Caraga InFocus – November 28-December 4, 2020

Volume IV, No. 49 Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2020

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REGIONAL NEWS DA-CARAGA HELPS FAMILIES THROUGH LIVESTOCK, POULTRY PRO13 ACQUIRES NEW VEHICLES, MANPACK RADIOS

PROVINCIAL NEWS COMMUNITIES RENOUNCE CPP-NPA SUPPORT IN 13 IPSURSUR UNIFORMED PERSONNEL AVAIL TESDA TRAINING 16 22IN SURSUR MUNA SOLON’S DAUGHTER KILLED IN 17 BAYAN SURSUR CLASH KA SAKONG BUGAS IHATAG SA AGUSAN 19 USA NORTE MATAG EMPLEYADO SA KAPITOLYO

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MINDANAO NEWS MINDANAO MEDIA HUB TO AIR FIRST TV BROADCAST DEC. 5

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MINDA, PARTNERS CONVENE TO ADDRESS C. MINDANAO FLOODING IMPENDING DISASTER: THINNING FOREST COVER, FLOODS THREATEN MINDANAO RIVER BASINS

NATIONAL NEWS

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STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE COMMEMORATION OF BONIFACIO DAY ANDANAR WELCOMES ARRIVAL OF NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO PH

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NOGRALES, MCDONALD’S KINDNESS KITCHEN DISTRIBUTE FREE HOT MEALS ANEW IN PARAÑAQUE TASK FORCE YOLANDA, NHA TURN OVER 535 HOUSING UNITS IN CAPIZ - NOGRALES NOGRALES, MCDONALD’S KINDNESS KITCHEN DISTRIBUTE FREE HOT MEALS IN CALOOCAN ‘WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL’: CATANDUANONS THANK RED CROSS FOR VAST SUPPORT, HELPING THEM START ANEW AFTER BEING DEVASTATED BY SUCCESSIVE STORMS

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PHILIPPINE RED CROSS LOWERS COVID-19 TESTING FEES PHILIPPINE RED CROSS AIDS CATANDUANES FOLKS WITH KITCHEN SETS FOR SHELTER REBUILDING “AMAZING GRACE” REACHES TYPHOON-RAVAGED CATANDUANES PRESIDENT DUTERTE OVERSEES DESTRUCTION OF MORE THAN P7-BILLION WORTH OF SEIZED DRUGS PALACE REITERATES RESTRICTIONS DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON PRESIDENT DUTERTE RETAINS METRO MANILA’S GCQ STATUS FROM DECEMBER 1 TO 31 WITH ANDRES BONIFACIO IN MIND, PRESIDENT DUTERTE HONORS FRONTLINERS BONIFACIO’S VALUES SHOULD INSPIRE FILIPINOS, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE GOV’T CARRIES OUT MEASURES TO CURB DAVAO CITY’S COVID-19 INFECTIONS GOV’T LAYS OUT STRATEGY FOR COVID-19 MASS IMMUNIZATION MEMBERS OF POLICE, MILITARY SHOULD GET FIRST COVID-19 VACCINE SHOT, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE

COVID-19 NEWS

VACCINE ROLL OUT “BEST CASE SCENARIO” BY Q1 2021 TASK FORCE MONITORS AREAS WITH SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES ASTRAZENECA EYES COVID-19 VACCINE PHASE 3 CLINICAL TRIAL IN PH

CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

NOGRALES, NNC LAUNCH FEEDING PROGRAM TO A STUNTING IN FILIPINO CH

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and National Nutrition Council (NNC) Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang jointly conducted the soft launch of the Tutok Kainan program at the NNC headquarters on

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

November 23, 2020, specifically targeting and addressing the food and nutritional needs of pregnant women and young children.

Tutok Kainan will distribute the Enhanced Nutribun, ready-to-eat

lipid-based nutritional supplements and hot meals for three months starting this December.

The program’s initial target is 34,000 nutritionally at-risk pregnant women in provinces that have a high rate of child stunting, Caraga INFOCUS

H NUTRITION AND ADDRESS GROWTH HILDREN also in areas affected by recent natural calamities. Malacañang and the NNC expect to immediately expand the program next year to include malnourished children between six to twenty three months of age.

Executive Director Dayanghirang explained that their focus would be pregnant women and malnourished children in order to prevent growth stunting in the first two years, or in the period classified as the the First 1000 Days of a child’s existence.

“If we don’t address this problem, this can cause permanent and irreversible damage to our youngsters. It affects the body and the mind.

This we cannot allow to happen,” Dayanghirang Caraga INFOCUS

added.

Zero Hunger chaired by

Tutok Kainan Cab Sec Nograles who was created with the also led the ceremonial assistance of the Inter- feeding of a number of agency Task Force on pregnant women from November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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the National Capital Region.

The feeding program was in line with the recommendation of the IATF on Emerging Infectious Diseases last October through IATF Resolution No. 76, which addresses the needs of nutritionally-deficient children by giving cash assistance and food packs to minimize the effect of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to vulnerable sectors.

Nograles noted that government was actively pursuing initiatives to address hunger and poverty concerns.

“The Task Force Zero Hunger, in cooperation with related agencies, created the National Food Policy that will serve as a catalyst for the enforcement of programs addressing a wide range of needs. We are also enlisting the support of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the private sector, local government units (LGUs) and State Universities and Colleges through an organized movement against hunger called Pilipinas Kontra Gutom” the Malacañang official said.

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

Tutok Kainan will launch in Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon and in Caloocan, Navotas, Parañaque and Pateros in NCR. Also targeted are areas most affected b the recent typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, which include Cagayan, Isabela, Albay, Catanduanes and Rodriguez, Rizal.

“We do all these with the objective of eliminating hunger and malnutrition in the country by year 2030 to fulfil our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger,” Nograles stressed.

The online soft launch was attended by 500 participants from local government program areas, the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Business Network and the Civil Society Alliance as well as representatives from different government agencies.

Simultaneous with the launch, Nograles requested that LGUs give counterpart contributions

in terms of manpower and logistical support to the NNC.

“I’m strongly encouraging all stakeholders to invest in this project as much as they can. The dietary supplementation program will benefit the country and our people. A well-fed and healthy citizenry is a strong foundation to a sustainably developed country.”

The Tutok Kainan is one of the platforms of the National Dietary Supplementation Program of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022.

Apart from Tutok, the DSWD and DepEd have their own feeding programs for children in day care centers and elementary schools. They closely coordinate with LGUs and NGOs in this respect.

“Let’s all work together to end hunger in this lifetime. No Gutom should be among our battlecries as we weather this pandemic.

Ang kaligtasan ng susunod na henerasyon ay kaligtasan ng Pilipinas,” Nograles stressed.

Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs President Corazon Aquino signed Proclamation No. 276 in 1988 which started the annual celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos. This institutionalized the month-long celebration every December which aims to recognize the contributions of overseas Filipinos to Philippine development. xx

The Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga holds this Buntis Zoomgress (via Zoom platform) with some 150 pregnant women including those from the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. The participants will know more about Republic Act 9262, Republic Act 10364, and Responsible Parenthood, among others.

As of December 4, a total of Php 31,391,173 has been availed by 5,812 beneficiaries in Caraga of DOLE’s TUPAD BKBK program. Around 19,512 beneficiaries across the region are yet to be paid upon the completion of their work.

For the month of November 2020, the National Food Authority (NFA)-Agusan del Sur procured from the local farmers in the province a total of 36,559 bags of clean and dry palay, which would translate to 2,031% accomplishment of its palay procurement for CY 2020.

REGIONAL NEWS

DA-CARAGA HELPS FAMILIES THROUGH LIVESTOCK, POULTRY

By Aurelius P. Arais & Kent Warren Fuguso The Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga is intensifying its support for the family to be resilient amid the pandemic through the Livestockbased Livelihood and Enterprise Development Program.

Around P1.4 M worth of livestock and poultry animals were distributed

by DA-Caraga for the month of November, Caraga INFOCUS

2020 to various recipients in the region.

The distributed animal stocks comprised of 400 heads of freerange chicken for eight farmer associations of RTR, Agusan del Norte; 30 heads of cattle to San Franciso and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur for 22 farmer-recipients, 20 heads of goat for learning sites through

the Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI); 50 heads of hogs to Small Hog Raisers Association of La Paz, Agusan del Sur, and 250 chicken for five farmer associations at Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

On November 25, 2020, DA-Caraga also distributed 610 heads of chicks to 61 families at Barangay Matho, Cortes, November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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Surigao del Sur with one bag of feeds, and vitamins, and vegetable seeds for each recipient.

The turn-over ceremony was attended

by Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Rebecca Atega, RTD for Research and Integrated Laboratories Nicandro Navia, Jr., Provincial Administrator Pedro Trinidad and Mayor Josie Bonifacio of the said town together with other provincial, municipal, and barangay officials.

“During these trying times, the government is doing its best to help the family to earn through an enterprising livelihood such as animal raising,” Atega said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Josie Bonifacio of Cortez, Surigao del Sur expressed

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her grateful appreciation to DA-Caraga for extending its services to her constituents.

“Many need government support such as this, so I am appealing to the recipients to take care and developed it for additional income and food source of the family,” Bonifacio stressed.

On the other hand, Center Chief Sammy Calonzo of DA-ATI bared that the goat they received will serve as an additional intervention to the selected learning sites in the region.

“The chosen learning sites will serve as a multiplier farm for the given ruminants,” Calonzo bared.

Among the recipients is a tribal association of Sitio

Cantagan, Barangay Lucac, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

“We have been longing for an animal like cattle to be raised, and it is now being fulfilled. This is a big help for our group, so we are so thankful to DA for extending the services of the government for us,” Edwin Almado, one of the board of director of Cantagan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, a tribal group composed mostly of the Manobo tribe.

The said intervention is an offshoot of the commitment of DACaraga through Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo to help the families to copeup with the challenges the country is facing today. (DA Caraga/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PRO13 ACQUIRES NEW VEHICLES, MANPACK RADIOS The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has acquired anew several mobility assets and communication equipment in order to enhance operational and administrative capabilities in the fields, as it is committed to win against criminality, insurgency and illegal drugs.

PRO-13 regional director Brigadier General Romeo Caramat, Jr. and members of the Command Group personally witnessed the blessing and turnover ceremony of the nine units Toyota Patrol Jeep 4x2 single cab and 24 sets of Codan HF Manpack Caraga INFOCUS

radios.

BGen. Caramat said the new mobility assets were distributed to Surigao City Police Station, Alegria Municipal Police Station, General Luna Municipal Police Station, Dapa Municipal Police Station, Gigaquit Municipal Police Station, Del Carmen Municipal Police Station, San Jose Municipal Police Station, Esperanza Municipal Police Station, and Bunawan Municipal Police Station to upgrade its capabilities.

The 24 sets of Codan HF Manpack radios were distributed to the maneuvering units of

Caraga region distributed to Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 13, 1301st Maneuvering Company, 1302nd Maneuvering Company, 1303rd Maneuvering Company, 1304th Maneuvering Company for police operations.

“These additional logistical resources shall help in boosting the morale of the troops in the frontline services in order for the Caraga police to serve and protect well the people as we aim to attain a safer place to live, work and do business in the region,� said BGen. Caramat.

(PRO13/PIASurigao del Norte) November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

IP COMMUNITIES RENOUNCE CPP-NPA SUPPORT IN SURSUR

By Nida Grace P. Barcena The members of the Manobo tribal community in Sitio Tubod, and its adjacent areas in San Miguel town have renounced their support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPPCaraga INFOCUS

NPA) and renewed their pledge of loyalty to the government.

San Miguel Mayor Hazel Elizalde administered the oath of allegiance in time with the culmination activity of the Community Support

Program (CSP) of the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), Philippine Army on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, held in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Mayor Elizalde also officiated the mass November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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wedding ceremony dubbed as “Kasalan sa Barangay� to some 25 Manobo couples.

Also, the local government unit and its partner agencies conducted a Serbisyo Caravan offering various services such as medical check-ups, circumcision, and distribution of medicine, distribution of Nutri-pack. Each family also received relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), while the Philippine National Police (PNP) distributed school supplies to the learners of the newly-opened School of Living Tradition (SLT) under the Department of

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Education (DepEd).

During the program, Col. Villarosa presented the result of the CSP implementation in the area and elaborated some issues and concerns raised by the community leaders and residents, that needed an immediate response from the government.

Some of the issues raised by the IP community were the construction of the DepEd school building, Day Care Center, Health Center, Sitio Tribal Hall, Military Camp for their safety, road repair, and electricity.

With the implementation of the CSP since August 2020,

series of dialogues were conducted with the tribal leaders, Barangay Council of Bolhoon, villagers and DepEd personnel for the opening of classes in the area.

According to Surigao del Sur Schools Division IP Coordinator Danilo Alcantara, after its successful opening in October 2020, they have already enrolled some 105 elementary pupils.

Meanwhile, Mayor Elizalde said they have already allocated funds for the purchase of a lot intended for the construction of a school building, and materials for the temporary building (makeshift) while they are waiting for the DepEd Caraga INFOCUS

to establish its school building.

Municipal Vice Mayor Rolmar Basalan, on the other hand, has assured the villagers that they have already instructed the local electric cooperative in the province to assess the area for a possible electrification project. “At the end of this year, we assure you, the projects and programs of the government will begin to implement in your

Caraga INFOCUS

Sitio especially on the problem of electricity,” Basalan said.

M e a n w h i l e , Community Leader Leonilo Wagdos thanked the stakeholders especially the 75th IB for the help they have extended to the community. “For many years now living here in our ancestral domain, I didn’t feel any support from the government, we are hopeless, and we were deceived by the

NPA.

But when the 75IB troopers arrived in our village, we feel that they are like angels sent from heaven who helped us correct our wrong perception,” Wagdos said.

The program ended with the signing of “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Republika ng Pilipinas” joined by the local residents in the community. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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22 UNIFORMED PERSONNEL AVAIL TESDA TRAINING IN SURSUR Some 22 members of the 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB), Philippine Army received a certificate from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) as they completed the skills training on Electrical Installation & Maintenance (EIM) National Certificate (NC) II held at the 67IB Advanced Command Post this city on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.

They all marked competent in their EIM NC II national assessment, it was learned.

Of the 22 graduates, 20 of them availed the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) from the TESDA scholarship package,

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while the other two were trained free by LISTA, Incorporation. Under the STEP scholarship package, each beneficiary availed the free skills training, free assessment, PPE allowance worth P500, internet allowance worth P500, training support fund of P160/day, and one year accident insurance from GSIS.

TESDA Surigao Sur Provincial Director Julius Sol Jamero revealed that the implementation of the training for uniformed personnel is part of the TESDA and Department of National Defense (DND) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on May 15, 2020.

According to Director Jamero, TESDA

would provide free skills training, assessment, and issue certifications to qualified uniformed personnel who have to undergo the skills training and Trainers Methodology Course.

The implementation has already started in the province, and some uniformed personnel have already undergone the training in other courses, Jamero explained.

The trained uniformed personnel will assist the TESDA through conducting skills training programs for former rebels, Indigenous Peoples, and residents in far-flung communities of the province. (NGPB/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

BAYAN MUNA SOLON’S DAUGHTER KILLED IN SURSUR CLASH

The daughter of Bayan Muna Representative Eufemia Cullamat was killed on Saturday in an encounter between the military and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, according to a report from the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) on Sunday.

1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, 3SFBn civilmilitary operation (CMO) officer, identified the Caraga INFOCUS

solon’s daughter as Jevilyn Cullamat alias “Ka Reb,” who was a member of the armed unit of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Platoon of Guerilla Front 19, Northeastern Regional Committee (NEMRC) and served as a medic.

Recovered at the encounter site included three AK-47 rifles, one M14 rifle, and one M653 5.56 caliber rifle. Five

backpacks containing war materiel and subversive documents were also seized.

Punsalan also said Cullamat’s cadaver was immediately evacuated and her siblings and members of her family were immediately notified prior to this report. The military provided security and transportation assistance to the Cullamat family and coordinated with November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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the nearest mortuary for the proper handling of the cadaver.

Also, Lt. Col. Joey B. Baybayan, 3SFBn Commanding Officer, urged the other remaining NPA terrorist members to surrender.

“Two months earlier, the NPAs conducted tactical offensives to instill fear among civilians.

The series of attacks on civilian soft targets and destruction of civilian properties only indicate that they are desperate and on the losing end while the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) is gaining ground deep within the heart of conflict-affected IP communities in Andap Valley,” LTC Baybayan said.

“The CSP teams’ deployment, local government, and civilian collaboration to reach and bring public service in the conflict-affected areas greatly countered their recruitment and resource generation making them hungry, exhausted, and their morale low.

We encourage the remaining CNTs to surrender. Don’t wait for the E-CLIP and the

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opportunity to peacefully surrender close its doors for you,” Baybaya added.

It can be recalled that on Nov. 4, government security forces also neutralized three NPA terrorists, and seized several high powered firearms at the Communist insurgents’ hideout in the hinterland area of Pangi in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Cullamat was a student of NPA-linked schools Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) in the area.

Meanwhile, BGen. Allan D. Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander, extended his sincerest condolences to the family of Bayan Muna Representative Eufemia Campos Cullamat and called

for all IPs to unite in condemning the NPAs’ exploitation of IPs and abandon the futile armed terrorist struggle.

“We send our sincerest condolences to the Cullamat family.

We are saddened because we know that she and her family were just victims to the CNTs’ destructive and pointless ideology. While there are issues concerning the IPs, violent, armed, and terrorist struggle will never be the right solution to it,” BGen Hambala said.

“We also call on the nation to support the National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), to peacefully address the root causes of NPA terrorism and eventually end conflict here in Northeastern Mindanao,” Hambala concluded. (CMO-3SFBn/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

USA KA SAKONG BUGAS IHATAG SA AGUSAN NORTE MATAG EMPLEYADO SA KAPITOLYO Angel Lyn F. Gaviola ug Arnfe Flores,

Gawas sa year-end bonus ug cash gifts, dugang tagsa ka sako nga bugas ang dawaton sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo, sumala pa sa anunsyo ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera sa Capitol Lobby kagainang buntag, Disyembre 2.

Ang sayong pinaskuhan sumala pa Caraga INFOCUS

ni Gob. Corvera mao ang iyang paagi aron pagpahinungod sa tinuoray nga serbisyo ug suporta sa mga empleyado sa iyang liderato sukad siya milingkod.

“Ang token nga akong ipaabot ninyo isip pasalamat nagpalit kog

bugas para sa tanan empleyado regular, JO (Job Order), apil ang atong outsource security ug janitorial services magtagsa ka sako ang matag empleyado,� sumala pa ni Gob. Corvera sa iyang anunsyo.

Adunay 1,674 ka mga empleyado November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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sa kapitolyo nga gilangkoban sa 726 ka mga regular ug 948 ka mga job orders sumala sa datos sa Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO) nga makaangkon sa pamaskong handog sa probinsya nga mao ang bugas.

Dugang nga gipaabot ni Gob. Corvera sa mga empleyado mao ang paglikay sa mga panagtapok ilabi na ang pagpahigayon og mga Christmas party sanglit anaa pa gihapon

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ang hulga sa corona virus disease, diin iyang gipasabot nga walay usab Christmas party nga himuon ang kapitolyo agi pagsunod sa mga protocols.

Niini mapasalamaton ang gobernador nga sulod sa kapin tuig nga iyang panerbisyo sa mga Agusanon, mas gipaligon pa kini sa pagtumaw sa pandemya sanglit dinhe nakita ang panaghiusa sa mga lideres sa probinsya aron matabangan nga makabangon ug

makalahutay talewala sa krisis.

“Ang Ginoo maayo kaayo natong tanan.

Mao nga despite sa mga kalisdanan nga atong naagian, at the end of the day wala nawala ang panaghiusa sa mga empleyado ug sa mga opisyales sa atong kapitolyo, that is why I am here with you to say Thank you to all of you,� dugang ni Gob. Corvera.

(Angel Lyn F. Gaviola ug Arnfe Flores, Agusan up, Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

Contributed photo

MINDANAO MEDIA HUB TO AIR FIRST TV BROADCAST DEC. 5

By Azer Parrocha The Mindanao Media Hub (MMH) in Davao City will air its first television (TV) broadcast on Saturday (Dec. 5).

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), in an advisory Monday, said the MMH, which is the first PCOO media hub outside Metro Manila, will broadcast an episode of

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the regular 11 a.m. Laging Handa public briefing.

“On Dec 5, Saturday, Laging Handa will have its pilot live broadcast from Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City,” the advisory read.

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar will host from Davao City while PCOO Undersecretary Rocky Ignacio will co-host

from the People’s Television (PTV) headquarters in Quezon City.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go will lead the ribbon cutting of the PTV MMH Studio and will also be among the guests during the public briefing.

The six-storey MMH includes equipment upgrade for PTV and Radyo Pilipinas that will Caraga INFOCUS

already be airing in AM and FM band, aside from having state-of-the-art facilities and studios. Each floor has a size of 1,000 square meters.

The MMH will serve as the government’s main broadcast hub in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao) to 13 (Caraga), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to deliver tailored content specific to its people and to boost the signal in the areas of coverage.

The facility, which costs around PHP700-

million, contains television, print, wire, online, and new media services, delivered through four studios -- each with its own production control.

It is powered by a 10kW terrestrial transmitter and a 1kW digital transmitter that will facilitate broadcast services and has a digital satellite news-gathering system to streamline the sourcing of news.

It will house the PTV, Radyo Pilipinas, News and Information Bureau Philippine News Agency, the Philippine Information

Agency, National Printing Office, APO Production Unit, and other attached agencies of the PCOO.

Andanar earlier said the MMH will be one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s biggest legacies as it puts Mindanao closer to the center of governance.

He said the PCOO will also be building the same project for the Visayas, particularly Cebu City.

The start of the construction of the Visayas Media Hub will likely take place in 2021, he added.

(PNA)

Contributed photo

Caraga INFOCUS

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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ADDRESSING THE MINDANAO FLOODS. Mindanao River Basin Management Council Chairman Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI (center), MinDA Chair Emmanuel F. Piñol (right), and North Cotabato Governor Nancy A. Catamco (left) lead the holding of the 4th MRBMC Meeting at the provincial capitol in Kidapawan City on Friday (Nov. 27, 2020). The forum seeks to map out solutions to the perennial flooding problems in Mindanao, particularly in the Central Mindanao region. (Photo courtesy of NoCot PIO)

MINDA, PARTNERS CONVENE TO ADDRESS C. MINDANAO FLOODING

By John Andrew Tabugoc The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and North Cotabato provincial government hosted here Friday the 4th Mindanao River Basin Management Council (MRBMC) to further discuss the preparations against severe flooding incidents

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in the province and the rest of Central Mindanao.

MinDA Sec. Emmanuel Piñol said the forum gathered all government agencies to review the implementation of flood-control projects throughout Mindanao, particularly the Central

Mindanao region.

Among those in attendance were MRMBMC Chairman Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI; MinDA Chair Sec. Emmanuel F. Piñol; Governor Nancy A. Catamco; provincial mayors and other stakeholders, among Caraga INFOCUS

others.

“We will fuse all inputs of each agency to put up viable initiatives that would deter any untoward flash floods that would displace thousands of families,” he said.

“It would also be the basis in crafting a wider perspective and partnership with other relevant sectors such as the Mindanao Water Supply and Conservation Program,” he added.

The agencies included the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Piñol said that an Israeli entity has also been tapped to provide a satellite generated map of major rivers and its tributaries to ensure a long-term flood control master plan. “We should learn a lesson in Luzon that was recently hit by unexpected flash floods due to deforestations and shallow rivers,” he said. Piñol said a research plan would also be initiated to productively Caraga INFOCUS

use huge carpets of water hyacinths clogging waterways downstream during inclement weather conditions that could be used to create alternative livelihoods for low-lying communities.

M e a n w h i l e , Catamco expressed support for the project, which she said would help save lives and properties to counter natural calamities brought by climate change.

“All of us must be ready; thus, the government has stepped up measures to ensure the safety of everyone during natural disasters,”

she said.

North Cotabato province has several areas oftentimes affected by severe flood occurrences during the rainy season, particularly the towns of Pikit, Alamada, and Kabacan.

The Liguasan Marsh, a vast wetland encompassing the three provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat, also serves as a “catch basin” of floodwaters from the Agusan and Kabacan rivers traversing the Central Mindanao area.

(PNA) November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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IMPENDING DISASTER: THINNING FOREST COVER, FLOODS THREATEN MINDANAO RIVER BASINS Low-lying areas in the different River Basins of Mindanao, the main sources of agricultural products, could suffer from floods worse than those which hit Luzon recently unless government agencies coordinate and consolidate programs and project.

In the recent 4th Mindanao River Basin Management Council (MRBMC) meeting held at the Provincial Capitol of North Cotabato convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I submitted an observation that government efforts to address the perennial flooding in Mindanao River Basins lacked coherence and coordination.

The three major agencies involved in the preventing flooding Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture - have spent some P6-B for projects implemented over the last few years.

The huge government expenditure, however, has not even lessened the flooding and the damage caused to agriculture and the livelihood

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of residents in the low-lying areas.

After a twohour reporting on the accomplishments of the three agencies, I recommended to the MRBMC Chairman Orlando Cardinal Quevedo that the recommendation of the Council for the creation of the Mindanao River Basin Development Authority (MRBA) should be pursued.

With the concurrence of North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco who hosted the event, the following measures were submitted the the MRBMC:

1.

The immediate dredging and de-clogging of the major rivers to ensure the free-flow of water, especially in the Central Mindanao Area where the major rivers are choked by water hyacinths;

2. The establishment of water catchment basins, small dams, levees and water impounding to mitigate the sudden rush of floodwater to the lower portions of the basins, a measure which could also be beneficial to agriculture;

3. The construction of levees and river embankments

to manage and direct the flow of flood water and minimize damage to agriculture;

4. Strict implementation of forestry laws, including legal actions to be taken against those who encroach into critical watershed areas;

5. A serious, effective and well-planned program to grow trees in the deforested highlands, watersheds and mountains, including the growing of fruit trees.

6. Finally, the creation of the singular agency which will coordinate the implementation of these programs through an Executive Order to be issued

by President Rody Duterte because of the urgency of the problem.

Satellite maps showing the thinning forest cover and the expanding flood hazard areas in Mindanao stressed the need to immediately implement the recommendations.

The Council will meet again in the First Quarter of 2021 to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations with the resolve that any delay could result in a disaster. (MinDa) Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE COMMEMORATION OF BONIFACIO DAY We join the Filipino nation in commemorating the 157th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio.

Let us pay tribute to the Father of Philippine Revolution by remembering Gat Andres Bonifacio’s fervor, alongside our other heroes, in pursuit of our country’s emancipation from its colonizers.

May his bravery and

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

courage, that helped to awaken in our forefathers the desire for liberation and self-determination, be a source of inspiration to all Filipinos as well as be a source of strength as we continue to face societal ills and challenges such as poverty, insurgency, terrorism, corruption, illegal drugs, and recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let us all emulate his

nationalism and aspire to be modern heroes as we work together towards overcoming these societal problems.

May this desire propel our nation towards justice, prosperity, tranquility, comfortable life for all Filipinos, and our recovery as one nation.

May we have a meaningful celebration of Bonifacio Day. Caraga INFOCUS

ANDANAR WELCOMES ARRIVAL OF NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO PH P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday welcomed the arrival of the Vatican’s newly-appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Andanar, along with Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Vice President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David and Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado, received Archbishop Charles John Brown, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport this morning .

In his message, Secretary Andanar looked forward to strengthened partnership with the Catholic Caraga INFOCUS

Church on cultivating Christian faith in Filipino communities.

“We wish Archbishop Charles John Brown, the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, a productive and collaborative engagement not only with the Catholic community, but also with the Philippine government in enriching the Filipino nation’s faith and its dedication to collectively prosper,” he said.

From the airport, the archbishop offered prayers at the Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Parish Church in Parañaque City, his first visit to a church in the country.

Pope Francis appointed Archbishop

Brown on September 28, 2020. He replaced Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia who was appointed as the Holy Father’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York in November 2019.

Prior to this appointment, Archbishop Brown was also appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland in 2011, and the pontiff’s representative to Albania since March 2017.

One of Archbishop Brown’s first tasks is to appoint a new Manila Archbishop succeeding Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who is now the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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NOGRALES, MCDONALD’S KINDNESS KITCHEN DISTRIBUTE FREE HOT MEALS ANEW IN PARAÑAQUE Spreading kindness, battling hunger.

This was the rationale behind the latest round of hot meal distribution activities spearheaded

by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles together with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

officials, who on Friday trooped to Parañaque City to hand out 2,000 hot meals prepared by McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen (MKK).

The day before, Nograles, head of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force,

led a similar activity in Caloocan City. The activities are part of a campaign under Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG), a multi-sectoral coalition that aims to address involuntary hunger in the Philippines.

According to Caraga INFOCUS

Nograles, “one of the objectives of PKG is to provide meals for families that require additional nutrition––and we can help directly address this need by tackling hunger and poverty in LGUs (local government units) in the National Capital Region.”

Nograles thanked all those who participated in the project, and said that the national government “is extremely grateful to our partners in the private sector for their generosity and kindness.”

“The voluntary, unprompted assistance extended by these companies is the kind of bayanihan we need in these difficult times,” said Nograles.

“One way to beat hunger, to beat poverty, is via a public-private partnership, and the PKG campaign is a perfect example of this.”

Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez was among those who joined Nograles in distributing 2,000 free food packs containing crispy chicken fillet, rice, and bottled water. With them were RMHC Vice President Caraga INFOCUS

Margot Torres, RMHC Treasurer Robert Ramos, Assistant City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Maria Cristina Peñaflorida, and other Parañaque City government officials.

Olivarez thanked RMHC and Nograles for the food assistance for his constituents. Speaking in Filipino, the Mayor expressed hope that the project would grow and expand “so that more families can benefit from this initiative, which we see as an effective means to reduce hunger and malnutrition among our countrymen.”

Aside from RMHC, Coca-Cola

Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Metrobank and Dole Philippines also contributed to the activity.

Established in 1995, RMHC is the charity arm of McDonald’s Philippines. Its mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of children via relevant programs in areas like education and health. The group is responsible for distributing over 320,000 meals to healthcare workers, police and security personnel, LGU volunteers, government agencies and local communities via the McDo Kindness Kitchen.

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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PNA file photo

TASK FORCE YOLANDA, NHA TURN OVER 535 HOUSING UNITS IN CAPIZ - NOGRALES Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led the online turnover of 535 free housing units to beneficiaries in Jamindan, Capiz last November 24, 2020 in coordination with the Task Force Yolanda, the National Housing Authority and local government leaders.

Nograles heads

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolandaaffected Areas.

“This is the 16th virtual turn over of Yolanda units.

The successful distribution is the result of an

effective and continuing partnership betwen the national government, LGUs and stakeholders,” the Malacañang official said.

The Cab Sec thanked Mayor Mac Arthur Valdemar, Vice Mayor Ildefonso Cusay, Sangguniang Bayan members and municipal Caraga INFOCUS

officials and staff for their cooperation and coordination.

Special mention was likewise made of the “selfless public service” of NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada, Regional Manager Engr.

Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Dominica San Diego who all supervised the project from start to finish.

“Our Yolanda housing project is a testament to the Duterte administration’s commitment to improve the lives of the people of Capiz, especially those affected by Typhoon Yolanda and whose lives need to move forward after years of waiting for government assistance.”

According to the NHA, as of October 2020, out of the planned 123,535 housing units for Region 6, 89,491 have already been completed, with the remaining 22,869 units undergoing construction.

Mayor Valdemar led local officials in expressing gratitude to President Duterte, Nograles and the NHA “for this precious gift of shelter. The people of Capiz will forever be grateful. It gives them hope for a better fuiture and shows them that Caraga INFOCUS

their pleas are heard and acted upon by government.”

Nograles ended by stating “we will finish all pending Yolandarelated constructions” and expressed hope that

the beneficiaries “do their part in enriching their lives and building stronger families and communities around these free housing units. That way, all our aid efforts become more meaningful.”

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

33

NOGRALES, MCDONALD’S KINDNESS KITCHEN DISTRIBUTE FREE HOT MEALS IN CALOOCAN

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles together with officers of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) distributed 2,000 hot meals to Caloocan residents in a well-attended event last November 26, 2020.

The meals were prepared by the McDonald’s Kindness

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

Kitchen (MKK).

The food distribution effort was part of the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) campaign, an informal partnership between stakeholders in government and the private sector.

“PKG aims to provide free food to families needing sufficient

nutrition. We directly address the hunger and poverty concerns in the constituent LGUs of the National Capital Region,” Nograles said.

The Malacañang official was joined by Mayor Oca Malapitan, RMHC Vice President Margot Torres and local Caloocan officers and Caraga INFOCUS

employees in distributing 2,000 free food packs containing crispy chicken fillet, rice and bottled water which the charity had prepared in partnership with CocaCola Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Metrobank and Dole Philippines.

“We’re very appreciative, in behalf of the national government, of the selfless acts of all those in the private sector who offered to help. The PKG campaign is a good example of responsive public-private partnership,” said the Zero Hunger Czar.

The RMHC is the

Caraga INFOCUS

charity arm of McDonald’s Philippines which was established in 1995. Part of its mission is to effect positive changes in the lives of children through meaning programs in education, health and wellness.

The group has so far distributed 320,000 meals through its McDo Kindness Kitchen to healthcare workers, police and security personnel, LGU volunteers, government agencies and local communities.

It had previously given warm meals in the cities of Bacoor, Manila, Makati, Pasig

and Marikina as part of post-Typhoon Ulysses aid and relief efforts, as well as the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay and Catanduanes.

For his part, Mayor Malapitan expressed appreciation and gratitude for the food partnership between government and private corporate entities, saying “the people of Caloocan and other parts of NCR will benefit from this continuing collaboration.

LGUs such as ours can actively participate in these initiatives to combat hunger and malnutrition among our constituents.”

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

35

‘WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL’: CATA CROSS FOR VAST SUPPORT, HELPIN AFTER BEING DEVASTATED BY S Nearly a month after the onslaught of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses that adversely affected around 15,000 families in the island province of Catanduanes, local officials of the region expressed profound gratitude for the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) numerous assistance being provided to their constituents.

On Sunday, as PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon visited the province once again to check on the condition of typhoon survivors and to provide additional aid, Catanduanes provincial Governor Joseph Cua thanked Gordon and the PRC.

“Malaki ang pagpapasalamat namin sa inyo, Senator Dick Gordon. Noong November 3, dalawang araw mula nang humagupit ang super

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

typhoon Rolly, agaran ang inyong pagresponde sa Catanduanes. Isa po kayo sa unang nagpadala ng tulong kagaya ng hygiene kits, shelter kits at iba pa. Ang misyong ito ay testimonya at patunay ng malasakit sa kapwa,” Governor Cua said.

Aside from hygiene and shelter kits, the PRC immediately provided food supplies and clean water for the residents when the typhoons struck as relief packs at that time were inadequate and deep wells were the only source of water.

“Hindi ko rin Caraga INFOCUS

ANDUANONS THANK RED NG THEM START ANEW SUCCESSIVE STORMS

makakalimutan ang inyong water filtration system na nagbigay ng malinis na tubig para sa aming mga Catanduanon.

Almost 400,000 liters ang naprocess noong water filtration, kung saan nakapagbigay ng malinis at inuming tubig,” he Caraga INFOCUS

added.

During the said visit, Gordon led the distribution of kitchen sets to around 300 families in the municipality of San Andres, while around 2,600 families received P3,500 each as cash assistance from the PRC.

M o r e o v e r ,

additional relief supplies were provided to affected families as the country’s first and only humanitarian vessel, PRC’s M/V Amazing Grace, docked in Catanduanes to deliver other necessities such as blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, jerry cans and galvanized iron (GI) sheets for roofing.

“Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat kay Senator Gordon sa kanyang pagmamalasakit, pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan hindi lang po dito sa San Andres kundi sa lalawigan ng Catanduanes. Si Senator po ay mayroong pusong tumulong at salamat po sa Philippine Red Cross,” said San Andres Mayor Peter Cua.

“Isang malaking karangalan na ang unang humanitarian mission ng M/V Amazing Grace ay narito ngayon sa Catanduanes.

Please know that we truly appreciate your overwhelming support to the province. We are humbled by your presence today and most of all, we are forever grateful,” Governer Cua added.

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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PHILIPPINE RED CROSS LOWERS COVID-19 TESTING FEES

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon announced Sunday that the country’s foremost organization is lowering its price for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing to

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

help more Filipinos get tested for the virus.

“Natawaran natin ang China na makuha natin nang mas mura ang test kits. Ngayon, ang bayad na lang sa Red Cross para sa COVID-19 test ay 3,409 para sa

PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) at P3,800 naman para sa mga hindi charged sa PhilHealth o iyong private individuals.

Kung mapapababa pa natin ang bayad sa test kits, ibababa pa natin Caraga INFOCUS

iyan para mas marami ang ma-test,” Gordon said during today’s episode of TeleRadyo’s Lingkod Aksyon online program.

Caraga INFOCUS

On November 26, 2020, the PRC Board of Governors approved the lowering of its COVID-19 testing in line with its vision to provide access to fast, accurate and affordable Covid-19 testing to more Filipinos.

The PRC swab test now costs P3,800 from P4,000 for private clients, walk-ins, and NAIA inbound passengers, while P4,800 will be charged for expedited which has a turnaround time of 12-24 hours.

M e a n w h i l e , P3,300 and P3,409 are charged for paying Local Government Units

(LGUs) and institutions charged to PhilHealth, respectively.

The proposed changes in the Covid-19 testing would take effect on December 01, 2020.

As of November 29, the PRC has tested over one million people in its molecular laboratories all over the country that could test 44,000 tests a day in total.

“The lowering of prices would give way to more Filipinos to afford Covid-19 testing and would help stop the spread of the virus,” said Gordon.

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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“AMA TYPHOON PHILIPPINE RED CROSS AIDS CATANDUANES FOLKS WITH KITCHEN SETS FOR SHELTER REBUILDING With Catanduanes being one of the most affected regions by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to pour in help for the residents, especially to the most vulnerable.

To alleviate their suffering and have them get back on their feet, Senator Richard J. Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO, said kitchen

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

sets were donated to over 308 families in Brgy.

Cabcab, San Andres of the said province over the weekend.

“We need to provide these things immediately because this is what the people need the most. If we donate food, we should also include the kitchen sets for the people to selfmanage,” he said.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to deliver assistance for the families in Catanduanes who were badly affected by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. In the challenge of reaching and sending much needed relief assistance to the province that was successively hit by natural calamities, the country’s only humanitarian vessel, the M/V PRC Amazing Grace set sail and has successfully reached the island with the muchneeded relief and fleet support.

“M/V PRC Amazing Grace is instrumental in our efforts to help our kababayan here in Catanduanes. To have all these relief efforts be delivered quicker ensures that our kababayan can also recover the soonest,” PRC Chairman & CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon said during the send-off ceremonies in Subic.

Caraga INFOCUS

AZING GRACE” REACHES N-RAVAGED CATANDUANES

The vessel arrived bringing thousands of non-food items such as hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, 10-liter and 20-litter jerry cans and galvanized iron sheets to be used for roofing repair - part of PRC’s recovery efforts for those whose homes suffered damages due to the Caraga INFOCUS

typhoons.

The PRC Chairman put emphasis on PRC’s efforts to quickly put roofs above the heads of affected families as he feels that, “Kung ikaw ay binagyo at nawalan ng bahay, sisiguruhin mong magkakaroon agad ng masisilungan ang pamilya mo. Kaya tutulungan namin

silang makabangon at maiangat ang dignidad nila.”

M/V PRC Amazing Grace also arrived bringing 3 additional vehicles - a Willy jeep, a Toyota Hilux and a minivan, to aid in the operations and relief distributions in Catanduanes and other affected areas in the Bicol Region.

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE OVERSEES DESTRUCTION OF MORE THAN P7-BILLION WORTH OF SEIZED DRUGS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the destruction Thursday, December 3, of P7.51-billion worth of confiscated illegal drugs, marking another milestone in the government’s fight against the proliferation of illicit narcotics.

Speaking during the event held at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Trece Martires City, Cavite, President Duterte said the destruction of the assorted

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drugs is an affirmation of the administration’s determination to put an end to the drug menace that harmed millions of drug users, destroyed countless families, and continues to threaten the society.

T h u r s d a y ’ s destruction of seized drugs adds to the more than P56-billion worth of illegal narcotics confiscated by authorities after conducting more

than 180,000 anti-illegal drug operations since the beginning of the Duterte administration.

“We will continue to work even harder not only to suppress the supply of narcotics in our streets, but also to prevent our country from being used as a trans-shipment point for illegal drug trade in the Asia-Pacific region,” President Duterte said.

Drug syndicates continue to operate Caraga INFOCUS

despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, the President told law enforcement agents and operatives, urging them to remain steadfast in their anti-narcotics campaign.

To effectively combat illegal drug trade, law enforcers and antidrug operatives must intensify their operations against drug trafficking, and the government must reform the country’s criminal justice system and address the root cause of drug abuse and dependency, the President said.

“I am asking the brave men and women of our law enforcement agencies, the prosecution service, and the judiciary to never waver in their difficult yet rewarding task.

We already accomplished a lot in the past four years, and we can accomplish more in the next years to come,” he noted.

“Ending illegal drug trade means securing the future of our nation.

Together, let us make a drug-free Philippines the greatest legacy that we can leave behind to our children and the succeeding generations.”

The President also acknowledged the coordinated efforts Caraga INFOCUS

of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which led to the seizure of billions worth of dangerous drugs destroyed on Thursday.

The Chief Executive also made a renewed call to law enforcers to go out and destroy the country’s drug apparatus.

He praised lawmen for their “undying patriotic fervor.”

“Now I’m telling the law enforcement, the uniformed personnel: Do your duty. Do it in accordance with law pero be alert and be wise,” he said.

“I will assume full legal responsibility. Akin, akin ‘yan. Iyang human rights, ako ang magharap niyan, hindi naman kayo.”

A total of 1,333 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), liquid shabu, marijuana, liquid marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and other dangerous substances were destroyed through thermal decomposition.

This is in response to President Duterte’s directive to immediately destroy seized narcotics to prevent unscrupulous agents and personnel from smuggling the drugs from government storage and peddle them to drug users.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva, PNP Chief Police General Debold Sinas and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go were also present. PND November 28-December 4, 2020 |

43

PALACE REITERATES RESTRICTIONS DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr reiterated that Christmas parties involving large number of people, as well as caroling are not allowed during this Christmas season in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

During a press briefing on December

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

1, Secretary Roque underscored the remarks of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año during a meeting with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on November 30, that Christmas parties, as well as family reunions are also considered as mass

gatherings.

“Ang Christmas parties po na malawakan, prohibited po yan. Yung mga pagdidiwang sana nga po maliliit na pamilya lamang,” said Secretary Roque.

The Palace official reminded the public that under the general community quarantine Caraga INFOCUS

(GCQ) classification, gathering is allowed for up to 10 persons only.

“Kapag indoors po, limited pa rin tayo to 10,” he explained.

People who will be caught in mass gatherings during the Christmas season will be dealt according to the local ordinance that will be crafted, said Secretary Roque. “At the very minimum, they will be asked to disassemble.

Pero depende rin po sa ordinansa kase wala po tayong pang-nasyonal na batas tungkol rito.

Pupwede po sigurong fine kung yan po ay provided in a local ordinance, pupwedeng ibang parusa na nakalagay po sa local ordinance,” he explained.

The Cabinet member also affirmed the announcement of Secretary Año on allowing children in malls as long as they are accompanied by parents.

This will take effect once the local government units issued their respective ordinances. “Maglalabas ang kani-kaniyang mga lokal na pamahalaan ng rules tungkol dito, at saka magkakaroon din po ng guidelines ang Metro Caraga INFOCUS

Manila Council,” said Sec. Roque.

On the matter of vaccines and vaccination, Dr. Lulu Bravo, professor emeritus from the University of the Philippines Manila, encouraged the government to restore public trust, confidence, and acceptance on vaccination. Dr. Bravo also asked the media to help communicate the value of vaccination and the consequences of non-vaccination to individuals, families, tourism, security, and the economy by helping increase people’s understanding on the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

In the same press briefing, Roque addressed the issue on the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).

He said that the P33Billion funds in question is undergoing different stages of procurement.

“Unang-una po, naanunsyo na po ni Sec [Ramon] Lopez na bagamat sa legal charter po ng PITC ay pupuwede nilang kunin yung interes sa P33 billion at ang binibigay lang ngayon sa national government

ay 50 percent, dahil nga po ay kinakailangan natin ng pondo para sa COVID, ibibigay na nila 100 percent na tinubo yung P33 billion,” Roque said.

He further explained that the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Finance, in coordination with concerned agencies, will determine which projects would be continued and/or discontinued. For those projects that would be discontinued, the principal which was held in trust would be returned /remitted to the Bureau of Treasury.

Meanwhile, Roque explained the Cebu event adding that he reminded the public in attendance to observe proper distancing and welcomed an investigation on the incident to help clarify the issue. The Cabinet official likewise showed images of Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo shaking hands with a group of people, which is a clear violation of existing health protocols.

(OPS-PCOO) November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE RETAINS METRO MANILA’S GCQ STATUS FROM DECEMBER 1 TO 31 Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) from December 1 to 31, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced on Monday after approving the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to retain the National

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

Capital Region’s quarantine classification.

Along with the NCR, Batangas, Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan City, Davao City, and Davao del Norte were also placed under GCQ.

The rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for the entire

month of December.

During his meeting with President Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said there is a downward trend in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country and the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with other experts, is studying this new development.

Caraga INFOCUS

The goal, he said, is to guide the public and to sustain the daily downward trajectory of COVID-19 infections.

“At layunin din nito na malaman ang iba pang mga hakbang at mga interventions na maaaring maisagawa karagdagan sa ating mga minimum public health standards,” Duque told the President.

And as the country gears toward the holidays, Duque said the government has been preparing the country’s health facilities in case there’s a post-holiday surge.

He reminded the public not to be complacent.

The Health chief also asked the assistance of national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in encouraging the public to observe the minimum health standards this holiday season.

He advised people to stay away from large crowds and gatherings to avoid contracting the virus, and celebrate Christmas only with their immediate family members.

Duque said the DOH is also strictly implementing Caraga INFOCUS

Contributed photo

the Joint Administrative Order No. 2020-001: “Guidelines on the Proper Use and Promotion of Active Transport During an After the COVID-19 Pandemic”.

The order calls for setting up of safe networks or cycling and walking paths that the public can use as an alternative to public transportation.

“Patuloy ang kooperasyon ng DOH, ang DOTr, ang DILG, at

DPWH upang masiguro ang pagkakaroon ng mga ligtas na networks na ito para po sa kapakanan ng ating commuting public,” he said.

As of Monday, the country recorded 1,773 new COVID-19 cases, putting the total number of cases at 431,630, Duque reported.

There is a total of 24,580 active cases while there are 398,658 recoveries.

PND November 28-December 4, 2020 |

47

WITH ANDRES BONIFACIO IN MIND, PRESIDENT DUTERTE HONORS FRONTLINERS

As the country commemorated Monday the 157th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte also recognized the heroism of the nation’s frontliners against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who

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work tirelessly to protect the Filipino public.

“Today, as we honor great Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio, we also honor our heroic frontliners especially our healthcare workers and uniformed personnel,” President Duterte said in a public

address on government’s response on COVID-19.

“They offered their lives selflessly in the service of our nation and people. Saludo ako sa inyo,” he added.

In a video message earlier, President Duterte has urged Filipinos to Caraga INFOCUS

Contributed photo

relive the values that Bonifacio fought for more than a century ago, noting the revolutionary hero’s legacy sparked the fires of a revolution that awakened national consciousness and served as the foundation of the Republic.

“His love of country --- which aroused our ancestors to fight for our freedom and secure our rightful place in the community of nations ---- is very vital now, more than ever, as we overcome the challenges of COVID -19 pandemic,” he said.

“As we remember his life and deeds, may the values he fought for, Caraga INFOCUS

inspire us all to become worthy heirs of the just, progressive, and inclusive society that he envisioned more than a century ago.”

At the same time, the President encouraged Filipinos to come together in overcoming challenges so that the nation can secure a much better and brighter future for everyone.

Bonifacio was born to a poor family in Tondo, Manila, on Nov. 30, 1863. A humble and patriotic man, he saw the oppression his fellowmen endured under Spain’s colonial rule.

He founded

the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK or Katipunan), a secret society, which spearheaded the uprising against Spanish colonizers and eventually laid the groundwork for a revolutionary government.

This year’s commemorative program, led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), has for its theme: “Bonifacio 2020: Tapang at Kaligtasan Tungo sa Malayang Lipunan.”

PND November 28-December 4, 2020 |

49

BONIFACIO’S VALUES SHOULD INSPIRE FILIPINOS,

SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined the Filipino nation Monday in commemorating the 157th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, urging the public to relive the values that the hero fought for more than a century ago.

“Today, we honor Bonifacio’s legacy of sparking the fires of a revolution that awakened our national consciousness and served as the foundation of this Republic,” President Duterte said in a video message.

“His love of country --- which aroused our ancestors to fight for our freedom and secure our rightful place in the community of nations ---- is very vital now, more than ever, as we overcome the challenges

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

of COVID -19 pandemic,” the President said.

“As we remember his life and deeds, may the values he fought for, inspire us all to become worthy heirs of the just, progressive, and inclusive society that he envisioned more than a century ago,” he added.

With Bonifacio’s extraordinary courage and determination in mind, the President encouraged Filipinos to come together in overcoming challenges ahead in order for the nation to secure a much better and brighter future for every citizen.

Bonifacio was born to a poor family in Tondo, Manila, on Nov. 30, 1863. A humble and patriotic man, he saw the oppression his fellowmen

endured under Spain’s colonial rule.

He joined Dr. Jose Rizal’s La Liga Filipina and later founded the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK or Katipunan).

Katipunan is a secret society, which spearheaded the uprising against Spanish colonizers and laid the groundwork for the establishment of a revolutionary government.

This year’s commemorative program, led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), has for its theme: “Bonifacio 2020: Tapang at Kaligtasan Tungo sa Malayang Lipunan”. PND Caraga INFOCUS

GOV’T CARRIES OUT MEASURES TO CURB DAVAO CITY’S COVID-19 INFECTIONS

The government has sent a 25-person medical team to Davao City to help President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s home city address the rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections, said National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Caraga INFOCUS

Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr.

Reporting to President Duterte during a Cabinet meeting about government’s response on COVID-19, Galvez said the reinforcement team comprising six doctors, six nurses, and 13 nursing

staff will assist the already “overwhelmed” staff of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) battling a surge in COVID-19 infections.

Davao City has seen a 68-percent increase in infection rate in recent days and the task force November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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Contributed photo

promised Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to help the city arrest the spiking number of coronavirus cases, Galvez said.

Galvez also reported that the task force had previously sent medical equipment and medicine to SPMC to manage severe COVID-19 cases.

“Sa ngayon po, medyo nag-i-stabilize ang Davao. At nagpadala na rin po tayo ng mga tinatawag po natin na high-flow nasal cannula at nagpadala rin po tayo ng mga Avigan --na mga compassionate drug para po makatulong po sa mga severe cases po natin,” he told the President, adding the task force visited Davao City twice last week to

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assess the situation.

The reinforcement team, which assisted Cebu City curb the surge in coronavirus cases, was also deployed to Davao City to improve its COVID-19 referral and emergency operation systems, said Galvez.

“So iyon po ang ginawa po natin...

Nagpunta po kami ng ano noong last week at saka noong last Monday and Tuesday po doon.

At ‘yung buong team po ng Cebu, dinala po natin po doon sa Davao para tumulong din po,” he said.

Inter-Agency Task Force Chief Implementer for Visayas, retired Major General Melquiades Feliciano and his

team, as well as Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega are also in Davao City, according to Galvez.

Undersecretary Vega set up One Hospital Command and reorganized Davao City’s referral system for its civilian hospitals and SPMC. Health authorities also increased the bed capacity of civilian hospitals by 20 percent, he added.

SPMC has recorded 29 new coronavirus infections on Monday, October 30, bringing the total number of cases in Davao City to 4,518.

The city has 298 active cases, 3,942 recoveries, and 270 deaths. PND Caraga INFOCUS

GOV’T LAYS OUT STRATEGY FOR COVID-19 MASS IMMUNIZATION

The government will prioritize inoculating areas with high caseloads of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the country gears towards mass immunization against the fast-spreading virus, a government official said on Monday.

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, National Task Force Against COVID-19 Caraga INFOCUS

chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said they adhere to the President’s directive to prioritize the poor and government frontliners in conducting mass vaccination.

“At ang gagawin nga po nating strategy, dalawa pong strategy po ang gagawin po natin para po makarecover tayo at macontain kaagad natin

ang ating pandemic, gagawin po natin geographical,” Galvez told President Duterte during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Davao City.

The first strategy is deploying the vaccine in the epicenter of COVID-19 such as National Capital November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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Region (NCR), Davao City, Cebu, and Bacolod.

“And then from geographical magiging sectoral. Meaning, kung sino ‘yung priority natin ‘no, for example sa Manila, ‘yung urban poor uunahin po natin ‘yon; ‘yung mga vulnerable uunahin po natin doon; ‘yung mga sundalong naka-assign sa NCR uunahin po natin at saka po ‘yung mga essential workers,” Galvez said.

“Iyon po mayroon pong impact ‘yon kaagad sa ating economy at may impact kaagad na ma-contain po kaagad.

So ang strategy po natin, Mr. President, po is geographical, priority

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

ang NCR, priority ang Davao dahil ang Davao po ngayon umaakyat din, priority ‘yung Cebu, priority po ‘yung mga Bacolod, ‘yung mga tinamaan po ng mabibigat ng COVID,” he added.

Immunizing areas with high number of COVID-19 infections will help the government in its assessment on the efficacy of the vaccines, according to Galvez.

So far, several vaccine developers are set to conduct clinical trials in the Philippines.

These include Sinovac, Hansen, Johnson & Johnson, Gamaleya, AstraZeneca, and

CanSino.

After the President’s approval, Galvez said the government can now proceed with Advance Market Commitment and start negotiating with big pharmaceutical companies such as China’s Sinovac, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer.

Galvez also told President Duterte that the government can secure advance commitment with Astra Zeneca for 20 million doses this month.

The government is looking at multilateral financing institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance vaccine procurements.

Local banks such as Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines are also possible fund sources for the government.

As of November 23, 2020, the country recorded a total of 420,614 COVID-19 infections with 1,799 new cases coming from NCR (465), Region IV-A (443), Region III (224), Region VI (105) and the remaining regions (562). PND Caraga INFOCUS

MEMBERS OF POLICE, MILITARY SHOULD GET FIRST COVID-19 VACCINE SHOT, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants the members of the military and the police to get the first shot of anti-COVID-19 vaccine along with the vulnerable and poor population citing their importance during times of emergencies.

“I need a healthy Caraga INFOCUS

military and police kasi ‘pag magkasakit lahat ‘yan, wala na akong maasahan, wala na tayong mautusan kung gawin ‘to, gawin doon,” President Duterte said in a televised public address Monday.

“As I have said, try to understand the police

and the military. They are really the errand boy of the Republic. Kita naman ninyo ‘yung baha sa Luzon, several, nakita ninyo ‘yung military, Coast Guard, lahat na pumupunta na doon, pulis. And then they have to take care of the law and order situation.”

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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Contributed photo

The President appealed to the public to obey the law and avoid adding burden to the job of policemen.

“So huwag na ninyong pahirapan masyado ‘yung pulis.

Kung wala naman kayong gawin, eh ‘di matulog na lang kayo kaysa mag-inuman diyan tapos magkagulo and not only once but many times na madisgrasya ‘yung peace officer just because he intervenes itong mga away-away ninyo na inuman,” he said.

President Duterte said policemen are true government workers and are first to respond to calamities such as

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

typhoons and landslides.

The Chief Executive gave his nod for Advance Market Commitment, which would allow the government to start negotiating with big pharmaceutical companies developing COVID-19 vaccines.

The government eyes to secure commitments from China’s Sinovac, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer.

If the government can secure advance commitments from the three vaccine developers, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government can have 60 million doses next year.

Initially, he said the government can secure advance commitment with Astra Zeneca for 20 million doses this month.

Several vaccine developers, which are set to conduct clinical trials in the Philippines, include Sinovac, Hansen, Johnson & Johnson, Gamaleya, AstraZeneca, and CanSino.

V a c c i n e procurements will be through loans from multilateral financing institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Domestic banks are also possible fund sources for the government. PND Caraga INFOCUS

VACCINE ROLL OUT “BEST CASE SCENARIO” BY Q1 2021 National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the government is still on track of its implementation of the roadmap for COVID-19 vaccination.

This after he said that there is a chance for them to roll out COVID-19 vaccines by the first quarter next year, much earlier than the initial projected

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

implementation by May 2021.

“We are still on track considering the possibility that our best case scenario will be shifted to the first quarter,” he said during the Laging Handa Public Briefing.

Secretary Galvez, who is also the country’s designated vaccine czar, said they continue to explore different COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to reach the target purchase of 50 million to 60 million doses.

“For now, if we will succeed in negotiating with 2 or 3 vaccines from different countries, we might be able to get it during the first quarter,” he said noting they are already in talks with companies from China, Australia, and India. The country is also exploring engagements with different manufacturers from the United States and Russia.

China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm already committed that once Caraga INFOCUS

negotiations push through in the coming weeks, their vaccines may be available in 60-90 days.

He stressed that the anti-COVID body is still negotiating for the price and volume of the vaccines to ensure safe, effective, and affordable products to be able to provide equitable access for the marginalized and vulnerable sectors.

“We’re looking forward to having 10 million to 15 million or even 20 million vaccines from each of these vaccine makers. Pero kagaya nga po ng sinasabi ng

Caraga INFOCUS

ating mahal na Pangulo at ni Senator Bong Go, kailangan po nating piliin ang safe, effective, at tsaka tinatawag na affordable para po tayo ay magkaroon ng tinatawag na equitable access para sa mahihirap at ng vulnerable sectors [As what President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Bong Go said, we need to choose the vaccine that’s safe effective, and affordable so that we can have equitable access for the poor and the vulnerable sectors],” he said.

Secretary Galvez

also noted that they will be employing the wholeof-nation approach on the distribution of the vaccines once available.

“The strategy that we are having now is the whole-of nation approach kasi nakita natin that the private sector, they have used their resources also. They have private hospitals that can be utilized as vaccine centers and also the academe with hospitals, those universities with medical courses, they can be used as vaccination centers,” he said.

November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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TASK FORCE MONITORS AREAS WITH SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

By Priam Nepomuceno The National Task Force NTF Against Covid-19 A t m o s p h e r i c , (NTF) Against Covid-19 is chair, Delfin Lorenzana Geophysical and closely monitoring areas told President Rodrigo Astronomical Services that saw a slight increase Duterte during a taped Administration) ay in its coronavirus disease Cabinet meeting aired magkakaroon na naman (Covid-19) cases. over PTV-4 Monday night. nang malakas na ulan

“Ang ginagawa po L o r e n z a n a , diyan sa Cagayan ngayon ng National Task meanwhile, said they Valley. Kaya ‘yung ating Force (Against) Covid-19 have deployed more mga NDRRMC (National ay minamanmanan nurses and doctors in Disaster Risk Reduction natin ‘yung mga lugar na Davao City to augment and Management mayroon pang kaunting medical personnel in Council) units at saka pagtaas -- hindi naman containing the disease. ‘yung mga tropa natin ay gaano (kataas) pero He added that a naghahanda na naman tayo’y nag-iingat lamang total of 333,367 overseas para tulungan ‘yung mga na hindi umangat nang Filipino workers (OFWs) taong maaapektuhan malaki -- tulad ng (The have so far been sent ng pagbaha, (PAGASA National Task Force home. estimates that there (Against) Covid-19) is Lorenzana also would be heavy rains keeping an eye on areas told the President that again in Cagayan Valley. that recorded that a steps are now being Our NDRRMC units and slight increase in Covid-19 undertaken to mitigate our troops are already cases such as) Iloilo, the effect of the low preparing to help those Tacloban, Lanao Sur, pressure area (LPA) in who might be affected Iligan, Davao City, at saka areas in Northern Luzon. by floods) Mr. President. (and) Davao province,” “So ang estimate Thank you,” he added.

Defense Secretary and ng PAGASA (Philippine (PNA)

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| November 28-December 4, 2020

Caraga INFOCUS

ASTRAZENECA EYES COVID-19 VACCINE PHASE 3 CLINICAL TRIAL IN PH

By Ma. Cristina Arayata Pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca would like to conduct a Phase 3 clinical trial in the Philippines, an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Monday.

In a virtual presser, DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development executive director Jaime Montoya said AstraZeneca already signed the Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement that would allow the Philippines’ Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) to check the data on the firm’s Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for its Covid-19 vaccine.

Upon checking the data, the VEP would then recommend to the Ethics Review Committee Caraga INFOCUS

Screenshot from the Laging Handa public briefing.

and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the conduct of the clinical trial in the country.

“For now, the VEP is basing its evaluation from the documents that AstraZeneca initially submitted,” Montoya said.

He said the VEP has completed its initial evaluation and sent questions to AstraZeneca.

“If they could answer all those questions, then the VEP could recommend the conduct of the clinical trial to the Ethics Review Committee, and the FDA which has the final decision on whether the clinical trial can be done here or not,” he said.

Montoya said AstraZeneca or any

pharmaceutical firm would have to seek for the Philippine FDA’s approval, even if they have already got the US FDA nod or emergency use authorization from other countries.

He advised the people who have questions about AstraZeneca’s vaccine’s effectivity to wait for the official publication of AstraZeneca’s data.

M e a n w h i l e , Montoya said pharmaceutical firm, Pfizer, will not conduct a clinical trial in the Philippines for its Covid-19 vaccine.

However, he said the country is still negotiating with Pfizer for the supply of its Covid-19 vaccine. (PNA) November 28-December 4, 2020 |

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