Caraga InFocus – March 28-April 3, 2020

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 8

28 March - 03 April 2020

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REGIONAL NEWS Third set of Caraga COVID-19 samples tested negative 370 Caraga cops on standby vs COVID-19 DOLE Caraga releases CAMP fund assistance to beneficiaries Caraga FabLab produces face shields for COVID-19 frontliners DOST-SEI announces 9,788 new S&T scholarship qualifiers U.S. commits P139M assistance for COVID-19 response in PH Balikatan 2020 exercise cancelled due to COVID-19 threat Home gardens: A promising approach to enhance household food security

Volume IV, No. 14

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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PDI intensifies fishery law enforcement with patrol boats from BFAR BFAR-13 holds training on preparation of unified fisheries ordinance DOST awards compliant food establishments in Siargao Island Curfew hours violators arrested in Siargao Island DAR, DSWD turn over 1.4M project in Dinagat Islands Surigao Norte solon sends food aid to displaced port workers amid COVID-19 quarantine Tandag mayor asks public to stay at home due to COVID-19 P187-M road project to benefit farmers in Surigao Sur POPCOM pushes for FP during community quarantine AgSur frontliners in checkpoints ask for more PPEs

MINDANAO NEWS

Caraga readies contingency 37 Davao City eyes add’l facilities for PUIs crafts plan to address potential rice plan for COVID-19 shortage 38 MinDA worst-case scenario NATIONAL NEWS

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Total nationwide lockdown not an option – Andanar 18M poor families to get emergency subsidy in April Duterte warns vs. corruption, politicking amid Covid-19 crisis SSS temporarily suspends confirmation of pensioners, UMID applications

COVID-19 NEWS

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Gov’t to give P1M to health workers who die in fight vs. Covid-19 DSWD readies aid for vulnerable sectors affected by Covid-19 Use available funds to compensate volunteer health workers: Go DOH eyes release of Covid-19 test results by 24-48 hours

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News Briefs DTI issues Memorandum Circular 20 -11: Prescribing Guidelines for Additional Business Activities Allowed to Operate to Ensure the Steady Supply of Basic Necessities and Essential Commodities, Supplementing MC 20-08, s. 2020.

IATF Virtual Presser, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that the Emergency Subsidy Program as headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall provide outright cash benefits for an estimated eighteen (18) million beneficiary households, ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 based on regional thresholds as promulgated by the DSWD, DOLE, DILG, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of Finance (DOF) through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2020.

In support to Caraga region’s fight against COVID-19, the DPWH Caraga region has installed 30 sanitation tents and four improvised gantry facilities in the different areas of the region. Engr. Pol M. delos Santos assured the LGUs and the Caraganons of their full support to combat the virus.

The members of the COVID-19 City Task Force have been monitoring the five quarantine control points in the entire city of Butuan to ensure that the entry restriction, which is stipulated in Executive Order No. 19, is properly implemented. Travelers are advised to cooperate with the authorities assigned in every checkpoint to effectively contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Caraga readies cont COVID-19 worst-case

By Venus L. Garcia

B

UTUAN CITY - With the exponential increase of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, the Department of Health – Center for Health and Development Caraga has intensified its health emergency response action to combat the virus.

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tingency plan for e scenario

A contingency plan was devised and finalized during the 1st Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). This is in preparation for the worst-case scenario especially that COVID-19 has already entered Mindanao.

Part of it is the strengthened vigilance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, consolidation of resources, and plotting of response activities whenever the situation will aggravate.

“We do not know so much about this novel virus so we have to take aggressive steps of preparation.

It is better to be ready because we can’t afford to be complacent about safety and security. Simply follow the guidelines imposed by the authorities until we beat this COVID-19,” said DOHCHD Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr.

With Europe that has the fastest growing cases of COVID-19, Dr. Llacuna stressed that everyone has a role to play in reducing community spread.

He said that based on the World Health Organization (WHO) assessment, the health risk is very high at the regional and global level.

“In Caraga region, we are currently under Code Red Alert (Sublevel 1).

Health emergency response is being MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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carried out,” said Llacuna, adding that provision of timely advice on measures to protect people’s health to prevent the spread of this outbreak is also undertaken.

“Our barangay has purchased a sizable number of canned goods, instant noodles, and sacks of rice for distribution to families or beneficiaries that were considered as indigent,” said

Meanwhile, Office of Civil Wilo Montero, punong barangay of Defense Caraga regional director Liza Brgy. Bayanihan, this city.

Mazo emphasized the importance In Surigao de Norte, the frontliners of cooperation among local DRRMC members and all other stakeholders. of the Caraga Regional Hospital have “We have to be on top in these also received health at sanitary supplies uncertain times. We also encourage such as alcohol, anti-bacterial soap everyone to strictly follow the directives and disinfectant aside from rice and and protocols and be one with the other food items.

Meanwhile, the nurses who are government in the fight against deployed at the barangay health COVID-19,” she said. centers seek the assistance of the

The local government ensures a national government for the provision stricter implementation of the localized of additional face masks, gloves and community quarantine even with the disinfectant. absence of confirmed cases in the

“We really lack the supply of face region. masks and gloves and other personal

Some barangays have also protective equipment. Thus, we appeal started the repacking and house-to- for the support from our government and other benevolent stakeholders to house distribution of food packs. look into our needs as we continue to perform our duties in our field of work as frontliners,” said Louise Francia R. Centeno, registered nurse of the DOH-CHD Caraga who served at the Barangay Health Center under the national deployment project.

Caraga remains a COVID-19-free region, with 20 total remaining patients under investigation (PUIs) and more than six thousand nine hundred persons under monitoring (PUMs) wherein 4,300 of them were cleared and done with the isolation period, as of March 21, 2020. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

Regional News

Third set of Caraga COVID-19 samples tested negative

BUTUAN CITY Department of Health – Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga received the results of the third set of samples sent to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

All five samples tested negative for COVID-19.

“Although results are favorable, this does not mean that we should be complacent. There is so much to do to halt the spread of this disease. I urge everyone to continue to stay at home, maintain physical distancing, regularly wash hands, observe proper cough etiquette and adapt healthy habits to strengthen your defenses against infection,” said DOHD-CHD Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr.

As of this time, there are still pending laboratory results. There are 13 remaining patients under investigation (PUIs) with one recorded death (with pre-exising medical condition). There

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are also 7,676 total persons under monitoring (PUMs) wherein 6,623 were cleared and done with the isolation period, as of March 31, 2020.

“We thank our partners from the local government units (LGUs), uniformed personnel, health workers, volunteers and other stakeholders for their strong will and determination to combat COVID-19. The extensive measures set by the LGUs should be followed. Remember that anyone can be infected. Let us not lower our guards but sustain our heightened efforts instead,” Dr. Llacuna said. (DOH-CHD Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Regional News

370 Caraga cops on standby vs COVID-19

BUTUAN CITY - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has prepared additional 370 policemen on standby in case an additional force is urgently needed on the ground in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“If there is a need for additional frontliners, we have 370 police personnel serving as Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) for COVID-19. They will be mobilized for the strict implementation of guidelines on localized community quarantine as well as the protocol set by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Disease,” Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, Jr., Regional Director of PRO13 said.

District Northern Mindanao, Bureau of Fire Protection 13, Department of Health, and local government units were already deployed to the different Quarantine Control Points regionwide.

Meanwhile, BGen. Esquivel continued to appeal to the local populace to cooperate with the personnel manning the quarantine control points adding that ensuring

As of now, almost 2,000 personnel public safety against this dreadful from PRO13, Philippine Army’s 4th disease is everyone’s concern. (PRO13/ Infantry Division, Philippine Coast Guard PIA-Caraga) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Regional News

DOLE Caraga releases CAMP fund assistance to beneficiaries

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Caraga Regional Office has recently announced the release of the first two batches of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) fund assistance amounting to P5,607,340.00 benefiting 1,117 workers in the private sector.

According to DOLE-Caraga Regional Director Chona Mantilla, the first batch of release was made on March 26, 2020, amounting to P2,063,220.00 which covered 411 workers in Agusan del Norte province.

“The regional office has also released P1,516,040.00 to 302 workers from Surigao del Norte; P1,450,780.00 to 289 workers from Surigao del Sur; and P577,300.00 to 115 workers in Agusan

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del Sur,” added Mantilla.

Director Mantilla further bared that the regional office is waiting for additional cash from the Central Office to fund the next batches of applicants.

For more information, everyone is encouraged to check the DOLE Caraga’s website: http://caraga.dole. gov.ph/ or Facebook Page: https:// web.facebook.com/dolecaraga13/.

(DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Regional News

Caraga FabLab produces face shields for COVID-19 frontliners BUTUAN CITY - Seeing the need to help the communities be safe as the country is put into a state of calamity because of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) Caraga is printing protective gears for the frontliners.

FabLab Caraga, one of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has started producing face shields last March 23 and continues to donate more to the different agencies in the region.

“This initiative is a collaborative effort of the FabLab community in the entire country as a means of support to the real heroes of this crisis, our frontliners,� said Engr. Isagani Roma, FabLab Caraga manager.

As of press time, the laboratory has already printed a total of 220 protective gears using three dimensional (3D) printing and aims to reach the production rate of 200 every day as they shift their production by utilizing a laser cutting machine.

The laboratory has already provided face shields for the Philippine Medical Association, city government of Butuan, DTI, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Caraga MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Regional News

State University (CSU).

fabrication tools.

Through CSU, the laboratory seeks

Roma said that they would willingly to develop pool of designers to assist accept written requests from various micro, small, and medium enterprises agencies and organizations as well as (MSMEs) in product design and financial and material donations. development.

“The laboratory is self-sustaining so we call for donations so we can replenish our materials and produce more,� Roma added.

In 2017, DTI Caraga provided assistance worth P12 million for the purchase of two units of 3D printers, laser cutter and engraver, wood milling machine, computer numerical control

DTI Caraga has already donated (CNC) machine for metal crafts, and acrylic sheets, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) large format printers. sheets, and industrial glue that are needed for the production of the face Nationwide, SSF is a project of DTI shields. that targets to give MSMEs access to better technology and sophisticated

FabLab Caraga is a space for equipment to become more innovation by providing coaching, competitive in the field (DTI-Caraga/ mentoring, and access to digital PIA-Caraga)

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Regional News

DOST-SEI announces 9,788 new S&T scholarship qualifiers BUTUAN CITY - A total of 9,788 graduating senior high school students will have a reason to celebrate as they clinch a slot in the country’s premier science scholarship programs – the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Scholarship Programs.

Out of the total number of passers, 5,917 qualified as scholars under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program, which provide for academically talented students who belong to economically disadvantaged families; while 3,871 qualified under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program.

life as they pursue a college science degree.

The 2020 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination, which was held on October 20, 2019 in 347 test centers nationwide, hit a recordbreaking 102,526 examinees.

“This scholarship program is certainly a package of opportunities as qualifiers, especially those who are underprivileged, will get to continue their education in leading universities and colleges. We are hopeful that they, four or five years from now, will undertake productive efforts in the areas of research and development, industry and innovation, and S&T services.” Dr. Biyo said.

Dr. Josette T. Biyo, DOST-SEI director, said the scholarships will provide greater opportunity to students especially to those who are hard up in

The new S&T scholars will receive a monthly stipend at P7,000; tuition fee subsidy up to P40,000 per academic year for those who are enrolled in MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Regional News private universities and colleges; book allowance; MS/PE clothing allowance (one-time only); one economy-class roundtrip fare per year for those studying outside of their home province; outright thesis allowance; and group accident insurance.

The scholarship qualifiers must pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in any of the priority fields of study at a state university or college or any private higher education institution that is recognized

by Commission on Higher Education as Center of Excellence or Center of Development or with FAAP Level III accreditation for the BS program that he/she intend to enroll in. The list of priority S&T programs can be found on the SEI website: www.sei.dost.gov.ph.

DOST-SEI scholars are required to render service in the country along their fields of specialization after graduation for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship as a return service.

“We believe that through the different scholarship programs of DOSTSEI, we are helping infuse a new blood of talent and skills into our workforce as well as supply a fresh breed of responsible citizens who use science in their daily lives. Now more than ever, we need young people to serve as ambassadors of science as the issues we face in terms of natural disasters, health pandemics, and others rely on sound scientific information to make better decisions for the public good,” Biyo added. (DOST-STII/PIA-Caraga)

U.S. commits P139M assistance for COVID-19 response in PH

BUTUAN CITY - The United States (U.S.) Embassy in the Philippines announced recently that the U.S. government has committed more than P139 million ($2.7 million) to support the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) in its response to COVID-19 in the country.

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will collaborate with Philippine government counterparts to establish and

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implement internationally-recognized infectious disease threat prevention and response strategies, and enhance infection control.

Regional News

U.S. assistance will strengthen specimen transport systems and laboratory capacity to accurately and rapidly detect cases. The assistance will also help protect health workers and patients by ensuring that hygiene products, masks, waste management supplies, and other necessary commodities are available, delivered,

and managed appropriately.

Moreover, the U.S. government supported programs will expand communities’ disease preparedness and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services and commodities.

(U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIACaraga)

Balikatan 2020 exercise cancelled due to COVID-19 threat BUTUAN CITY - The United States (US) Indo-Pacific Command has cancelled the exercise “Balikatan 2020” which was initially set on May 4 to 15 in the Philippines to ensure the health and safety of the participating forces and the locals in the communities near the planned training areas.

The exercise cancellation is in accordance with the international travel restrictions implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as well as the Republic of the Philippines in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, and involves participation from Australia. The United States and the Philippines have shared values and enjoy a warm relationship deeply rooted in history, and the U.S.

“In light of the extraordinary remains committed to the U.S.-Philippines circumstances surrounding COVID-19 Mutual Defense Treaty. pandemic and in the best interest of the health and safety of both countries’ forces, The DoD’s priorities remain it is prudent to cancel Balikatan 2020,” the protection of service members, said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, their families, and the department’s U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. civilian work force; safeguarding and maintaining the ability to defend the

“We remain deeply committed nation and its interests; and supporting to our long-standing alliance and allies and partners in this fight. (U.S. friendship,” he added.

Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Caraga) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Regional News

Home gardens: A promising approach to enhance household food security

As the government urged the public to stay home and self- quarantine, some have started coming up with ways to entertain themselves and some are finding productive ways to stay home.

He is an agriculturist a technical system to fight COVID-19,” Romer staff of the Department of Agriculture added.

(DA)-Caraga who needs to do his office work for the meantime at home.

Jessie Kahilig, 34, is one of his partners from Brgy. Aupagan, Butuan

Imparting technical expertise, City said that they have vegetables for particularly to vegetable farmers is his today’s crisis to feed his family. forte. In his three years of working in the DA-Caraga this opens for his realization “I am thankful for Romer’s initiative that there is a need to practice what to make a partnership with us, this crisis he preached. is unforeseen but we know what to do and that is to plant more,” Jessie

“Together with my farmer-partners added.

I am encouraged to establish a small area where I can apply and showcase Romer and his farmer partners are the proper management in vegetable now starting to reap the harvest of their farming,” he said. hard work.

Romer with his partners is now sharing a small area where he can demonstrate good practices in producing vegetables like ampalaya, eggplant, okra, tomato, squash, and even papaya.

“Aside from the sharing of my knowledge with my farmer-partners.

This is also in time of the global crisis, there is a need to feed our bodies with essential nutrients to boost our immune

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“With or without COVID-19 we should be productive and be ready,” Romer said.

The initiative of the young agriculturist is a proactive response on Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s campaign to enhance urban gardening as one of the measures to address the availability of food supply amidst the spread of COVID-19 in the country. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Provincial News

PDI intensifies fishery law enforcement with patrol boats from BFAR

By Salve Mordeno-Dinolan

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga led by regional director Visa Tan-Dimerin and represented by assistant regional director Edgardo P. Balambao, recently turned-over two units of 30-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) patrol boats, equipped with 16-horsepower twin gasoline marine engines and underwater fittings to the local government of the province of Dinagat Island (PDI) through Cong. Alan B. Ecleo, the vice chairperson on Aquaculture and Fisheries.

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Provincial News

The initiative is under the FB Pagbabago Program, which is designed to provide modern and disaster-resilient fishing boats and resource-appropriate fishing gears.

agency’s constant support to the local government. He also promised the beneficiaries to provide the outrigger of the patrol boats.

In his message, Balambao assured the beneficiaries that DA-BFAR will continue to support the livelihood projects of Dinagat and its enforcement of fishery laws.

The said program spearheaded

by BFAR national director Eduardo B. Gongona also supports Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar’s Masagang Ani at Mataas na Kita approach to uplift the economic status “Take good care of the patrol of both Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. boats. These are of great help in your livelihood and in the implementation of

Also present in the activity fishery laws,” Balambao said. were BFAR provincial fisheries officer Mansueto Cadelina and staff, OIC of “We are thankful for the support of the Regional Maritime Unit-13 Lt. Col. the Cong. Ecleo and of BFAR. We now Hadji Ballangan and his team, and have a boat to catch and stop illegal the beneficiaries from Barangays R. E. fishing activities,” Punong Barangay Ecleo Sr. and Mabini of the Municipality Gumamera responded. of Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands represented by punong barangays PLtCol Ballangan added that the Zacarias Gumamera and Alexsander Maritime Group in Caraga is always Eraya, respectively. ready to assist BFAR in curbing illegal fishing activities in Dinagat and the

Cong. Ecleo thanked DA-BFAR for entire region. (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/PIAresponding to their request and for the Surigao del Norte) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Provincial News

BFAR-13 holds training on preparation of unified fisheries ordinance

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - With an aim to formulate a unified fisheries ordinance in each municipality in Dinagat Islands and to strengthen partnership and coordination with local governments to address the occurrence of illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUUF), a training was conducted recently by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Natural Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga led by regional director Visa Tan- Dimerin and its Regional Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED), in coordination with the Provincial Government Office of Dinagat Islands held on March 4 to 6 at the Provincial Governor’s Conference Hall in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

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Provincial News “Let us be united, let us continue working together, let us continue our battlecry - which is to deter and totally eliminate the illegal fishing activities in our province,” Borja said.

It was attended by the local chief executives, vice mayors, Sangguniang Bayan chairperson on agriculture, municipal agriculturists, agricultural technologists for fisheries, municipal environment and natural resource officers together with representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office and BFAR Provincial Fisheries Office.

As one of the resource speakers, Atty.

Asis G. Perez, former BFAR national director and currently the Senior Adviser of Tanggol Kalikasan, facilitated the identification of the activities in the respective municipal waters that the community wants to allow but has to be regulated as initial step in the formulation of their respective unified fisheries ordinances.

Perez emphasized that municipal

Provincial Agriculturist Oswaldo fisheries ordinances, to be unified, should T. Borja, in his message, reminded the be consistent and complementary with participants of the local government each other. units’ (LGUs’) responsibility as cited in “It is very important that you have the Section 16 of the Philippine Fisheries Code as amended by RA 10654, which this level of coordination so that the states that the municipal government ordinances that you have are consistent shall have the jurisdiction over municipal with the others,” said Perez. waters. LGUs shall be responsible for The status of the fisheries resource the protection, for the conservation, for the management and utilization of in Dinagat Islands with notes from all fishery and aquatic resources within Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 8 was also reported by Joyce Baclayo, municipal waters.

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Provincial News DA-BFAR National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) project leader, in order for the local government units to have an overview of their resource.

provides a direction, reduces the risk of uncertainties, and reduces overlapping and wasteful action. “It also promotes innovative ideas, facilitates decisionmaking, and establishes standards for

Meanwhile, chief aquaculturist controlling,” Porlaje added.

Sandra Victoria R. Arcamo of DABFAR Central Office discussed the The activities would be instrumental Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries in the implementation of all fishery laws Management wherein she emphasized and regulations. that “conservation is finding a balance between ecological well-being and “Our efforts should not end in the human well-being through good enforcement alone. We need to look governance for future generations.” forward to the future of our aquatic resources, and that our direction should

Arcamo also said that at least be to develop the fisheries industry in 15 percent of the total municipal the province as our source of economic waters should be set aside for marine activities that will augment income protected areas (MPAs). and alleviate the quality of lives of our fisherfolk and communities,” said Gov.

The legal framework for the Arlene “Kaka” J. Bag-ao. delineation and delimitation of municipal waters and the importance Gov. Bag-ao clarified that the of delineation and its methods and unified FOs does not mean a single activities were also presented. fisheries ordinance for the entire province. It means that they have seven

“As of February 29, 2020, we have ordinances with similar provisions, in delineated some 928 coastal cities and terms of enforcement and regulation, municipalities in the Philippines but only and definition of illegal fishing. It should 311 are certified,” said Engr. Mario A. also reflect the unique features of their Princer of the Maritime Affairs Division respective municipalities, as these will of the Department of Natural Resource be the bases for the development and Environment – National Mapping ofthe Provincial Coastal Resource and Resource Information Authority Management Plans and Programs.

(DENR-NAMRIA), adding that part of the FOs should be the delineation of “After this, the next challenge municipal waters as mandated by law. is how we are going to design our capital investments. We just want to lay

Citing the crucial role of down the foundation of what type of management plan in the establishment capital and business we are going to of MPAs, Rene Zaldy Porlaje BFAR’s embark on depending on the nature Fisheries Resource Management Division of your fishery ordinances and to that said that MPA management plan of your partnership with the fisherfolk.

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Provincial News You protect, you earn - that will be our their action and inaction towards the theoretical framework in the province,� monitoring and regulation of fisheries Gov. Bag-ao underscored. activities and serve as a reminder and ensure that the law is strictly enforced,

Moreover, according to followed and implemented.

Deprtment of the iInterior and Local Government (DILG) provincial Director It can be recalled that last year, Domingo E. Bulabog the MC 2018-59 the Regional Bureau held the Fisheries reiterates the existing national policy to Law Enforcement Training for Local ensure that LGUs must play an active Chief Executives and Other Official in role in coastal resource management the same province. (BFAR-Caraga/ (CRM), to hold them accountable to VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOST awards compliant food establishments in Siargao Island

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - After a series of food safety-related trainings and inspections of the food establishments in Siargao Island, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga has recognized and awarded the restaurants, eateries and homestays that passed the food establishment inspection and grading system (FEIGS), the first food grading system implemented in the country.

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Provincial News

Of the 53 food establishments that voluntarily went through the process of inspection, 27 have highly conformed with the food safety standards and received a grade “A” equivalent to an excellent rating and “B” for very satisfactory.

about which places are excellent to go. This grading system will really help them,” said Sec. Dela Peña.

Jose Rose Tekseth, owner of Pamomoan Beach Resort in Del Carmen, Siargao said it is really helpful and advantageous, as they were able

Seven restaurants and three to determine the aspects that need eateries obtained a grade of A; and to be improved in order to meet the 10 restaurants, six eateries, and one standards. homestay garnered a grade of B after the last inspection.

“I am very glad that we are recognized and rated excellent and

During the awarding ceremony, that our efforts have borne fruit. We DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña are proud to deliver the best services emphasized the importance of food to our customers,” said Tekseth. safety in public health and tourism industry, particularly in Siargao Island Del Carmen Mayor Proserfina which is known to be one of the leading Coro also acknowledged the DOST for tourist destinations in the Philippines. implementing measures for food safety and for ensuring the cleanliness of food

“By maintaining this kind of quality establishments on the island. of facilities and services, the owners/ operators will continue to get more “We thank the DOST for providing clients and the tourists who came from us the technical assistance such as all over the world can spread the word trainings, consultancy and monitoring.

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Provincial News The evaluation of food establishments really helped the business operators in improving their services, especially in the preparation and handling of foods,” Coro said.

Evelyn Lao Singuan, owner of the King Crab restaurant, also noted a significant increase in their daily sales and said they got positive feedbacks from their customers. Her business got an ‘A’ rating for excellence in cleanliness and food hygiene.

According to DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga, the FEIGS helps to empower the local government units (LGUs) in establishing a mechanism that encourages food safety practices among food service establishments while providing informed choices to customers.

“This will also serve as a marketing leverage for them because more customers will patronize their business upon learning the kind of standard they maintained. It only proves the effectiveness of FEIGS project which bares the tagline, ‘clean places, safe food, happy customers.’ And so with happy customers, there are no complaints,” said Mallonga.

The implementation of which started in March 2018 has garnered more than 85 percent approval, as conducted in nine partner LGUs in Siargao Islands. There are 1,002 inspectors and food handlers who were trained on Food Safety.

implementing the same to the other areas in the region.

“We are optimistic that more LGUs here in Caraga will opt to apply the FEIGS project in their locality. As part of our expansion plan, we will also come up with a different checklist as a basis for the evaluation and monitoring intended for the ambulant vendors, especially those stalls selling street foods, because they also need to comply with the sanitation standards,” said Mallonga.

Meanwhile, the locals were glad with the implementation of the FEIGS, as it will surely create an impact for ecotourism opportunities in the island.

“As a consumer, we only want to experience the satisfaction in the basis of food and service quality, physical environment, and hygiene and cleanliness. Food service sanitation is one of the important factors that we consider when we decide to eat in food establishments. With FEIGS, we are assured of consuming the clean and safe foods,” said Meryrose Macabodbod, student of Oguing Navarro Memorial National High School in Sayak, Del Carmen.

FEIGS is a research and development project and a proactive measure which aims to prevent the occurrence of food poisoning outbreaks as a consequence of

After piloting the FEGS project unhygienic conditions and practices in Siargao Island, Mallonga said that in food handling. (Venus L. Garcia/PIAthey are indeed in the process of Surigao del Norte) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Provincial News

Curfew hours violators arrested in Siargao Island SIARGAO ISLANDS, Surigao del Norte - The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga region remains strict in the implementation of curfew hours, social distancing, and suspension of mass gathering to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), yet another violators in the community were arrested by partying in General Luna, Siargao Islands.

PNP Caraga regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr, said that the police officers responded immediately upon receiving a report that a group of individuals, some are foreigners, gathered in a resort and having a drinking spree despite social distancing rule is still in effect amid COVID-19 outbreak. There were seven of them who were apprehended.

especially that we are under a community quarantine. Anyone who fails to observe this regulation requiring people to remain indoors will be dealt with accordingly,” Esquivel said.

General Luna is known for its reputation as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” where the locals and tourists enjoy binge drinking and hopping at the bars and

“We urge the public to take restaurants.

(PNP-Caraga/PIAseriously the curfew being implemented Surigao del Norte)

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Provincial News

DAR, DSWD turn over 1.4M project in Dinagat Islands

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has turned over recently its Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for ARBs Project (CLAAP) in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tubajon town and Barangay Wilson in San Jose town, this province.

In Barangay Sta Cruz, a total of 28 farmer-members of SAFCOCO (Sta. Cruz Agra-Farmers Consumer Cooperative) will benefit the project.

These beneficiaries will be managing a rice trading enterprise worth P700,000.

manage it well for its sustainability.

While in Barangay Wilson, a total of 28 farmer-members of COMCRECO (Community Credit Cooperative) benefited the broiler production and marketing enterprise worth P700,000.

She said that this is just one of those opportunities that the government provides intervention to deserving organizations.

On her part, Mayor Simplicia P. Pedrablanca of Tubajon challenged the recipients to make the project sustainable and productive.

Meanwhile, on behalf of SAFCOCO, Chairperson Cepriano T. Membreve expressed their gratefulness that finally, they receive the said project.

DAR-Surigao del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Maria Elizabeth L. De Guzman, in her message, emphasized to the recipients the need to sustain the project given to them.

He assured that they will work hard to sustain the project and prove

She said that this livelihood their gratefulness to the government enterprise will give the opportunity especially to DAR and DSWD for giving to increase the household income of them the said livelihood project. (DARthe beneficiaries and that they should SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Provincial News

Surigao Norte solon sends food aid to displaced port workers amid COVID-19 quarantine

By Noli C. Nusog

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Port workers at the Port of Surigao get help anew recently as food packs were sent for their benefit, courtesy of Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers.

It may be recalled that the Laurente Family, a local franchisee of McDonald’s, recently provided more than a hundred food packs for Surigao porters and dockworkers.

Liza Monteros, public information officer for the Office of Representative Barbers said that though modest, the food packs were heartily given especially since it was bought using the lawmaker’s personal funds.

“Congressman Barbers is well aware of the difficulties faced by porters and dockworkers unable to earn due to the COVID 19 community

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quarantine that’s why he personally directed us to facilitate the distribution of food relief packs using his personal funds,” Monteros said.

A total of 240 food packs were distributed by volunteers from the Office of Rep. Robert Ace Barbers not just to porters and dockworkers but to janitors and security guards as well who were also forced to work reduced hours, if not temporarily displaced. A travel ban in Surigao City and the province of Surigao del Norte is in effect while a community quarantine is imposed to contain the spread of COVID 19. (PPAPMO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Provincial News

Tandag mayor asks public to stay at home due to COVID-19

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel on Saturday inspected the two entry/exit points in the city to observe if proper protocol is implemented by the frontliners during the first day of implementation of the modified community quarantine (MCQ), as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Mayor Pimentel observed that their quarantine pass or identification the pedestrians passing through card for the workers. the checkpoint obeyed the policy implemented by the authorities.

It can be recalled that on March 25, 2020, Mayor Pimentel signed an

While she was at the public Executive Order No. 09-A S. 2020, market, the lady mayor also asked her an order for a temporary closure constituents she met along the way for of entertainment and amusement MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Provincial News establishments offering non-essential services to the public due to the threat of COVID-19 effective March 28.

Only establishments which offer essential services are allowed to operate or exempted as stated on the EO, such as: water refilling stations; public markets (wet markets); agri-vet stores; savings and credit cooperatives; food establishments such as restaurants, cafes, bars, bakery, and the like (provided that, they shall discontinue their dine-in services, and shall only allow take-out services), store/food deliveries services; & funeral parlors and private cemeteries, provided that, they shall strictly impose a “family members only� wake and burial, and social distancing thereat.

Other establishments or offices allowed to operate during the duration of the MCQ are: groceries; supermarkets; mall in-house department stores; pharmacies and drugstores; medical laboratories; banks and ATMs; hardware; money-transfer services and bayad centers; courier services; printing presses; auto repair services; gas stations and LPG; laundry shops; cellphone repair shops; pet shops; convenient stores; wholesale and sarisari stores; energy and internet services; private business offices; government offices; offices/clinics of doctors, dentists, optometrists, lawyers, public accountants, architects, engineers, and other related professional services.

Residents of Tandag City working in private establishments and government offices are allowed to work during the duration of MCQ provided that they

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shall present either one company ID, or certificate of employment issued by the employer upon inquiry of the enforcers and shall only be used when going to and from work.

The ID or certification cannot be used when buying groceries, medicines or any basic necessities. In such, only the quarantine passes will be accepted and honored that were distributed to only one authorized person per household/family residents of the city.

No face mask, no entry policy is strictly implemented. During this period, all individuals, residents or non-residents are directed to wear face masks when going out in public. The nonresidents shall be issued visitor’s pass upon entry at the border checkpoints, and transactions are limited to money transactions; medical transactions; and buying raw and fresh wet market products which only allowed at Luha Public Market in Barangay Mabua.

(PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Provincial News

P187-M road project to benefit farmers in Surigao Sur

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) reported the near completion of the PHP187-million farm-to-market road (FMR) that will connect far-flung villages to the market centers including in Cortes town, Surigao del Sur.

In a statement on Monday, Grace Grado of the Municipal Project Management Implementing Unit (MPMIU) of DA’s Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) said the project is already 98.96 percent

complete and expected to be turned over to the local government of Cortes “soonest”.

The road project has a span of 14.33 kilometers and would benefit some MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Provincial News

1,172 farming and fishing households.

their farm products to the market.

“The FMR will surely translate “We thank the government for to better production of agri-fishery helping us farmers through this project,” commodities in this part of Cortes,” Malingin said.

Grado said.

Grado said the PHP187-million FMR

She said the project covers 4,537 will support the agriculture sector in six hectares of influence area and would barangays by giving new opportunities directly benefit the six barangays in and additional livelihood to augment Cortes populated with 5,346 individuals their income. who are involved in coconut farming and fishing.

She added that the municipality of Cortes is also a recipient of five

Grado said that the intervention units of all-weather dryers worth PHP4 of DA-PRDP in the area will support million that will benefit five farmers’ agricultural production and help uplift associations. the living condition of farmers and fishermen.

“The infrastructure component of DA-PRDP aims to put in place strategic

In the same statement, Vicente and climate-resilient rural infrastructure Malingin, a farmer from Barangay facilities along the value chain of a Tuburan, one of the villages in Cortes, particular commodity to achieve its said the project will directly benefit maximum value and increase the profit residents in the area who currently of the players in the industry,” Grado experience difficulties in transporting said. (PNA)

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Provincial News

POPCOM pushes for FP during community quarantine

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga reminds parents to stay responsible through the practice of modern family planning during community quarantine to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

The commission is calling the population and health workers and volunteers to remain aggressively providing family planning services by reaching out to households for FP is now mainly a health intervention program for improving the health and welfare of mothers, children and the family.

when couples are more likely to stay at home for longer periods due to the community quarantine being enforced by the different LGUs in the region and other areas in the country affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, pregnancy spike may happen as couples are unable to visit the health centers and avail the regular

With the help of the local reproductive health services including government units, POPCOM assures contraceptives such as pills, condoms, couples and families the provision injectables, and the like. of basic family planning services in their respective communities despite A study revealed that three in community quarantine to prevent 10 births in the Philippines is either unplanned pregnancies. unwanted or mistimed.

In this continuing information campaign, the population agency urged couples to remain conscious about planning their families despite having only limited activities at home; maintain their overall health and wellbeing during these trying times.

Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized that the increase of unplanned pregnancies during natural crisis has a major impact on demography.

“In times like these where everyone is discouraged to go out in the streets POPCOM Caraga revealed that may reduce couples access to family MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Provincial News planning information and services and lead to unplanned pregnancy. Natural disasters, pandemics and other events that force people to stay indoors are followed by increased births�, he underscored.

interrelationship of population, health and environment; the increasing number of people make bigger demands for food and resources, exerting pressure on the environment.

(POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Makinano further accented the Norte)

AgSur frontliners in checkpoints ask for more PPEs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - With the intensified implementation of precautionary measures in the province of Agusan del Sur against the coronavirus (COVID-19), the frontliners have asked for additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and other needs as they operate in the designated checkpoints.

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Provincial News

During the inspection and assessment of the Agusan del Sur Task Force COVID19 in the checkpoints of the said province, Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., witnessed the actual situation of the frontliners comprising personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH) and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams who are operating on 24/7.

The identified needs of the checkpoints include tents to shed waiting motorists, thermal scanners and personal protective equipment to be used by the frontliners.

Apart from looking after the needs of the frontliners, the provincial government also takes measures to ensure the safety and protection of the employees from the private and public sectors, hence, governor cane has allowed implementation of a flexible work arrangement or skeletal workforce.

According to Governor Cane, the provincial government is doing its best and looks for appropriate means and ways to address the concerns of the frontliners, as well as measures to Meanwhile, the local authorities protect them from being afflicted with continue to appeal to the public for their COVID-19. full support and cooperation especially

The official also stressed the need in the conduct of checkpoints, as part for available testing kits, not only in the of the precautionary measures to avert province of Agusan del Sur but also in the spread of COVID-19.

all areas of the Caraga region. This is to “Handling checkpoint operations fast track results of the swab samples of the patients under investigation (PUIs) is not that easy, but we are doing and persons under monitoring (PUMs). our best as we implement tight precautionary measures to ensure

“For now, what we really need that people are protected from the is available testing kits not only for the spread of COVID-19. That’s why we province of Agusan del Sur, but also in are also asking for their full support and the whole of Caraga region, especially cooperation for an orderly conduct of that we have PUIs and PUMs,” cited checkpoint,” PCpl. Candilario Sanoco.

(JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Gov. Cane.

MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao News

Davao City eyes add’l facilities for PUIs

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – The city government here is eyeing for additional facilities that will house those patients under investigation (PUI) amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Currently, the city’s PUI centers are located in Malagos Rehab Center, La Vida Inn located in Maa, Alternative Learning School (ALS) beside People’s Park, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) near the Malagos Rehab Center, and the Queensland Hotel, which has offered 240 rooms to the city government.

Mayor Sara Duterte, in a radio interview on Saturday, said they are looking for two additional facilities which will also cater to PUIs.

“We are preparing the 6th and 7th PUI center and we have already talked to two groups about it,” she said.

MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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Mindanao News

She added that the Malagos Rehab As to the staff who will man the Center, which can accommodate some PUI centers, Duterte said this remains a 28 patients, currently houses 22 PUIs. challenge to the city government.

“Only Malagos center is occupied and the rest were still empty. We want to fill in a specific center first before opening the other one,” Duterte added.

However, she said they have settled with what they have right now as they cannot impose to health volunteers to render their services to the centers.

In La Vida Inn, she said it can accommodate up to 26 PUIs while the ALS center will accommodate positive Covid-19 patients with mild cases only.

“We have called on several volunteer health workers but we do not impose anything on them because it is a public health emergency and it is not right for us to push them on the job. It’s

“We do not want them in the purely voluntary because there is a risk to hospital, because we reserve the beds their health and their life,” Duterte said. for those people who needed the health intervention the most, like the use of the She added that it is necessary to oxygen and ventilators,” Mayor Sara put trained and highly-skilled health added. workers because of the risks posed by

She said on Monday (March 30), the job.

Covid-19 positive patients from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) with The Department of Health in Davao mild symptoms will be transferred to ALS. Region confirmed that it already has a total of 30 people positive of Covid-19,

For BFP and Queensland, she said 20 of them were admitted at SPMC. the construction works are still ongoing.

(PNA)

MinDA crafts plan to address potential rice shortage

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

DAVAO CITY – North Cotabato’s provincial government and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will launch next week a program to augment rice supply in the area during the lean season.

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Mindanao News

In a Facebook post on Monday, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the initiative emerged from a coordination meeting with Governor Nancy A. Catamco and Agriculture Assistant Secretary for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM) Dr. Sailila Abdula, representing the PhilRice based in Midsayap, Cotabato.

North Cotabato is ranked No. 8 among the Top 10 rice-producing provinces of the Philippines, posting a production of 500,000 metric tons in 2017 when the country posted its highest production in history of 19.28 million metric tons.

Piñol said the “Quick Turn-Around Plan” for Mindanao’s rice industry was crafted due to the projected tight supply of rice in the country resulting

from the announced intentions of major exporting countries to stop or limit their exports as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He said MinDA, in coordination with the local government units (LGUs), would implement the program with the support of the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration.

“The Quick Turn-Around Plan aims to produce additional rice before the onset of the lean months, which start (in) July and stretches up to October to avert a feared shortfall in rice supply in Mindanao,” Piñol said.

He said the program will initially be rolled out in North Cotabato and “will later be cascaded in other provinces of Mindanao.” (PNA) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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NATIONAL NEWS

National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Total nationwide lockdown not an option – Andanar Communications Secretary Martin Andanar debunked reports that the entire country will be placed under a total lockdown for the next two weeks, saying a total lockdown was not even on the table to begin with.

quarantine was declared to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“Wala po ‘yan sa lamesa. ‘Yan po ang pinakamalaking fake news, so far, na narinig ko for the last 14 days (That’s not on the table. That is the biggest fake news I’ve heard of, so far, for the last 14 days),” he told Brigada News FM.

“May araw din ‘yang mga nagpapakalat ng fake news. Mahuhuli din yung mga ‘yan at once mahuli ‘yang mga ‘yan, talagang masasampolan ‘yan ng ating Philippine National Police (Their day will come, those fake news peddlers. They will be arrested and once they are, the PNP will give them what they deserve),” he added.

Andanar reminded fake news peddlers that their actions have consequences under the AntiCybercrime law and under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act that penalizes them a fine of at least P10,000 to P1 million or two-month jail time.

The Palace official likewise told fake news peddlers that what they were

Reports circulated online that doing was only making the situation President Duterte has approved the worse. recommendation to declare a total nationwide lockdown which would

“Tigilan na natin ito sapagkat hindi mean the closure of establishments, nakakatulong. Mahirap na nga ang and turning over the control of stiwasyon (Stop this because you’re not society’s day-to-day operations to helping. The situation is already difficult the military. as it is),” Andanar said.

In a radio interview, Andanar

“Hindi madali, lahat po said the lockdown rumor was the most apektado… Hindi ho talaga normal (It’s absurd story he has heard ever since not easy, everyone is affected. It’s not the Luzon-wide enhanced community normal). What we’re experiencing now MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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National News

is the new normal. Economic activity is Ano’ng klaseng tao ka kung ganyan close to zero,” he added. ang pag-uugali mo (A lot of businesses are affected and a lot lost their jobs.

“Maraming mga negosyong Then you’ll spread fake news to scare apektado, maraming nawalan ng the people. What kind of a person are trabaho. Tapos magpapakalat ka pa you with that kind of attitude)?” he ng fake news, tatakutin mo pa ang tao. continued.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar and Undersecretary Raquel ‘Rocky’ Ignacio host the #LagingHandaPH Public Briefing, an inter-agency effort of the PCOO that brings up-to-date and detailed information about the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The program embraces a whole-of-a-nation approach wherein guest resource persons from key agencies directly answer queries from the public across different

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regions throughout the Philippines.

They provide updates on the current situation and the efforts being undertaken in mitigating the spread of the disease in the country.

It is aired thru the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV), Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), 738 kHz Radyo Pilipinas 1 (RP1) AM station, Presidential Communications and Radio-Television Malacañang (RTVM) Facebook pages, and the attached agencies’ social media platforms.

National News

18M poor families to get emergency subsidy in April

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA – Around 18 million low-income households affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country will receive the two-time emergency subsidy from the national government starting April, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) announced on Tuesday.

Each eligible family will get emergency subsidy program (ESP), the government assistance whether in PCOO said in a press statement. cash or in kind from various social amelioration packages under the “(There will be) cash or nonMARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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National News cash subsidy to 18-million low-income household beneficiaries in the amount of at least PHP5,000 to a maximum subsidy of PHP8,000 per month for two months (April and May) for basic food, medicine, and other essentials,” it said.

The PCOO said beneficiaries would be provided a “social amelioration card,” a form distributed by village officials which contains the family profile for them to get access to the government’s social amelioration programs.

It added that the social amelioration card also serves as a “validation tool” to determine the eligible families and a “monitoring tool” to account for the services received by them.

PHP5,000 worth of assistance will be distributed to each beneficiary from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, and Cagayan Valley, it added.

The PCOO said a subsidy amounting to PHP5,000 will be given to each low-income household residing in Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“The ESP shall be provided by the national government, through various national and local government social amelioration programs, computed based on the prevailing regional minimum wage rates, and taking into account the subsidy amount given under (Social Welfare department’s) conditional cash program and the rice subsidy program, estimated at an average of PHP2,150 per month per family,” it said.

“The Emergency Subsidy shall be distributed through any of the social amelioration programs so long as the total amount from various social amelioration programs does not exceed the prescribed thresholds,” the “In this regard, the national PCOO said. government will augment the CCT and rice subsidy in order to reach

The amount of emergency subsidy the applicable emergency subsidy a poor family can get depends on the amount,” the PCOO added. minimum wage levels per region.

Families qualified to receive the

Low-income households from emergency subsidy should have at least Metro Manila will receive PHP5,000 one member who is a senior citizen, each, while those from Central Luzon a person with disability, pregnant and Calabarzon will get PHP6,500 or lactating woman, solo parent, or each, the PCOO said. overseas Filipino in distress.

Around PHP6,000 subsidy will be given to each poor family from Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Davao Region, while

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Households who are indigenous peoples or who belong to underprivileged and vulnerable sectors are also qualified to receive the

National News emergency subsidy.

informal economy workers’ wages equivalent to 100 percent of the Social amelioration packages prevailing highest minimum wage in their region, provided they are willing

There are 13 social amelioration to disinfect select areas for four hours a packages under the emergency day for a maximum of 10 days. subsidy program, the PCOO noted.

Micro, small and medium

The PCOO said one of the social enterprises operating for at least a year amelioration programs is the distribution but suffered “drastic reduction in sales” of food and non-food items to poor due to Covid-19 crisis may also avail families. of PHP1-billion financing program, the PCOO noted.

It said eligible family can also avail of “assistance to individuals in Small enterprises with assets crisis situation,” an aid that allows not more than PHP10,000 may get a beneficiary to receive an outright cash loan of up to PHP500,000, while micro grant of either PHP3,000 or PHP5,000 enterprises may borrow money worth and a PHP25,000 burial assistance in up to PHP200,000, both repayable at a case a member of family dies due to discounted 0.5 percent monthly interest Covid-19. rate.

The PCOO said families who have no incomes or savings may also be part of the expanded and enhanced Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The PCOO said the government would also impose moratorium on loan payments of small business corporation borrowers.

It stressed that qualified Sustainable Livelihood Program family beneficiaries who have at least one member working in the informal sector can receive a one-time grant of a maximum of PHP15,000 when the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.

“Affected borrowers shall be allowed to pay only their interest due for the succeeding six months, but interest rate will continue to accrue throughout the moratorium. The term of their loan shall be extended based on the number of months covered by the moratorium,” it said.

Another program is Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program that grants “one-time, non-conditional” PHP5,000 financial aid to affected formal workers, regardless of employment status.

Eligible farmers may also opt to have a one-time provision of PHP5,000 or a loan assistance worth PHP25,000.

Micro and small enterprises engaged in agriculture and fisheries production at a concessionary rate The government will also pay may also seek loan assistance worth MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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National News PHP300,000 up to 90 percent of their projected cost not exceeding PHP1.5 million.

Micro-entrepreneurs may also receive assistance in the form of enterprise development training, livelihood kit worth between PHP5,000 and PHP8,000, and business counseling.

The PCOO also emphasized that prices of basic necessities should remain frozen at their informal sector and those who live dayprevailing price while the entire country to-day on subsistence wages or no-work, is under a state of calamity. no-pay arrangements. Beneficiaryhouseholds will receive emergency Largest, widest social protection support for two months based on the program regional minimum wage,” Duterte said.

In a presidential address on Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte said government has allotted PHP200 billion for the largest and widest social protection program in the country’s history.

“The government is now launching the largest and widest social protection program in our country’s history... to make up for the loss of economic opportunities due to the quarantine measures in place for COVID-19,” Duterte said.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Department of Social Welfare and Development would in the coming days roll out details of the PHP200 billion ESP.

“This public health crisis has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of many of our countrymen, but government will exert all efforts to ensure that millions of Filipino families are taken care of; di po kayo pababayaan ng gobyerno ninyo (Your government won’t let you down),” Nograles said.

Duterte said the PHP200 billion Funds for the ESP will be sourced is for low-income households “badly from the PHP275 billion the government affected” by the Covid-19 crisis. has been allowed to tap under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan We

“Sila ang nasa (They are in the) Heal as One Act. (PNA)

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National News

Duterte warns vs. corruption, politicking amid Covid-19 crisis

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to detain politicians who will engage in corruption amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) health crisis, stressing that the public should never be deceived especially in these times.

He said he would not tolerate corruption, embezzlement, hoarding, He noted that he would also and other crimes that could deter the suspend national and local officials government’s heightened efforts to involved in politicking. curb the pandemic.

“Kung mamulitika ka tapos

“I am not a cruel man pero kung mabalitaan ko na ‘yun ang nagawa may report ang pulis (but if there mo (If you engage in politicking and are police reports), I will order your I hear about it), I will suspend you ora detention hanggang matapos itong mismo (on the spot). And for those Covid-19 (until the Covid-19 pandemic who are really absconding the money, ends),” he said in a televised public I will detain you, I said, and maybe I address late Monday night. will release you pagkatapos ng Covid MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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National News (after the pandemic ends),” he said.

He said that “people tasked of distributing the money, food, and relief goods” should do their work “to a tee” or risk being detained.

“Hindi tama ‘yan. ‘Yan ‘yang tinatawag na epal na mga barangay captain. I-report niyo sa’min ang pangalan, anong barangay, aaksyunan natin ‘yan (That’s not right.

That’s what you call self-promoting barangay captains. Report their names, which barangay and we will take action),” he said.

“Sa crisis tapos gawin mo pa ‘yang… Dapat ka talagang ikulong (There’s a crisis and you would no that…you really deserve to be jailed),” He asked barangay officials to he said. think twice about how they treat their constituents as it would be their basis

Under the Bayanihan to Health for electing new officials during the as One law (Republic Act 11469), next elections.

PHP5,000 and PHP8,000 worth of financial assistance will be given to “Malayo pa ang eleksyon.

18 million low-income households Kalimutan niyo ang eleksyon (Elections affected by the community ar far away. Forget about elections). quarantine.

But what you’re doing now will be the basis of the people whether you’ll be

RA 11469 states that poor families elected or not in the next election. will receive the monthly emergency Tandaan niyo ‘yan (Remember that),” subsidy for two months. he said.

This amount will be given on He also reminded local officials top of the food packs given to low- against going overboard while income households. enforcing policies, especially in restricting the movement of cargoes

Last week, Interior Secretary carrying basic necessities such as food, Eduardo Año urged the public to medicines, and other health-related report local officials who required their items when it should be unhampered. constituents to present their quarantine passes or voter’s identification before “Sa LGU, lalo na iyong malalayong they were given food assistance or lugar mayroon silang tendency to allowed to buy food outside. overdo, kasi iniisip nila iyong welfare ng kanilang constituents, but not knowing

He said requiring a quarantine ay sumosobra na (In local government pass or voter’s ID is not part of the units, especially in distant places, they guidelines under the Luzon-wide have a tendency to overdo it because enhanced community quarantine they’re thinking of the welfare of their to reduce the transmission of the constituents, not knowing that it’s too Covid-19 in the country. excessive),” he said. (PNA)

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National News

SSS temporarily suspends confirmation of pensioners, UMID applications QUEZON CITY - The Social Security System (SSS) announced the temporary suspension of its Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program (ACOP) until the end of April 2020 amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“In this time of crisis, the importance of providing our pensioners with the SSS pension they can rely on and ensuring their health and safety overshadows the need for their timely compliance with the ACOP requirement,” SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said.

Ignacio added that for humanitarian consideration, SSS would continue to release the monthly pensions of pensioners who failed to comply with the ACOP requirements since January 2020.

The SSS conducts home visits for pensioners who are 85 years old and residing in the Philippines. Home visits are also administered for pensioners who cannot personally report to SSS branches due to medical conditions such as total blindness and amputation of two or more extremities. Pensioners abroad may also comply with the ACOP via video conference. Under normal circumstances, failure to comply with the program leads to the suspension of the benefit.

On the other hand, retirement pensioners who are 85 years old and

The ACOP ensures that SSS pensions below and residing in the Philippines are given to the rightful beneficiaries. It are no longer required to comply with requires all survivor and total disability the ACOP since October 2018. pensioners in the Philippines and retiree, survivor, and total disability pensioners Also, SSS is temporarily suspending residing abroad to annually report at the applications for the Unified MultiSSS offices on their birth month or of the Purpose Identification (UMID) card deceased members’. since it involves direct contact. (SSS) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News

Gov’t to give P1M to health workers who die in fight vs. Covid-19

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – A total of PHP1-million will be given to all health workers who die while fighting the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic under Republic Act 11469 or Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Under the new law, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will assure that the service of health workers in the public and private sector will be recognized amid the government’s efforts to combat the deadly virus.

severe Covid-19 infection while in the line of duty.

This provision has a retroactive application from Feb. 1, 2020.

Last March 23, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Administrative Order 26

The PhilHealth will also give which grants a “Covid-19 hazard pay” PHP100,000 to all health workers in the worth at the rate of PHP500 per day to public and private sector who contract government workers, including health MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News workers, who physically report for pay in accordance with the recent work under the Luzon-wide enhanced memorandum of DBM. community quarantine.

He said the Department of Budget

The government workers entitled and Management (DBM) has proposed to hazard pay are those who occupy that health workers’ risk allowance will regular, contractual or casual be given on top of the hazard pay. positions, or are engaged through contract of service (COS), job order Under the Magna Carta of Public (JO) in national government agencies Health Workers (RA 7305), all public (NGAs), including state universities health workers are entitled to a PHP500 and colleges (SUCs) and government “Covid-19 special risk allowance” per owned or-controlled corporations day in addition to the hazard pay.

(GOCCs).

With this proposal, Go said

Public health workers are entitled volunteer health workers may receive to the Covid-19 hazard pay if it is higher around PHP1,500 per day excluding than their current hazard pay under PHP500 hazard pay and “perhaps existing laws. another PHP500 risk allowance per day”.

The private hospitals and other health facilities, on the other hand, are A licensed nurse volunteer may encouraged to grant hazard pay to get around 2,200 per day while the their health workers and staff exposed rate of an entry-level licensed doctor to the dangers of Covid-19. at a DOH-run hospital is salary grade 21, equivalent to PHP59,353 per month, Volunteer health workers he added. He said volunteer doctors may be given a similar amount but

In a statement, Senator computed on a daily basis.

Christopher “Bong” Go, suggested that the government can maximize Initially, the Department of volunteer health workers by engaging Health (DOH) initially offered qualified them on the basis of contracts of service volunteers a PHP500 allowance, similar to job orders. free food and accommodation and insurance in case they get infected

This way, he said, they can be with Covid-19. compensated on a daily rate for a limited time period equivalent or close To date, 593 health workers already to the amount received by actual signed up to help the government government-employed health workers. control the public health emergency.

By considering the volunteers as job orders or contract of service workers, he Qualified volunteers will work in said they will also be entitled to hazard one of the three hospitals in Metro

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COVID-19 News Manila where Covid19-related cases will be referred -- Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, the DOH said.

workers who risked their lives reducing the transmission of the highly-infectious disease.

Several other health workers have been classified as either patients under investigation (PUI) or persons under monitoring (PUMs).

He also reminded health workers to look after themselves, as it was the only way they would be able to fulfill their duties.

“Let us join hands in solemn prayers for our health front-liners who daily

Reports showed that over 10 put their lives on the line as they treat doctors have died due to Covid-19 those who have the virus,” Presidential while others are in critical condition.

Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Malacañang earlier mourned “We must all take care of ourselves the passing of these doctors and because in doing so we take care of urged the public to pray for all health others,” he said. (PNA)

DSWD readies aid for vulnerable sectors affected by Covid-19

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured it will provide social amelioration measures amounting to PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 for two months to families belonging to vulnerable sectors affected by the enhanced community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis as mandated by Republic Act 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.”

The Emergency Subsidy Program includes the DSWD’s provision of food and non-food items (FNFI) and financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)

as well as those provided by other agencies, provided that the benefits received by each household does not exceed the prescribed threshold per region.

MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News

The PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 worth of social amelioration programs is based on the maximum subsidy per region determined from the region’s minimum wage levels as these are close approximations to the amount needed to buy basic food, medicine, and hygiene essentials.

It will be given to

The LAG will be given after the an eligible family in cash and in kind by various national quarantine period has been lifted to help the families start anew. government agencies.

The provision of FNFI is part of the DSWD’s Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation (TARA) to local government units in addressing the food needs of their constituents.

AICS, on the other hand, provides integrated services to individuals and families in crisis situation which include financial assistance to assist them with their basic needs.

Likewise, Livelihood Assistance Grants (LAG) will be provided to a beneficiary-family of the Department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) with at least one member who is a worker in the informal sector and is displaced due to the declaration of the community quarantine. The family must be in the master list endorsed by the LGU to the DSWD Field Office (FO) and must still undergo assessment by a DSWD staff.

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LGUs will prepare the list of the target beneficiaries of the social amelioration measures and endorse this with the complete documentary requirements to the concerned DSWD FO for verification.

A Social Amelioration Card (SAC) that captures the family profile will be distributed to the LGUs to enable the beneficiaries to access the assistance.

It will also serve as a monitoring tool to avoid duplication of delivery of services.

DSWD will also use the existing list of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Program to validate the list submitted by LGUs.

Families under the 4Ps will also be supported with a top-up on their grants and rice subsidy to reach the maximum benefit per region. The 4Ps beneficiaries

COVID-19 News are most vulnerable to economic, social and physical shocks such as this health crisis, thus, the need to augment their existing grants to help them with their daily needs.

the Joint Memorandum Circular forged

by DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Finance

The social amelioration measures (DOF), and the Department of Budget will help mitigate the socio-economic and Management. impact of the Covid-19 health crisis and the enhanced community quarantine DSWD also vowed to strengthen to the target beneficiaries, particularly its coordination with the LGUs to the senior citizens, persons with disability, provide the delivery of maagap at pregnant and lactating mothers, solo mapagkalingang serbisyo (prompt and parents, overseas Filipinos in distress, compassionate service) to the poor, indigent Indigenous Peoples, homeless vulnerable, and disadvantaged, while citizens, and the informal economy putting premium to the health and workers. safety of its beneficiaries and personnel in this time of public health emergency.

The measures are contained in (PR)

Use available funds to compensate volunteer health workers: Go MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Sunday appealed to the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide proper compensation for health workers who volunteered to help respond to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Go, chair of the Senate committee on health, also urged the DOH to equip the health workers with the muchneeded tools and protection to do their jobs.

“Despite being volunteers, they are professionals. Highly skilled sila at buhay nila ang nakataya para maprotektahan ang sambayanang Pilipino (They are highly-skilled and MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News their lives are at stake to protect the Filipinos). Let us use the funds available to give them proper compensation and provide them with the tools, facilities and protection they need to resolve this health crisis,” Go said.

Go suggested that the government can maximize volunteers by engaging them on the basis of contracts of service similar to job orders so that they can be compensated on a daily rate for a limited time period equivalent or close to the amount received by actual government-employed health workers.

He said the Senate pushed for the passage of the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” (Republic Act 11469) to grant special authority to President Rodrigo Duterte to use the government’s funds to help and increase the front-liners fighting Covid-19 outbreak.

On March 27, the DOH called on “doctors, nurses, nurse assistants, hospital orderlies able, healthy and willing to commit to work in the fight against Covid-19.”

problem,” Go said, adding that the amount may be charged against the Maintenance and Other Operating Expense of the agency.

He said by considering the volunteers as job orders or contract of service workers, they will also be entitled to hazard pay in accordance with the recent memorandum of DBM. On top of the hazard pay, he said DBM is also

Go said DBM Secretary Wendel proposing additional risk allowance to Avisado and DOH Secretary Francisco be given to front-line workers.

Duque III agreed that that aside from allocating funds to equip health “In this time of crisis, we need workers and enhance health facilities, all the help we can get to defeat the it is also possible for the government virus,” he said. to provide highly skilled volunteers with compensation nearly close to the With this proposal, Go said amount being received by government volunteer medical practitioners may health workers but computed on a receive around PHP1,500 per day daily rate. excluding PHP500 hazard pay and “perhaps another PHP500 risk allowance

“Funding should not be a per day”.

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COVID-19 News

He said a licensed nurse volunteer may get around 2,200 per day while the rate of an entry-level licensed doctor at a DOH-run hospital is salary grade 21, equivalent to PHP59,353 per month.

Volunteer doctors may be given a similar amount but computed on a daily basis, he added.

The DOH initially offered qualified volunteers an allowance, free food and accommodation and insurance in case they get infected with Covid-19. So far, 593 health workers already signed up to help the government control the public health emergency, according to the DOH.

Go also suggested that “qualified” volunteers who are unlicensed nurses or nursing students be compensated using daily rate of around PHP1,000 plus hazard and other applicable allowances.

In its call for volunteers, the DOH indicated that qualified volunteers will work in one of the three hospitals in Metro Manila where Covid19-related cases will be referred, namely, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez

He said the priority now is to be Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium. able to provide immediate healthcare The Bayanihan to Heal as One needs to solve the health problem and defeat the virus and, at the same time, Act also provides that health workers to provide cash and food assistance to will receive PHP100,000 each if they those who are affected the most in this “contract severe Covid-19 infection on duty” and PHP1 million each for their crisis. families in case of death.

“With the passage of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, bulk of government spending is now allocated to DOH for immediate healthcare needs, DSWD for social assistance especially for affected vulnerable sectors, and DOLE for assistance to displaced workers,” Go said.

Go recognized the essential roles of the front-liners in this crisis.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo (Thank you for your service). We commend all our front-liners — health workers, doctors and nurses — who have sacrificed their lives to save their fellow Filipinos. Kayo ang mga bayani

Go further urged the DOH to sa giyera na ito (You are the heroes of address immediate concerns of the this fight),” Go said. health sector when it comes to much needed support from government He said that aside from in equipping and capacitating compensating volunteer health workers, health institutions so they can be DOH must expedite the procurement of more responsive to the needs of test kits, ventilators, personal protective constituents amid the growing threats equipment (PPE) supplies, and other necessary tools to equip hospitals. of COVID-19.

MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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COVID-19 News

Go said compensation is not the only issue here as the best way to help the health sector respond to this crisis is by sufficiently providing them with the tools and protection needed to do their job.

Pakinggan at tulungan natin sila dahil sila ang mas nakakaalam kung ano ang dapat gawin para matapos ang health emergency na hinaharap ng ating bansa (Let’s give attention to the complaints of our front-liners – health workers, doctors at nurses. Let’s listen

“Bigyan natin ng pansin ang and help them because their skills are mga reklamo ng ating front-liners – very much needed to end this health mga health workers, doctors at nurses. emergency),” he added. (PR)

DOH eyes release of Covid-19 test results by 24-48 hours

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA – The government is now targeting meeting the standard processing time of 24 to 48 hours in releasing the results of tests of persons suspected to be infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire issued the statement, as she admitted that it takes five to seven days for Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to release the Covid-19 test results due to “backlog.”

magkakaroon tayo ng real-time results already na sinasabi nating 24 to 48 hours (After that, we can now have real-time results. We can get the results by 24 to 48 hours),” she said in a televised “Laging Handa” briefing.

Vergeire said RITM already made There are now 707 confirmed a commitment to address the backlog cases of Covid-19 in the Philippines, in “two to three days.” with 45 deaths and 28 recoveries.

“Pagkatapos

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noon,

To improve the testing capacity in

COVID-19 News the country, Vergeire said subnational by the DOH and the Food and Drug laboratories are expected to receive Administration (FDA). some 5,000 test kits each either by Friday or Saturday.

“There are these rapid test kits that are out there and available. The issue

Subnational laboratories that will here is that DOH and FDA do not agree get new test kits from DOH include with it,” he said during the “Laging Southern Philippine Medical Center in Handa” briefing.

Davao City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu, San Lazaro “Sometimes, in warfare, you have Hospital in Manila, Baguio General to use what we have now. If the test Hospital and Medical Center, and the kits are already running, then there’s Lung Center of the Philippines, Vergeire no need for this type of rapid test kits. said.

I hope that the DOH and the FDA will test these test kits.”

Vergeire said subnational laboratories also vowed to process The DOH earlier thumbed down the results of tests for Covid-19 by 24 the use of rapid Covid-19 test kits, as to 48 hours. She added that around 30 it questioned the accuracy of the test laboratories have signified interest to results. conduct the test for Covid-19.

Vergeire said the DOH and FDA

“Isa-isa ho nating ia-assess have to be careful in approving the iyan para lumawak pa ho ang mga use of test kits for Covid-19 to ensure laboratoryong maaaring gumawa that the results of tests are “accurate.” ng test na ito sa ating bansa (We are assessing that so we can have more “Ang problema po kapag hindi laboratories that can conduct Covid-19 po registered iyan ng Food and Drug tests in our country),” Vergeire said.

Administration, hindi po iyan dumaan sa masusing pag-aaral, maari pong

Check rapid test kits magbigay iyan sa atin ng false negative or false positive results (The problem is

Presidential Adviser for if it’s not registered by the Food and Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion Drug Administration, it can give false stressed the need to improve access negative or false positive results),” she to testing to allay public fear amid the warned.

Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

The FDA has so far approved 15

Concepcion said the use of rapid Covid-19 test kits for commercial use. test kits for Covid-19 should be assessed (PNA) MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2020 |

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