Caraga InFocus –February 12-18, 2022

Volume VI, No. 07 February 12-18, 2022

11 8 8

REGIONAL NEWS SEC SETS DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL REPORTS

PROVINCIAL NEWS 11 12 13 15 16 17 18

12

145 FRS IN SURSUR COMPLETE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING

FIRST PEST CONTROL LAB IN CARAGA ESTABLISHED IN SURSUR TOWN

PINSKER’S HAWK EAGLE, PINALAYA SA SURIGAO DEL SUR 38.43% NA TARGET, NAKAMIT NG PHO SA SURSUR SA IKA-3 ROUND NG BAYANIHAN, BAKUNAHAN 118 FAMILIES AFFECTED BY TANDAG FIRE RECEIVE CASH AID

19

PNP, YOUTH ORGS LAUNCH ECO ACTIVITIES FOR V-DAY CELEBRATION DINAGAT ISLANDS WELCOME PASSAGE OF MARINE HATCHERY BILL

19 20

FIRST SOLAR-POWERED DESALINATION SYSTEM IN CARAGA LAUNCHED IN DINAGAT TOWN TATLONG REBELDENG NPA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, SUMUKO SA GOBYERNO

22 23

MINDANAO NEWS DA OPENS P500-M LOAN FOR TYPHOON-AFFECTED FARMERS IN NORMIN MAGUINDANAO TOWN GETS P27.5-M INFRA PROJECTS

26 NATIONAL NEWS

25 26 27 29 30 31

CONTENTS

25

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

NEW NORMAL ROADMAP, TO BE PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT DUTERTE NEXT MONTH PRESIDENT DUTERTE TO UNVACCINATED: ‘GET COVID-19 JAB NOW’ PRRD RECOGNIZES GOV’T OFFICIALS’ ‘TEAMWORK’ TO FIGHT COVID-19

COVID-19 NEWS MORE DOSES OF REFORMULATED PFIZER VAX FOR CHILDREN ARRIVE OVER 9M MINORS NOW VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 61 MILLION FILIPINOS NOW FULLY VAXXED AS OF FEB. 13

27

Various sectors in Butuan unite for PRC’s bloodletting drive

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid strict health protocols due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, various sectors united and took the opportunity to donate blood with the aim to help those in need and are undergoing treatment at health facilities.

4

| February 12-18, 2022

The bloodletting activity, spearheaded by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del NorteButuan City Chapter together with partner stakeholders, became more meaningful as they were able to administer some 185 individuals who successfully donated

their blood.

Rex Macadangdang was among the youth who actively participated in the cause, which at the same time caught the attention of the young ones as there were entertainment Caraga INFOCUS

performances at the same venue.

“This activity is really of great help especially for those who need blood.

Through this activity, we also help the Philippine Red Cross store more blood and have enough supply of it. I am happy that I am able to help and save lives,” he said.

Israel Palero, station manager of dxMBLove Radio Butuan also highlighted the significance of collaboration among government agencies and private stakeholders for a common cause.

“Many have promised to take part in this

Caraga INFOCUS

meaningful event and we are happy that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we are able to extend help and express our concerns to other people by donating blood,” Palero added.

According to Christopher Joy Ampoon, blood bank in-charge of the Philippine Red Cross, this was already their third year of conducting the event with different sectoral groups.

“Thank you to all those who grabbed this opportunity to donate their blood. For those who are yet to donate, our blood center is open

daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Feel free to visit our office,” said Ampoon.

All those who donated their blood also received souvenirs and certificates from the organizers.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Israel Palero

February 12-18, 2022 |

5

News Briefs (DOH ADVISORY) The DOH holds a vaccination event for children and grandchildren of DOH employees. With this, we take a stand against COVID-19, and show everyone that these vaccines are safe, effective, and deliver on the protection and confidence that they promise! Let’s all choose to get vaccinated, for the safety of our families, our communities, and our country! xx

During the PhilHealth Virtual Front Desk Launching and Media Pasasalamat and Briefing held at PhilHealth-Caraga Regional Office, Butuan City, Regional Vice President Michael Jibson Hernandez called on the media and the communication networks of the government to promote the PhilHealth membership and encourage especially those who are not PhilHealth members yet to avail the state’s health insurance program.

(SSS ADVISORY) The Social Security System (SSS) reiterates that the deadline for compliance to the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners’ Program or ACOP is on March 31, 2022.

As a member-agency of the Inter-Agency Committee on Civil Registration and Virtual Statistics (IACCRVS) Caraga, the DSWD Field Office Caraga joins the Philippines Authority (PSA) in celebrating the 32nd Civil Registration Month this February 2022.

REGIONAL NEWS

SEC sets deadlines for submission of annual reports 7 and 8 : August 16 to 31 9 and 0 : September 1 to 15 The SEC extension offices will likewise implement the coding schedule.

Corporations may submit their reports on or before their respective filing dates.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set the deadlines for the submission of the audited financial statements (AFS) and general information sheet (GIS) of corporations through the Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST).

The Commission on February 8 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2022, which provides the Schedules for Filing of Annual Financial Statements and General Information Sheet.

Previously, only stock corporations were required to submit their annual reports online during the initial launch of eFAST in March 2021. Nonstock corporations initially had the option to submit hard copies of their reports.

Deadlines All corporations, including branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters and regional operating headquarters of foreign corporations whose fiscal year ends on December 31, 2021 shall file their AFS based on the last digit of the SEC registration or license number:

Starting this year, all stock and nonstock corporations are required to submit their annual reports online through eFAST, previously called the Online 1 and 2 : July 1 to 15 Submission Tool, at https:// 3 and 4 : July 16 to 31 cifss-ost.sec.gov.ph.

5 and 6 : August 1 to 15

8

| February 12-18, 2022

Meanwhile, a corporation whose fiscal year ends on a date other than December 31, 2021 should file its AFS within 120 calendar days from the end of its fiscal year.

The annual report of a broker dealer whose fiscal year ends on December 31 must be filed depending on the last numerical digit of its registration number as prescribed by the Commission, while those with fiscal years ending on a date other than December 31 must be filed 110 calendar days after the close of such fiscal year.

Corporations whose securities are listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and are covered under Section 17.2 of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), are encouraged to observe the due date of

Caraga INFOCUS

filing for their AFS, which is within 105 calendar days after the end of their fiscal year, as an attachment to their annual reports.

However, such entities will also be given an extension of until May 15, 2022 to file their annual reports due to current circumstances.

Further, corporations whose AFS are being audited by the Commission on Audit (COA) are exempted from the aforementioned coding schedule, provided they attach to their AFS a duly signed affidavit attesting that they timely provided the COA with the financial statements and supporting documents and that the COA audit has just been concluded, as well as a letter from the COA confirming such information.

The Commission will accept late filings starting September 16, 2022. Corporations, which submitted their reports late, will be subject to the prescribed penalties computed from the last date of the aforementioned filing schedule.

Failure to follow the formal requirements prescribed under Revised SRC Rule 68 shall be considered a sufficient ground for the imposition of penalties by

Caraga INFOCUS

the SEC. The acceptance and receipt by the Commission of the financial statements shall be without prejudice to such penalties.

On the other hand, the GIS must be filed within 30 calendar days from the date of the actual annual stockholders’ meeting for stock corporations, from the date of actual annual members meeting of non-stock corporations, and from the anniversary date of the issuance of the SEC license for foreign corporations.

Online submission All corporations are required to submit their annual reportorial requirements online through eFAST. Hard copies of reports submitted through eFAST will no longer be required.

Corporations and their authorized filers must enroll in the eFAST before they can submit reports to the system. They have until March 31, 2022 to complete their enrollment, which involves the submission of a board resolution authorizing its representative to file reports on behalf of the corporation, as well as a copy of their accomplished GIS form version 2020 or their submission in

compliance with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 28, Series of 2020 (MC 28).

Compliance with MC 28 should be made through the newly launched MC 28 Submission Portal at https:// apps010.sec.gov.ph/. The Commission is no longer processing submissions via email and in person.

The submission of reports over the counter and/or through mail or courier via SEC Express Nationwide Submission (SENS) shall no longer be accepted.

All reports submitted through eFAST must be scanned or digital copies of the manually signed or digitally signed reports. The signatory or authorized signatory of the filer holds the responsibility to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the e-signature in the documents.

Problems encountered in the enrollment and submission of AFS and GIS in eFAST shall be accommodated through the contact details provided on the SEC website.

Other reports not available in eFAST may be submitted through email at ictdsubmission@sec.gov. ph. (SEC/PIA-Caraga)

February 12-18, 2022 |

9

PROVINCIAL NEWS

145 FRs in SurSur complete business management training By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

Photo credit: PSWDO and PNP

Some 145 former rebels (FRs) in Surigao del Sur have completed their Basic Business Management Training in separate batches conducted on February 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said.

The awarding of certificates of completion to the FRs and the distribution of food packs highlighted the activity, as they completed their training.

According to Hershey Nuñez of the Provincial Social Welfare and Caraga INFOCUS

Development Office (PSWDO), of the 145 FRs, 78 have surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the Surigao del Sur-Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO). The other 67 FRs have surrendered to the Philippine Army: 28 FRs surrendered to the 75th Infantry Battalion; 26 FRs surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion; and 13 FRs surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion.

The participants were divided into five batches to ensure the implementation of

the minimum health protocols, Nuñez added.

Nuñez further said that the FRs have already received their incentives last year from the Provincial government worth P5,000 each, as well as humanitarian packs.

The said activity is part of the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur under the administration of Governor Alexander Pimentel. (NGPB/PIASurigao del Sur) February 12-18, 2022 |

11

First pest control lab in Caraga established in SurSur town

The Department of Agriculture - Caraga Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-RCPC) in a joint effort with the local government unit of Cantilan, inaugurated the villagetype Biological Control Agent (BCA) Laboratory on Monday, February 14, held at the Municipal Agriculture Office - Cantilan Compound.

The realization of the BCA came after the severe infestation of pests and diseases which resulted in production yield losses in the CarCanMadCarLan area in this province, composed of the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza.

12

| February 12-18, 2022

The facility is equipped with fabricated laminar flow hood, heavy-duty blender, pressure cooker, and other laboratory equipment.

The DA revealed that the laboratory facility aims to supply Biocon agents such as the Metharizium anisopliae, a fungus that grows upon insect host cuticle that controls the population of rice black bug (RBB), locust, mosquitoes, and soil termites.

Through the establishment of the said facility, it will be able to easily supply Biocon agents to the farmers in the first district of Surigao del Sur, whilst serving the whole province in terms of natural

pest management.

The initiative pioneers the municipality of Cantilan as the first LGU in the region to establish a village-type Biocon Laboratory.

The inauguration was personally led and attended

by DA-Caraga regional executive director Engr.

Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. and Regional Technical Director Nicandro M. Navia, Jr., officials of the local government unit, headed by Mayor Maria Carla LopezPichay, with the presence of 1st District Congressman Butch Pichay, and Municipal Agriculturist Ceasar Blanco. (with report from DACaraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

Pinsker’s hawk eagle, pinalaya sa Surigao del Sur Ni: Nida Grace P. Barcena

Matagumpay na pinalaya ang isang Pinsker’s hawk eagle kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng “Araw ng mga Puso” noong Pebrero 14, na isinasagawa sa San Padre Pio Devotional Chapel nitong lungsod.

Napag-alaman na ang naturang agila na pinangalanang “Padre Pio Hawk Eagle”, ay nasagip ng mga tauhan ng Diocese sa loob ng kanilang poultry sa may San Padre Pio Devotional Chapel, Ang nasabing okasyon Brgy. San Jose, lungsod ay pinangunahan mismo ng Tandag noong ni Diocese of Tandag Disyembre 8, 2021, at bishop Raul Dael, na nanatili ito sa kanilang siya ring nanguna sa pangangalaga. Agaran pagsasagawa ng misa ding ipinaalam ng bago pa naganap ang Diocese ang tanggapan pagpapalaya ng agila. ng Department of Caraga INFOCUS

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa lalawigan.

Kinumpirma ng kinatawan ng DENR na ang nasagip na agila ay isang endangered species.

“This is an endangered species. This eagle is a raptor family (Isa itong endangered species.

Kabilang ang agilang ito sa raptor family),” tuwirang sinabi ni Cliff Abrahan, hepe ng February 12-18, 2022 |

13

City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) ng Lianga na kumatawan sa DENRSurigao del Sur.

kalikasan.

“As a Diocese, we really stand for the truth, and for peaceful environmental Sa pagpapalaya sa protection (Bilang agila, nais iparating ng isang Diocese, kami’y ng simbahang Katoliko patuloy na tumatayo ang mensaheng “Care para sa katotohanan for Our Common Home”, at sa mapayapang kung saan binibigyangpangangalaga ng diin ng simbahan na kapaligiran),” giit niya. bawat isa ay may Dagdag ng obispo, responsibilidad na hindi tumatanggap ang pangalagaan ang Inang simbahang Katoliko ng Kalikasan. donasyon mula sa katas ng mina.

Ayon kay Bishop Dael, nakikiisa ang diocese Hinikayat din ni sa pangangalaga ng Bishop Dael ang

14

| February 12-18, 2022

publiko na ugaliing makipag-ugnayan sa kinauukulang awtoridad o kaya sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno na makakatulong kung meron mang masagip na endangered species gaya ng agila.

Sinaksihan ang pagpapalaya ng agila nina Governor Alexander Pimentel, Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, representante ng DENR, mga lider ng simbahan, at ng publiko.

(NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

38.43% na target, nakamit ng PHO sa SurSur sa ika-3 round ng Bayanihan, Bakunahan

pagbabakuna ng mga lokal na pamahalaan kahit na hindi pa isinasagawa ang Bayanihan, Bakunahan.

Inihayag naman ni Lugo na 72.88% na ng 80% na Photo credit: CIO_Bislig and LGU-Hinatuan target na populasyon sa Iniulat ni Helbert Lugo, taon. probinsya ang nabigyan Health Education and ng 1st dose ng nasabing Promotion Officer ng Ayon kay Lugo, umabot bakuna. Nasa 64.22% Provincial Health Office sa 10,425 indibidwal ang na rin aniya ng 80% na (PHO) sa Surigao del Sur, naturukan ng bakuna target na populasyon na nakamit sa probinsya kontra COVID-19 sa sa probinsya ang ang 38.43% na target naturang aktibidad nabigyan ng 2nd dose accomplishment kung saan target dito ng nasabing bakuna at dito para sa ikatlong ang 27,126 katao. mahigit sa 22,000 katao round ng Bayanihan, na rin ang nabigyan Bakunahan “National Maiintindihan naman ng booster dose. (John COVID-19 Vaccination aniya ang nakamit Cuadrasal, DXJS RPDays” noong Pebrero 10 na accomplishment Tandag/PIA-Surigao del at 11 ng kasalukuyang dahil sa aktibong Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

February 12-18, 2022 |

15

118 families affected by Tandag fire receive cash aid By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

Some 118 families affected by the fire incident in Barangay Bongtud, Tandag City have received financial aid from the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur and the City Government of Tandag on Monday, February 14.

Governor Alexander Pimentel led the distribution to the identified beneficiaries at the City Gymnasium in Tandag, where the affected families were temporarily sheltered.

Some 78 families whose

16

| February 12-18, 2022

houses were assessed as totally damaged in the incident received PhP20,000 each, while seven families whose houses were partially damaged received the PhP10,000 worth of the cash assistance from the provincial government.

Other 33 families identified as sharers or renters also received PhP5,000.

each received PhP10,000 while those with partially damaged houses received PhP5,000.

In addition, the city government of Tandag has also given financial assistance to the same beneficiaries. Those with totally damaged houses

All affected families also received hygiene kits from the Department of Health (DOH) on the same day. (NGPB/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

PNP, youth orgs launch eco activities for V-Day celebration

National High School (BNHS) Forest Park, with each participant planting a seedling during the event. Part of the event was also the Coastal Clean-up Drive conducted along the shoreline in Baybay 1, Barangay Dap-dap.

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and student and out-of-school youth organizations have united for a Tree Planting and Clean-Up Drive activity dubbed as “Valentine’s Treat for Mother Earth” in Barobo town, Surigao del Sur on Saturday, February 12.

The personnel of 1301st Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 13, Surigao del Sur 1st

Caraga INFOCUS

Provincial Mobile Force Company under the supervision of Force Commander Police Lt. Col. Ephraim Megreño, in partnership with the Barobo National High School Youth for Environment Organization (BYESO), Supreme Student Government (SSG), and Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD), have joined the said activity.

Forty tree seedlings were planted at Barobo

In his message, PLCol Megreño emphasized that they will continue to support the youth advocates in their platform especially when it comes to nature conservation.

“The youth of today’s generation will be the next stewards of God’s masterpieces. Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Mother Earth only shows that our future leaders really have a heart of gold. Supporting their advocacies is also shaping them as role models of the society,” the official said.

Meanwhile, through their efforts and participation, each participant was able to express their love to nature, aimed to help its rehabilitation and beautification process for the benefit of the future generation. (NGPB/PIASurigao del Sur) February 12-18, 2022 |

17

Dinagat Islands welcome passage of marine hatchery bill hardest by Typhoon Odette when it devastated Dinagat Islands last December.

“Fisheries is one of the most crucial sectors in our Island Province, as families rely on marine resources not just for livelihood but also for sustenance,” Ecleo said.

The province of Dinagat Islands welcomes the passage of Marine Hatchery Bill to aid in recovery of Odettestricken province.

The Lone District of the Province of Dinagat Islands, through Cong.

Alan 1 Ecleo, welcomed the passage of the Senate version of House Bill 7691, which would establish a Multi-Species Marine Hatchery in the

18

| February 12-18, 2022

municipality of Basilisa, Dinagat Islands.

HB 7691 was among the marine hatchery bills passed by the Senate for their third and final readings, authored and filed by Cong. Ecleo last November 2019.

Cong. Ecleo said this comes at the best possible time as the fisheries sector is one of the sectors hit the

He said as the province continue to grapple with the need for reconstruction of homes, health facilities, schools, and other infrastructure, there is also a need to prioritize the recovery of key industries like fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, which employ and provide livelihood for majority of Dinagat Islands.

“The establishment of the province’s first MultiSpecies Hatchery is a huge step in the right direction,” Ecleo added.

(Cong. Allan 1 B. Ecleo, Dinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS

First solar-powered desalination system in Caraga launched in Dinagat town

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Dinagat Islands, in partnership with stakeholders, launched the region’s first solarpowered desalination system on Thursday, February 9, in Brgy. Cabilan in the municipality of Dinagat, Dinagat Islands, to help far-flung communities have access to drinking water.

The Verdex Engineering Co. lent the Osmosun solar-powered desalination equipment through the efforts of the Caraga INFOCUS

DTI Regional Operations Group, Philippine Airforce, and DTI Caraga Regional Office.

Due to its geographical location, Barangay Cab-ilan, one of the many island barangays affected

by Typhoon Odette in the municipality, has had difficulty accessing drinking water following the typhoon.

The solar-powered desalination equipment transforms salt water into drinking water. The

equipment is expected to produce 1,000 liters of potable water per day using seawater. The equipment’s operation can be extended until nighttime to produce 3,000 liters of potable water by using an alternative power source.

The desalinator is a big relief to the community of the said barangay as residents have to travel to the municipality of San Jose for drinking water.

(DTI-Dinagat Islands/ MFC/PIA-Caraga) February 12-18, 2022 |

19

Tatlong rebeldeng NPA sa Agusan del Norte, sumuko sa gobyerno Tatlong regular members na naman ng New People’s Army (NPA) na nagnanais magkaroon ng mapayapang buhay ang nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno dala-dala ang kanilang mga armas sa 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.

Kahirapan ng buhay sa bundok, walang katuparang pangako, at pagmamahal sa pamilya ang naging dahilan ng kanilang pagsuko.

Si alyas Zhia, vice commanding officer at political instructor ng Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16B, Guerilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), sumurender kasama ang kanyang amang si alyas Jing at kasamahang si alyas Dondon.

Ayon kay alyas Zhia, hinkayat sila ng kanyang ina na sumuko

20

| February 12-18, 2022

at mabuhay na ng payapa.

barangay at iniwan ng mga kasamahan.

Dahil sa hirap ng buhay sa bundok at sa kagustuhang mabigyan ng maayos na buhay ang anak, napilitan ding sumuko si alyas Dondon.

Nanawagan naman si 29IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Jason M. Saldua sa mga nalalabi pang NPA na sumuko na sa gobyerno.

Isa ding nabubulok na bangkay ng vice commanding officer ng NPA na kinilalang si Elmer Delarmente ang hinukay ng mga sundalo kasama ang pulisya sa Barangay Maraiging, Jabonga, sa tulong ng isang dating kasamahan nito sa kilusan. Namatay umano si Delarmente sa bakbakan sa naturang

Samantala, narekober naman ng 23rd Infantry Battalion ang mga high-powered firearms at mga materyales na pinagmamay-ari ng mga CPP-NPA-NDF matapos ang dalawampung minutong bakbakan sa Sitio Tud-ol, Barangay Tungao sa lungsod ng Butuan. (NCLM/PIAAgusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

DA opens P500-M loan for typhoon-affected farmers in NorMin The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has allocated PHP500 million worth of credit for farmers in the region affected by Typhoon “Odette” last year.

In a statement Monday, DA-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said the fund forms part of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) whose implementation is guided by the Survival and Recovery (Sure) Assistance program across the country, including areas in Norther Mindanao that were declared under state of calamity after the typhoon entered the country in December 2021.

onslaught of “Odette.”

Under the Sure program, small farmers and fishers may borrow with no interest and collateral, while loan amount is payable up to three years, wherein only one borrower is allowed per household.

Noel Clarence M. Ducusin, DA-ACPC program development division chief and Visayas-Mindanao head, said the loan amount is intended to “Of the total amount, provide relief and aid in we have an allocation rehabilitating the farming for Region 10 amounting and fishing activities of to PHP75-M in support of affected farmers and the government’s goal fisherfolks thru credit in helping agricultural for the purchase of households badly hit by production inputs, repair of the typhoon,” he said.

Data from DA-10 indicated farm or fishery assets, and that the region has a total acquisition of livestock or of 17,000 affected farmers work animals.

Priority shall be given to and fishers due to the

22

| February 12-18, 2022

farmers and fishermen identified and endorsed by the agricultures offices of provincial and local governments and are duly registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and the Fisherfolk Registration program.

DA-10 Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga said no calamity or pandemic can hinder the services of the agency, especially in these trying times where the agency is needed the most.

“This is our way of helping our small farmers and fisherfolk, as they play a crucial role in ensuring food availability and security in our region,” she said. (PNA/Nef Luczon) Caraga INFOCUS

Maguindanao town gets P27.5-M infra projects The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is building infrastructure projects worth PHP27.5 million in the town of Guindulungan, Maguindanao.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in BARMM (MILG-BARMM), said Saturday the projects include a PHP25 million public terminal and PHP2.5 million multi-purpose building.

INFRA PROJECTS. The municipality of Guindulungan, Maguindanao, receives two infrastructure projects worth PHP27.5 million from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang Jr. (2nd from left) and BARMM’s Minister of the Interior and Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo (center) led the groundbreaking ceremony Friday (Feb. 11, 2022) signaling the start of the two projects. (Photo courtesy of BARMM Information Office)

He said the two projects will be built in honor of the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front the BARMM spokesperson.

(MILF) founding chairperson Hashim Salamat.

He said funds for the construction of the multiSinarimbo described the purpose building were given public terminal as one of after Guindulungan town the modern transportation was conferred the Salamat hubs in BARMM. It is funded Excellence Award for through MILG’s Bangsamoro Leadership (SEAL) during the Local Economic Support celebration last month of Service (BLESS) program. the 3rd BARMM anniversary.

“This public terminal has complete facilities and features (that include) coffee shops, public bath system, and will also house tourism center and display center where locals may showcase their products,” said Sinarimbo, who is also

Caraga INFOCUS

Sinarimbo cited the town leadership, saying “they are not only a recipient of the project but performancewise, they are deserving.”

“Your local executive is one of the six recipients of SEAL award—the highest form of

award given by the regional government to local chief executives and this is a manifestation of a good leadership which emulated from the founding chairman of MILF,” he said.

Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang Jr. thanked and lauded BARMM leadership for the “gift.”

“With this development, we will be promoting our place as the center of trade and commerce. Hopefully, we can expand to other barangays as well,” he said.

(PNA/Edwin Fernandez)

February 12-18, 2022 |

23

NATIONAL NEWS

New normal roadmap, to be presented to President Duterte next month The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 will present to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte next month a new normal roadmap, which will aid the country exit the pandemic.

“The National Task Force and the experts of the Department of Health are currently working very hard to develop a new normal roadmap and we are confident that this will be ready to be presented to you, Mr. President, by the beginning of March,” Presidential adviser on COVID-19 response Vivencio Dizon said during President Duterte’s Talk to the People on Monday.

“And this will really signal our move towards some semblance of normalcy after this very difficult two-year where we have dealt with the pandemic.”

The new normal roadmap is expected to signal the return to a robust and healthy growth of the economy that will bring back jobs, investments, and normalize the operation of many industries, as well as the tourism sector.

Dizon expressed optimism

Caraga INFOCUS

Presidential Adviser for COVID response, Secretary Vivencio Dizon prepares his presentation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on February 14, 2022. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

that starting March, if all goes well, the country could start the new normal to prepare it to finally “close the book on COVID-19″.

“Hopefully po, barring any other new variants that may come our way,” the Presidential adviser on COVID-19 response said.

At the same time, Dizon said the country’s vaccination rate is very critical as it enters the so-called new normal.

In terms of inoculating children, Dizon reported that government pediatric vaccination rollout was a success especially for those aged 5 to 11 years.

“We are already nearing almost the 12 million mark

of our target. Nasa 9 million na po tayo for 12 to 17, and there are roughly about 15 million children aged 5 to 11, which we need to vaccinate as soon as possible para po makapasok na sila sa eskuwela at makalabas na po sila after two years of staying at home,” he said.

Overall, the government’s priority is to focus on immunizing Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga Region and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The government targets to provide complete doses of COVID-19 vaccine to at least 90 million Filipinos by the end President Duterte’s term in June this year. PND

February 12-18, 2022 |

25

President Duterte to unvaccinated: ‘Get COVID-19 jab now’ President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, February 14, made a renewed call to unvaccinated Filipinos to get COVID-19 shot, saying massive vaccination is the only way to return to normalcy.

“I am pleading to you, in behalf of government na mahinto na sana itong COVID. And the only way to do it is if most or not all Filipinos are vaccinated,” President Duterte said in a meeting on government’s COVID-19 interventions.

According to the President, people’s refusal to get the jab, whether it’s because of a belief or mere indifference, only exacerbates the health crisis that has gripped the world in the past two years.

“Wala pa tayo diyan sa herd immunity. Do not… The COVID is here and it can afflict everybody. No one is still safe. You have to avoid, wear a mask, and listen to what government says,” he said.

“Paulit-ulit ako nakikiusap sa mga tao na ‘yun naman sanang hanggang ngayon hindi pa nabakuna, huwag nilang pahirapan ang sarili nila balang araw, mga anak, and your neighbors of contaminating them pagka tinamaan kayo,” he stressed.

President Duterte assured Filipinos that there’s nothing to be afraid of regarding the safety of coronavirus vaccines as these have been

26

| February 12-18, 2022

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on February 14, 2022. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

scientifically proven to be effective in reducing infections, severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

“Maniwala na lang kayo sa gobyerno tutal ito ang hinihingi namin. Malibre tayong lahat.

Someday, COVID-free talaga tayo, lalo na if most of the people are vaccinated,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the country’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., who was also present in the meeting, reported that vaccine uptake in the country has significantly improved with the pediatric vaccination in full swing.

Galvez said 9.3 million minors aged 12 to 17 years have received the first dose of COVID-19 jab while 8 million are now fully vaccinated.

The launching and mini-rollout of pediatric vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years was also successful, he reported, noting that more than 100,370 children 5 to 11 years old are partially immunized against the deadly coronavirus disease.

Galvez, who is also the National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer, lauded local government units (LGUs) and the private sector for their extensive preparations in making pediatric vaccination sites a fun and enjoyable place for children.

“Ibang klase po ang naging preparasyon ng mga LGUs and private sector at nakakaengganyo po na magpabakuna ang mga bata dahil naging masaya, parang carnival po ang naging vaccination site,” he said.

“Kaya natutuwa po kami kasi naka-100,000 po tayo na nabakunahan at we never expect na ma-breach natin ‘yung 100,000.”

The vaccine czar also expressed his gratitude to the private sectors, medical associations, as well as parents who supported the immunization drive.

Figures are expected to double in the coming weeks as the government opens more vaccination sites across the country and as more vaccines come in, he added. PND

Caraga INFOCUS

PRRD recognizes gov’t officials’ ‘teamwork’ to fight Covid-19 President Rodrigo R. Duterte recognized the “teamwork” exhibited by the government’s frontline officials to combat the Covid-19 pandemic during the last two years.

In his prerecorded Talk to the People on Monday night, Duterte acknowledged again Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for his job in spearheading the fight against pandemic.

“I’d like to say something konting ano lang (just a few) — that you’ve done good sa trabaho mo (in your job) and the Filipino [people] will never forget that,” Duterte said.

Duque recently went under fire for the supposed mismanagement of pandemic funds.

“This is a sacrifice really for you to continue doing it. I have to ask you several times to stay on the job because we need you,” Duterte said, referring to several calls for Duque’s resignation in the middle of the health crisis.

“Thank you, sir,” Duque, chairperson of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), replied.

Duterte also lauded the “tireless toil” of Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. as the

Caraga INFOCUS

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar of the country, Interior Secretary Eduardo Eduardo Año as NTF vice chair, and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for his guidance.

He also thanked NTF deputy chief implementer and testing czar Vince Dizon, advising him to join a political party after the Duterte administration.

“Vince Dizon, saan ka man pumunta (wherever you will go) after this administration, join a political party. ‘Yan ang forte mo, (That’s your expertise) it’s organizing,” Duterte said.

“If there is somebody I would like to thank publicly, it is never too late to say thank you. Salamat sa lahat (Thank you everyone),” Duterte said.

“Sila yun nag teamwork (They are the one who showed teamwork) to defeat this [Covid-19 pandemic]. So someday magpapasalamat ang Filipinos sa inyo (Filipinos will thank you),” he added.

On Monday, the DOH logged reported 2,730 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest rise this year.

The country’s active cases dropped to 76,609 after the DOH recorded 7,456 new recoveries.

In his report, Dizon said over 61 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, hoping to reach 90 million before Duterte ends his term in June this year.

Duque reported to Duterte that the Philippines reached a low-risk case classification with a negative two-week growth rate of -74 percent and a lowrisk average daily attack rate of 5.26 per 100,000 individuals.

He particularly noted that all regions in the country are under low risk except for Region 11 (Davao), Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 6 (Western Visayas), and Region 12 (Soccsksargen), which are all under moderate risk classification.

Duque said the intensive care unit utilization rate nationwide is at low risk at 34.12 percent.

Meanwhile, he said the country’s total Covid-19 beds and mechanical ventilators utilization are at less than 50-percent usage.

“We are able to manage our cases and our health system’s capacity is very much prepared for any eventuality na kung magkaroon na naman ng saka-sakaling pagtaaas (in case there would be another surge in cases),” Duque said. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani and Filane Mikee Cervantes)

February 12-18, 2022 |

27

More doses of reformulated Pfizer vax for children arrive pediatric vaccination as it is the only jab that has received an emergency use authorization for kids aged 5 to 11 years old from the Food and Drug Administration.

VAX FOR KIDS. A Department of Health staff guides the aviation cargo operator while handling the shipment of the newly delivered Pfizer vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Wednesday (Feb. 16, 2022). The reformulated coronavirus vaccine, procured by the national government through the World Bank, is intended for the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years old. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler)

More doses of reformulated Pfizer coronavirus vaccine arrive Wednesday night, beefing up the country’s vaccine inventory intended for children aged 5 to 11 years old.

A total of 780,000 doses, procured by the national government through the World Bank, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, an addition to the 2.3 million reformulated doses the Philippines received this month.

Deputy Peace Adviser Undersecretary Isidro Purisima, representing National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF Against Covid-19) chief Caraga INFOCUS

implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., urged parents and guardians to get their children inoculated against the disease.

“We need the vaccine to open up the economy, the classes, especially among children,” said Purisima, who was among the officials that welcomed the latest vaccine delivery.

The vaccine will be used in the ongoing vaccination program for minors 5 to 11 years old. It has a lower dosage and lower concentration than those given to minors aged 12 to 17.

To date, the Pfizer vaccine is used for

“We thank the US government for helping us again to facilitate the delivery of these vaccines.

We also thank the World Bank for its financial assistance,” Purisima said.

In a briefing Wednesday, NTF Against Covid-19 special medical adviser Ted Herbosa said all regions have been allowed to inoculate minors.

“The government is also ramping up the provision of complete doses for adolescents aged 12-17 years old,” Herbosa said, adding that the country has enough vaccine supply.

Based on the Department of Health’s Covid-19 vaccination dashboard, over 128 million doses of vaccines against Covid-19 have been administered as of February 9. (PNA/Ma. Cristina Arayata) February 12-18, 2022 |

29

Over 9M minors now vaccinated against Covid-19

dekalidad, ang lahat po ng ating mga bakuna (I am appealing to all the parents in the country to avail of this opportunity. All vaccines are free, safe, effective, and of good quality),” he said.

PROTECTING THE FUTURE. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III injects the reformulated Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to 9-year-old Aeon Calyx Estrellado, accompanied by his mother Abigail, at the Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City on Monday (Feb. 14, 2022). National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (rightmost) also witnessed the vaccination for children aged 5 to 11. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

30

More than 9 million minors aged 12 to 17 years old have already completed their twin Covid-19 doses while 91,000 aged 5 to 11 have availed of initial shots as of Monday.

the Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.

There have been no reported serious adverse events following vaccination in the country, according to National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said vaccinating children will allow them to go out and attend physical classes and restore social skills development and cognitive function affected by the pandemic.

“Wala po kayong dapat ikabahala (You have nothing to worry about),” Galvez said at a vaccination activity for the 5-11 age group at

“Ako po ay nananawagan sa lahat ng mga magulang sa buong Pilipinas na sige na po, samantalahin na po natin ang pagkakataong ito. Libre, ligtas, epektibo,

| February 12-18, 2022

Inoculation of the youngest age bracket began February 7 using the lowerdosed Pfizer jab.

Duque noted that not one among an estimated 8.7 million fully vaccinated children in other countries reported serious side effects.

In the Philippines, Duque said less than 1 percent of vaccinated children experienced mild fever, headache, itchiness, and pain on the injected arm.

So far, 482 hospital and nonhospital sites for pediatric vaccination are operating nationwide, 82 of which are located in Metro Manila.

“Hindi po kumpleto ang proteksyon ng pamilya kung si bunso ay hindi bakunado.

Ngayon, pwede na tayong mag-staycation at bumisita sa ibang areas dahil bakunado na sina lolo, lola, tatay at nanay, kuya at ate, at si bunso (Vaccination is not complete if the youngest has no jab yet. Once everyone is vaccinated, going on staycation and visiting other areas are already possible),” Galvez said.

(PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

Caraga INFOCUS

61 million Filipinos now fully vaxxed as of Feb. 13

FEAR OF NEEDLE. A young boy closes his eyes as he gets inoculated against Covid-19 at a mall in Antipolo City on Sunday (Feb. 13, 2022). Filipinos aged at least 5 years old are eligible to receive the jabs. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

The Philippines has already administered 130,741,152 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, with 61,058,862 Filipinos now fully vaccinated, including those who received the single-dose Janssen and Sputnik Light jabs.

Data from the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 on Sunday showed that 52,262 children aged 5 to 11 years old have also received their first dose of the reformulated Pfizer Caraga INFOCUS

jabs and 8,011,994 have booster shots.

NTF chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. previously said vaccines would help in the revival of the country’s economy and safely send children back to schools for physical classes.

The emotional and mental impact of staying mostly at home for almost two years now will also be reduced, he

added.

For this month alone, the country received 5,906,550 Covid-19 doses, including the reformulated doses for the youngest age group.

The total acquired vaccines, both procured and donated, have reached 222,463,020 doses, nearly a year since the first shipment of 600,000 Sinovac doses donated by China arrived on Feb. 28, 2021. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) February 12-18, 2022 |

31

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 815-1991 pia.northagusan@gmail.com PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur 0917-723-3455 pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph PIA Agusan del Sur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City (086) 826-9450 piasurigao@gmail.com PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur