, Buerger’s they involved the use of public funds. disease, an inflammation of smalland medium-sized blood vessels, and

Duterte said he had “no Barrett’s esophagus, a potentially serious obligation” to “travel in secret.” complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

“So stop this nonsense about me going to Singapore if at --- I said, if at However, he said his health all. Kung gusto ko pumunta, pupunta conditions do not hinder him from ako. Wala kayong pakialam kung gusto performing his duties as the country’s kong pumunta (If I want to go there, I highest elected official. will. It’s none of your business if I want to go),” he said.

Duterte, who is currently in his hometown Davao City, is in “perpetual

Duterte’s health has always been isolation” in the sense that he is not subject to speculations since the start allowed to have close contact with his of his presidency.

Cabinet, Roque earlier said. (PNA)

DepEd assures funds for learning continuity plan

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday assured that funds will be available for the implementation of its Basic EducationLearning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) for incoming school year.

“In our original budget, there was no specific allotment for printing of modules but since we need to fund this [BE-LCP], we realigned our funds. We will continue to realign and modify because we have continuing programs,” DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla said during the “Handang Isip, Handa Bukas” virtual media briefing.

Earlier, the DepEd received reports about teachers requesting donation from the private sector and individuals for the printing and reproduction of self-learning modules (SLM) which will be used by the learners under the BELCP.

“A total of PHP9 billion realigned funds for BE-LCP has been downloaded to the Regional Offices and the August 15-21, 2020 |

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Schools Division Offices, PHP17 billion was realigned and modified, Special Education Fund was also aligned to LCP with a total of about PHP20 billion but we cannot account for all of this because the funds are in the local government units and also Brigada Eskwela efforts are also in support of the LCP,” Sevilla said.

She also noted that schools may use their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) funds to reproduce and distribute SLMs to learners.

DepEd Undersecretary for Planning and Field Operations Jesus Mateo, in a television interview on Monday, reported that the department has distributed printed learning materials for the first quarter.

“We’re done with the first quarter the very least. And then we’re doing the second, third and fourth quarter as well. We’re also beta testing some of the different modalities like the TV and radio broadcast,” Mateo said.

In the same media briefing, Education Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said school year 2020 to 2021 will start on October 5, 2020 and will end on June 16, 2021.

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“We have a total of 200 school days as mandated and required by existing laws. The Christmas vacation will start on December 20, 2020 and classes will resume on January 3, 2021,” San Antonio said.

The adjusted date of the class opening, he added, will be used for the recalibration of quality assurance protocols to avoid errors in learning resources which came out during their dry run.

“Hindi lang ang content, technical aspects, tinitingnan din iyong compliance sa intellectual property rights at sa lahat (We’re not just checking on the content, technical aspects, we’re also looking at the compliance to intellectual property rights and other [requirements],” San Antonio said.

On Friday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones announced that class opening will be moved from Aug. 24 to Oct. 5 upon the recommendations of several groups and lawmakers. (PNA)

WHO chief warns against ‘vaccine nationalism’

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday called on countries to share their supplies to fight coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) strategically and globally, warning against “supply nationalism” around the development of vaccines and medicines.

“While there is a wish amongst has to be collective,” Tedros said at a leaders to protect their own people twice-weekly media briefing. “Sharing first, the response to this pandemic finite supplies strategically and globally

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is actually in each country’s national When it came to personal interest. No one is safe until everyone is protective equipment (PPE) at the safe.” beginning of the pandemic, some countries had imposed export

The WHO lists 25 candidate restrictions, and there were several vaccines in clinical evaluation and 139 instances of requisitioning key medical in preclinical evaluation to fight the supplies for national use, he said. novel coronavirus.

“Supply nationalism exacerbated

Six Covid-19 vaccine candidates the pandemic and contributed to the have reached the Phase 3 level, total failure of the global supply chain,” according to the WHO. said Tedros.

Three are from China, one is developed by a British-Swedish company working with Oxford University and two by US scientists.

The WHO reacted cautiously to Russia’s announcement of preparing to start a mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus in October, saying the organization has established guidelines for producing vaccines.

“No one country has access to research and development, manufacturing, and all the supply chain for all essential medicines and materials,” said Tedros. “And if we can work together, we can ensure that all essential workers are protected, and proven treatments like dexamethasone are available to those who need them.”

‘One of toughest challenges’

It meant that for a period, some countries were without crucial supplies, such as key items for health workers who were dealing with surging cases of Covid-19.

“The lessons learned from the distribution of these supplies will be important as we look to ensure that our supply chains and systems are honed for future breakthroughs from the ACTAccelerator,” said Tedros.

The ACT-Accelerator is a global collaboration launched by WHO to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to Covid-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.

According to the WHO, the governments of Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and

He said that every new disease the European Commission have so far outbreak presented new challenges, committed to the ACT-Accelerator. but from a logistics perspective, Covid-19 has been “one of the toughest China, Russia, and the US have challenges” ever faced by WHO. not been named part of it. (Anadolu) August 15-21, 2020 |

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PH lab experts eye possible use of saliva for Covid-19 test

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The country’s laboratory experts are studying the possibility of using saliva as a specimen for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing, a health official said Wednesday.

In a virtual media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Department of Health (DOH) said in a mix of Filipino and English. learned about the saliva-based test for

Citing that saliva includes food more than three weeks already. particles, Vergeire said laboratory

“Ibinigay na sa ating laboratory experts showed that using them as experts panel ang information para pag- specimens “could be tedious”. aralan at tingnan ang (The information “So, as to the testing methods, were given to our laboratory experts panel to be studied and to look into the) we have RT-PCR (reverse transcriptionexperiences of other countries using this polymerase chain reaction), geneXpert, method. When we get information, we rapid antibody test, antigen test, these will provide everybody,” Vergeire said. are the testing methods we continue She also clarified that the saliva-based to study even if they’re already being used,” she added. test is “not a method of testing”.

“It’s a method of collecting, or what sample you’re supposed to use because now the samples we’re getting, it’s coming from the nasal, oropharyngeal in the throat and we also use the lower respiratory tract when the patient is in the hospital,” she

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On August 15, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization to Yale School of Public Health for its SalivaDirect Covid-19 diagnostic test which processes saliva samples for testing Covid-19 infection. (PNA)

Plans need harmonized response up to local level: Galvez

By Lade Jean Kabagani

The second phase of the government’s national action plan (NAP) against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic seeks to ensure smooth crisis response from the national down to the local level and does not interfere with the efforts of local government units (LGUs), Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Tuesday.

National Action Plan (NAP) on Covid-19 chief implementer and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (file photo)

Galvez, who is National Action Plan (NAP) on Covid-19 chief implementer, was reacting to a resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros seeking a Senate inquiry about President Rodrigo Duterte’s designation of Cabinet secretaries to every LGU where there is high number of Covid-19 cases.

nag-ha-harmonize ang ating local government officials at ang national government. Kahit maganda po ang ating plano pero hindi nakikita ang implementasyon sa baba, wala pong mangyayari sa ating plano (In the implementation of our concept, we need to see harmony between local and national government officials.

“Sa implementasyon ng ating concept, dapat makita natin na Even if we have a good plan but August 15-21, 2020 |

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the implementation in the lower level is not visible, nothing will happen),” Galvez said during a Palace briefing with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

Hontiveros, a known critic of the Duterte administration, said she wants to know the logic behind the assignment of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 and the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) officials, to supervise the LGUs’ Covid-19 response, branding the move as “toxic micromanagement.”

was done in Cebu City.

The objective of assigning officials on the ground, he said, is to provide the needs of the localities based on the monitored crisis situations.

“Ito po ay hindi po sa interference dahil alam po natin ang local government unit, alam po nila ang kanilang ginagawa at alam po nila ang makakabuti para sa kanilang mga constituents (This is not interference because we know the LGUs, they know what they are doing and they know what is best for their constituents),”

Galvez said. “Sa lahat po ng plano, ang pinakaimportante po sa lahat ay ang implementasyon (In every planning, implementation is the most important).”

“Bumababa po tayo sa mga different cities at saka mga provinces ay para tingnan po natin kung ano po iyong nangyayari po doon at saka iyong totoong datos (We are going down to the cities and other provinces to monitor the situation there and to Based on IATF Resolution No. collect data),” Galvez said.

62 issued last August 12, at least 27 Cabinet officials are assigned in the

He added that data collection is 16 cities and one municipality in Metro beneficial in the government’s decisionManila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and making to form a concrete plan and Rizal “to further operationalize the to address the gaps between national national government-enabled, local and local policies on the health crisis. government-led, and people-centered

“Maganda po kasi kapag once response against Covid-19.” na iyong ating concept at ating plano ay naibaba po at na-implement po hanggang sa barangay ay doon po natin makikita iyong tinatawag na magandang patutunguhan (It is good because once our concept and our plan are implemented in the lower level going to the barangay, then we will see that this will lead to a good result),” he added, citing that the same situation

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It also stated that IATF members are assigned “to provide stronger support to local government units with areas identified with high community transmission, in as much as to strictly monitor health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation and treatment protocols.” (PNA)

Covid-19 vaccine to remain free for 20-M indigents

By Azer Parrocha

Malacañang on Tuesday assured that 20 million “poorest of the poor” Filipinos will still receive free coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine even if the national government will have to purchase doses for a steep price.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night revealed that Russia and China will not be giving their vaccines away for free.

“’Yan po ang pangako ng ating Presidente (That’s the promise of our President), two doses of the vaccine to the 20 million poorest of the poor Filipinos, kasama na rin po ang mga (including) front-liners at yung merong mga sakit— (and those with) comorbidities,” he said in a virtual Palace briefing.

Citing Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Roque said the government can allocate PHP20 billion to buy the vaccine with the help of the Philippine International Trading Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

“We are scheduled to buy for 20 million people at two doses so that’s 40 million no. Forty million ang bibilhin natin (We will purchase 40 million vaccine doses),” Roque said.

At two doses per treatment, August 15-21, 2020 |

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Dominguez said the government needs to acquire about 40 million vaccines, which is estimated to cost about USD10 per dosage.

However, Roque said he had no knowledge as to how many doses would come from a particular country.

“Di ko lang po alam kung ilan ang bibilhan sa Russia, kung ilan ang bibilhin sa iba’t-ibang parte ng daigdig. I guess that will depend later on po kung ready na talaga ang mga vaccines (I don’t know how many doses will be purchased from Russia, how many will be purchased from other parts of the globe. I guess that will depend later on on when the vaccines are ready),” he said.

ng (Every country is experiencing) economic hemorrhage.

It is uncontrollable because people cannot really work. They cannot be productive. And so you have a problem at hand,” he said.

Duterte has reiterated he would borrow money or sell public properties, in case a vaccine or medicine for Covid-19 is developed.

The Philippine government is currently in talks with several Covid-19 vaccine developers from the United States, China, and the United Kingdom for the possible purchase, once vaccines become available.

On Monday, Duterte said he will seek a discount from China and Russia Last week, Duterte accepted on the Covid-19 vaccines that each of Russia’s offer to supply the Philippines the two countries have developed. with a vaccine and even volunteered to be the first person to be injected in

“I will ask the --- my friend (Russian) the country.

President (Vladimir) Putin and (Chinese) President Xi Jinping to give us a credit, The Philippines will begin Phase 3 parang utang (like a loan), a credit line of the Russia-funded clinical trials of the but we will pay not in one payment but Sputnik V vaccine from October 2020 by installments. Basta ang sinasabi ko to March 2021. magbayad tayo. Hindi ito libre (I’m just saying that we’ll pay for it. It’s not free),” Malacañang, last July, thanked Duterte said.

China for its commitment to prioritize the Philippines’ request for immediate

Duterte expressed hope that the access to the Covid-19 vaccine it is two leaders would understand his plight developing. amid the global recession.

Chinese Foreign Ministry

“As I would always tell them that we spokesperson Wang Wenbin earlier are willing and if we are short of money guaranteed that China will prioritize by this time because all of the economy the Philippines, once Beijing becomes of the world, individual countries, have successful in developing a Covid-19 fallen flat. Lahat ngayon nagkakaroon vaccine. (PNA)

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