Caraga InFocus – October 31-November 6, 2020

Volume IV, No. 44 Oct. 31 - Nov. 6, 2020

‘Bisaya Gyud’ launches first youth camp in Bukidnon province STORY/ PAGE 3

Former rebels find new home in Agusan del Norte

By Nora C. Lanuza

MORE than 100 former rebels (FRs) will now have their own home after mining firm, San Roque Metals, Incorporated (SRMI), donated a 1.4-hectare lot to the provincial government of Agusan del Norte for the construction of the housing project.

The FRs under the custody of the 29th, 23rd, and 65th Infantry Battalions will

DSWD-Caraga intensifies ELCAC campaign in communities

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has intensified campaign on ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) by providing more relevant programs and services to the DSWD/ PAGE 4

FORMER/ PAGE 5

AgSur LGU still implements granular lockdown

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Despite lifting and demobilizing the provincial boundary checkpoint operations

in Agusan del Sur as agreed by the Provincial InterAgency Task Force, health protocols in the local government units AGSUR/ PAGE 4

BUTUAN CITY YOUTH ORG LAUNCHES INITIATIVES FOR COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Lending a helping S a n g g u n i a n g hand to their Kabataan (SK) kababayans amid the Federation of Brgy.

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

J. P. Rizal, this city, launched various initiatives.

During his guesting at the BUTUAN/ PAGE 6

Caraga RTF-ELCAC AgSur locals benefit from Serbisyo Caravan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the residents of Sitio Cogonon of Barangay Salvacion and Sitio New Israel of Barangay Sta. Maria in the municipality of Trento, Agusan del Sur were thankful for the programs and services they have received and availed from the government’s Serbisyo Caravan.

The two barangays are among the conflictaffected areas of Trento and the conduct of Serbisyo Caravan is most beneficial for the locals especially during this time of crisis

CARAGA RTF-ELCAC/ PAGE 5

CDO schools receive aid from ‘Bisaya Gyud’ team

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

After having received pleas for help from teachers in the area, select schools in Cagayan de Oro City received reams of bond papers from the Bisaya Gyud team through its Bond Paper Gift project.

During the Bisaya Gyud episode aired online on October 31, Teacher Sofia Gumahin, second grade teacher of Corrales Elementary School who sought the team’s assistance, said that she needed to find a way to address the concerns on implementing the blended learning, particularly in the distribution of selflearning modules (SLMs) to their students. Due to the lack of resources, students were forced to share learning modules.

“We saw that students have been sharing printed modules, which

shouldn’t be the case since each child should have a copy of their own. Fortunately, through the help of a fellow teacher, I was able to seek assistance from the Bisaya Gyud team. Their generosity will benefit 300 pupils in the second grade level,” the teacher said.

Meanwhile, high school teacher Marichu Concon from Cugman National High School also raised the same concern.

Fellow teacher John Gabriel Pagaran, who received the reams of bond papers on behalf of Teacher Concon, also recounted that teachers and school faculty members are also facing a shortage of needed materials for the printed modules, which hampers the distribution of the said learning materials.

“The lack of supply of needed materials, especially bond papers, is a big concern

Cabadbaran City mayor Judy Amante during today’s turn-over of the donated lot and groundbreaking ceremony of the housing site to former rebels said the housing project of the government to former rebels (FRs) is an evidence that the government is sincere in helping the FRs in solving the insurgency problem of the country. The project will help encourage the remaining NPAs to surrender and even this time that the country is threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance to FRs continues, she said.

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| October 31-November 6, 2020

of the teachers in this school which is why we are truly grateful for the Bisaya Gyud team for heeding our plea for help.

The assistance they provided will benefit our learners who strive to learn amid the huge adjustments that had to be made because of the pandemic,” he added.

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/ bisayagyudph, every Saturday.

The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers

(OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Its ‘Operation Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials.

The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Norte MSMEs join ‘work-life balance’ webinar

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) - Caraga, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, recently conducted an online discussion on Work-Life Balance that was joined by 40 participants.

Work-Life Balance: Productive Work from Home Webinar will enable participants to identify ways on how to achieve a balanced work-life during the lockdown and learn some tips on how to be productive while working from home.

Miraflor Granada, Labor and Employment Office III, started the session with the RTWPB Basic Programs and Services.

Board Secretary VI Earl D. Dela Victoria stressed the importance of balance between work and life. He said that “the stress of life is more easily managed if you maintain balance in our life.” He also encouraged the participants to practice and maintain good personal hygiene, engage in physical activity, balance meals, and spiritual health because it affects how a person think, feel and act.

During the webinar, these topics were also discussed: 1) Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP); 2) Recent Circulars Re: COVID-19 Benefits; and 3) SSS Express Program and Updates 2020 Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.

Participants were given the time to raise their questions during the open forum. (RTWPB-Caraga/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

‘Bisaya Gyud’ launches first youth camp in Bukidnon province

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders and student leaders inCagayan de Oro City and the Bukidnon province convened for the first Youth Camphosted by the ‘Bisaya Gyud’ team, held on October 24-25, 2020 at the KumaykayRiver Farm Resort, Manolo Fortrich, Bukidnon.

The said camp aims to orient youth leaders about the advocacies of the Bisaya Gyud program on its Operation Tabang and Bond Paper Gift program. Under ‘Operation Tabang’, medical and food assistance are provided to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who have suffered greatly due to the pandemic. On the other hand, the Bond Paper Gift project aims to assist schools in rural areas in

effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials.

The event also provided the team comprising the Bisaya Gyud to solicit the views of the youth on the program, which can help in its improvement.

Arvin Raye Benaive, SK chairperson of Brgy.

Linabo, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, remarked on how the Bond Paper Gift project will greatly help schools, especially in the rural areas.

“Modular learning is what the majority of students resorted to, especially those who live in far-flung areas where electricity remains inaccessible, let alone internet connection.

Printed modules are definitely

Sec. Martin Andanar underscores the importance of people’s active participation in governance. #InformInformInform #LagingHanda

the only means of these students in pursuing their learning which is why schools must have enough resources to effectively deliver this learning mode. This initiative of the Bisaya Gyud is truly a blessing for these schools.”

For fellow SK chairperson of Brgy. 13, Cagayan de Oro City Jan Nino Paasa, the project serves as an inspiration among fellow Filipinos to take part in helping the community in times of crisis.

“The project displays the essence of bayanihan, which can motivate people to help their fellow countrymen.

This goes to show that no matter how big or small the actions are, so long as it aims to help people, its impacts on the community can inspire and empower.”

During the camp, an election of officers was done to create a governing body that will

oversee the welfare of the youth and spearhead future initiatives for the youth in line with the program’s visions.

Participant Suzzane Martil, who serves as the SK chairperson of Brgy. Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, thanked the team for organizing the event, which will further help in empowering the youth and strengthening the relationship among its members.

“It is important for the youth to develop a sense of purpose and have their opinion and insights heard, especially if it concerns the community. The youth camp served as an avenue that gave value to those things, which we are grateful for,” the youth leader added.

Participants were given a certificate for their participation and a box of face masks upon the conclusion of the camp.

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/bisayagyudph, every Saturday.

The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.The program also explores Bisaya music and artists and features Bisaya success stories.

(DMNR/PIACaraga)

October 31-November 6, 2020 |

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DSWD from page 1

communities.

Part of this effort, the department has recently participated in the Peace and Development Expo, dubbed Capacitating Urban Communities

for Peace and Development conducted by the Regional Task Force to End Local Community Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) Caraga held

in Butuan City.

The DSWD, through the Social Marketing Section, took the opportunity to provide information to the different participants of

the said activity (Youth, Urban Poor, Transport Groups, Labor Groups, and Women Groups), most especially the different programs of the Agency, part of the Executive Order Number 70 (EO 70) implementation.

It can be recalled that the EO 70 series of 2018 otherwise known as “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and directing the Adoption

of a National Peace Framework” was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on December 4, 2018.

DSWD is one of the agencies with a vital part in the implementation of EO 70. Thus, during the said activity, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were also provided to the participants for them to further understand and be fully aware of the programs and services of the Department that are readily available for the different sectors.

(DSWD/JPG/PIACaraga)

AGSUR from page 1

(LGUs) have also been tightened to control the increasing number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases.

The municipality of San Francisco is one of those which strictly monitors people coming in and out of the area, after being known as the first municipality of the province that has recorded a local transmission.

It immediately declared an enhanced community quarantine and implemented granular lockdown in the identified 25 barangays in the month of October.

A n o t h e r

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additional puroks of several barangays were identified and are now under granular lockdown until November 9, 2020. This is based on the executive order released by the LGU-San Francisco.

According to San Francisco Mayor Solomon Rufila, the LGU also identified entrance and exit points in the affected barangay including the public market.

“Since we no longer implement the boundary checkpoints, we believe that this is one good move of the LGU, which could also help during the conduct of contact tracing. So, this is why

| October 31-November 6, 2020

Contributed photo

we need to monitor all those who come in from the entrance,” said Rufila.

Mayor Rufila further reminded the locals to continue to follow the health protocols such as

social distancing, and wearing of face mask and face shield.

“We continue to urge the people to always follow the health protocols especially the wearing of face mask and face

shield,” Rufila added.

Close coordination among LGUs is also observed with the aim to have a more organized and systematic conduct of the contact tracing.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

FORMER from page 1

be prioritized, it was learned.

Alyas Kris, one of the more than 100 FRs to benefit the housing project of the province, was emotional upon knowing that her family will soon own a house.

Alyas Kris thanked the government, especially to Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-

Matba for personally making follow-ups and for providing their needs. “I see the sincerity of the government in helping us start a new life away from insurgency and chaos,” she said.

Alyas Kris also thanked Governor Dale B. Corvera for prioritizing the construction of their homes.

CARAGA RTF-ELCAC from page 1

brought about by the COVID-19 wherein community quarantine is strictly observed.

Among the services provided include the general consultation, circumcision, vaccination of pregnant, persons with disability, senior citizens, and Indigenous Peoples, blood screening, urinalysis, sputum examination, prenatal consultation, family planning, dengue/ schistosomiasis treatment, and distribution of medicines and multivitamins.

“Thank you to all the government agencies that took time in bringing us here their respective programs and services. Thank you for this opportunity,” said Carmelina Guay, day care worker.

Punong Barangay Allan Lintapan also revealed that they were surprised that their barangay was chosen among others despite being in a far-flung area.

“We were not expecting that our barangay will be chosen as the venue for this serbisyo caravan as there are puroks near the highway, yet we

According to 29th IB commanding officer Ltc Isagani O. Criste, the increasing number of NPA surrenderers in the province prompted the Philippine Army officials operating in the area to raise the concern to the provincial officials.

Governor Corvera thanked SRMI chairman Francis Enrico Gutierrez for

providing the province the 1.4-hectare lot.

“The province is now preparing for the construction of the houses where the FRs can stay and start a new life with their families,” he said.

The FRs will have their houses built in Barangay Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City to be funded by the provincial government worth to P450,000 each, as announced by Gov. Corvera during the turn-over and ground breaking ceremony of the housing site to the FRs. In her message, Rep. Matba called on the remaining members of the NPAs to surrender and have a peaceful life with their families. She said that the government is sincere in providing assistance to those who will go back to the government and

will exert all possible means to help them start a new life.

Ryan B. Culima, representing SRMI chairman Francis Enrico Gutierrez, said that the SRMI supports the endeavor of the government to attain the lasting peace and development of the province and the whole nation as well.

Culima also said that SRMI will extend livelihood assistance to the former rebels’ community once established.

Also, Cabadbaran City mayor Judy Amante said the housing project of the government to former rebels (FRs) is a testament that the government is sincere in helping the FRs in solving the insurgency problem of the country.

(NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

were chosen to be the recipients,” he said.

Milled rice and food packs were also given to some 500 families of the two barangays, while seedlings and plastic drums were also handed-over to select beneficiaries.

The locals in Barangay Manat of Trento, Agusan del Sur are the next target for the Serbisyo Caravan.

This forms part of the activities of the regional task force to end local communist armed conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in the municipality of Trento.

Meanwhile, Mayor William Calvez also urged the Trentohanons to live a peaceful life with their family and prevent themselves from becoming victims of deceits of the New People’s Army (NPA)

terrorists.

“We are also assuring that the government will be more visible and the services will be more accessible,” said Mayor Calvez. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

October 31-November 6, 2020 |

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Masigasig troopers welcome promotion of enlisted personnel By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

The men and women of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army welcomed the promotion of 37 enlisted personnel during the pinning of rank activity held recently at the battalion’s headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, this town.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the acting battalion commander, spearheaded the donning of ranks among the newly-promoted troopers.

The activity was successfully done despite the threats of the coronavirus disease BUTUAN from page 1

‘Bisaya Gyud’ program with Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday, October 31, village SK Federation chairperson Judeben Duro said that they helped distribute and repack food packs that were distributed to the residents of the village.

In their second year of implementing the ‘Balik Skwela’ Project, they provided reams of bond paper, printer, and ink to the nearest school in the village in support to the implementation of modular learning.

Despite the health crisis, the youth group

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2019 (COVID-19) that has already affected the town of Buenavista and other parts of the province of Agusan del Norte.

In his message, Paulo congratulated the newly-promoted personnel as he emphasized that promotion is a recognition of an Enlisted Personnel potential to perform credibly and effeciently to various tasks to the next higher grade, it is an advancement in rank and responsibility as well as an acknowledgement of the soldier’s exceptional skills and

core competencies.

“These promotions signify the dedication of the 23rd IB troopers to their sacred duty and in the excellent performance of their tasks to ensure the security of the people and community that we serve in our areas of responsibility,” Paulo said.

He added that the 23rd IB has been lauded for complying with its mission of eradicating terrorism and its influence among the youth and the ordinary civilians especially in the remote areas of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental.

“Promotion to the next higher rank also means greater responsibilities and accountability.

This insignia is placed near your heart in order for you to always remember to love your job, be faithful in serving the people, and securing the land with dignity,” Paulo said.

He also urged the 23rd IB troopers to always put on their hearts and minds that they are called to serve the Filipino people unconditionally.

“You all deserve to be promoted to the next higher rank,” Paulo said.

pursued the launching of the ‘Palarong J. P. Rizal’, a sports competition for the village youth. The youth leader disclosed that they included board games such as chess to the contest in replacement of the usual outdoor games to make sure that no participant is at risk and that those who have an interest in playing the newly included games can participate.

This resulted in the organization receiving positive feedback from the members of the youth sector in their area.

Upon the conclusion of the interview, SK chairperson Duro

thanked the program for giving him the opportunity to shed a light on the activeness of their youth through their programs.

“I am very thankful to the people comprising the program, especially to Secretary Martin Andanar, for giving me the chance to let the public know about our initiatives.

We hope to inspire our fellow youth to actively take part in the activities for and by the youth, which are great avenues to hone social skills and creativity,” he said.

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential

Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/bisayagyudph, every Saturday.

The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

| October 31-November 6, 2020

He also expressed gratitude to the troopers for their continued support to his leadership and vowed to do his best in leading the Masigasig troopers to more successful operations to clear its AORs from the influence of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs).

“Together, we can achieve our goals and objectives. We are strong because we rely on each other’s support and the determinations that we share in carrying on with our mission,” Paulo said.

(CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

pandemic.

Its ‘Operation Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials.

The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao tribes light candles for victims of IP killings

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

The Manobo tribes culminated the October Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) month and All Souls’ Day in a candle lighting rally against the killings of innocent IP leaders and members perpetrated by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

The rally was held in barangay St. Christine, Lianga on October 31.

In a report by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), about 12 IP leaders and members were killed by the CNTs since March this year. The latest was Lianga IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Hawudon Jumar S. Bucales (Datu Nahikyad), and two others who were ambushed on Oct. 4 while they were on their way home after an IP Council meeting in Lianga. The CNTs owned the killings of Datu Bucales and other members.

The tribal council of Lianga recently reported that the CNTs in Surigao

sent them death threats because they allowed the construction of the DepEd IP - Schools of Living Tradition (SLT) to replace the NPA-linked schools of Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) in the hinterlands of Lianga and Marihatag towns.

“Ang aming mga tribal leaders na walang ibang gusto kundi makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon sa mga IP gaya ni Datu Jumar Bucales ay gusto nilang patayin.

Ganunpaman, hindi kami matatakot at ipagpapatuloy namin

ang mga isinusulong na programa ni Datu Jumar Bucales para umunlad ang tribo sa Lianga,” said Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga Tribal Chieftain.

On Oct. 31, KASALO or Kahugpongan sa Lumadnong Organisasyon Caraga, a group identified by the tribes as a CNT supporter, posted a fake news on their Facebook page accusing the military of abuses which was disproved by the tribal leaders outright.

“Ang totoong nagmimilitarisa sa tribo ay hindi ang Army, kundi

ang mga sinungaling at teroristang NPA na sapilitang nirerekrut ang kabataang tribo para maging NPA o milisya ng bayan. Sila ay nagsisinungaling sapagkat ang gusto lamang nilang paalisin ang Army na tumutulong sa amin sa pamamagitan ng Community Support Program (CSP),” said Datu Rico Maca, San Miguel IPMR. “Hindi na umuubra ang propaganda ng mga kaalyado ng NPA gaya ng Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), Kahugpungan ng Maguuma sa Surigao del Sur (KAMASS), KASALO Caraga, Karapatan CARAGA, Save our Schools Network at iba pa kaya ang gingawa ng mga terorista ay pananakot at pag-atake sa mga walang laban na IPna ayaw na sakanila,” said Datu Constancio Duhac.

The CNTs and their front organizations were declared persona-

non-grata in the whole province of Surigao del Sur including its municipalities, city, and barangays.

Surigao Sur Provincial government, NCIP, local chief executives, and sectoral groups have earlier issued statements of condemnations against the CNTs’ killings of the IPs and supported the passage of the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 and the National Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The provincial government and the military’s doors are still open for those who would like to peacefully surrender and lay down their arms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The first batch of former rebels was awarded E-CLIP benefits last September.

(Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, CMO-3SFBn/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

School-based feeding program, tuloy ang pagpapatupad ng DepEd SurSur Division sa gitna ng banta ng COVID-19

By Nerissa M. Espinosa Sa gitna ng patuloy na banta ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) dito sa Surigao del Sur, tuloy pa rin ang pagpapatupad ng School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) ng DepEd Surigao del Sur

Division sa iba’t ibang paaralan sa buong lalawigan.

Sa impormasyon na binigay ni Madelyn Lozada, school nurse ng nasabing division at focal person ng SBFP, kinakailangang magpatuloy ang pagpapakain sa mga

kabataang estudyante lalo na sa panahong ito na higit na kailangan ang malusog na pangangatawan.

Ani ni Lozada, ang pagbibigay ng gatas at mga masustansiyang pagkain ay magpapalakas ng resistensiya laban sa

anumang sakit.

Sa ginawang launching ng SBFP Milk Feeding Program Component sa anim na distrito ng bayan ng Cortes, Bayabas at Tago, mismong mga lokal na opisyal nito ang nanguna sa nasabing aktibidad.

Nilinaw rin ni Lozada na mahigpit rin nilang sinusunod ang health at safety protocols sa pamimigay ng mga food packs sa mga magulang tulad ng pagsusuot ng face mask, face shield, social distancing at paghuhugas ng kamay. ( R P 1 - Ta n d a g / P I A Surigao del Sur)

October 31-November 6, 2020 |

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3 nasawing NPA sa isang bakbakan sa Tandag, inihatid na sa huling hantungan Inihatid na sa huling hantungan nitong Martes ang tatlong myembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) na nasawi sa halos isang oras na bakbakan sa inilunsad na operasyon ng militar laban sa mga komunistang NPA sa bundok ng Barangay Pangi, sakop nitong lungsod noong Sabado, Oktubre 31, 2020.

Napag-alaman mula kay 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) Commander Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, isang joint operation ang ikinasa ng 36IB at tropa ng 75 Infantry Battalion (75IB). Matapos ang halos isang oras na putukan, umatras umano ang mga NPA at iniwan ang mga nasawing kasamahan at mga kagamitan pinagtataguang kuta ng mga teroristang NPA. Kinumpirma pa ni Diagmel, na halos isang oras lang kung lalakarin ang pinangyarihan ng insidente mula sa national highway ng Barangay Pangi ng nasabing syudad.

Narekober ang tatlong katawan na wala ng buhay, kung saan nakasuot pa ng bandolier ang isa sa mga ito. Narekober din ang ibat-ibang klase ng de-kalibreng armas, mga subersibong bagay, at bulto-bultong dokumento at personal belongings ng mga teroristang NPA sa mismong pinangyarihan ng bakbakan.

Ayon pa sa ulat, ang

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mga narekober ay ang mga sumusunod: isang (1) - M16; dalawang (2) - M16 w/ M203 attached; isang (1) AK47; isang (1) - M16; dalawang (2) - M16 w/ M203 attached; isang (1) - AK47; dalawang (2) - Cal 22 converted rifle; tatlong (3) - Nokia cellphones; dalawang (2) – USB; apat (4) na - memory card; anim (6) na- sim card; 20jungle hammock; 10 - improvised beddings; 21 - backpack; at bultobultong mga personal na mga kagamitan (pambabae at panlalaki), dukument, at mga medisina.

Sa isang press conference, ibinunyag ni Lt. Col. Diagmel ang mga pagkakilanlan ng mga nasawi, kung saan sinabi nya na isa sa mga ito ay ang matinik na myembro ng SPARU Unit, Sub-Regional Special Operation Group. Ang mga nasawi ay sina: Paulino Perez Maitum, 26 taonggulang; Maco C. Maitum, 51; at si Freddie M. Zamora, 42 taonggulang, lahat residente ng P-7, Golden Lake, Barangay Pangi, Tandag City.

Sa paliwanag ni Lt. Col. Diagmel, kadalasan hindi daw alam ng mga kapamilya nito ang umanoy pag anib ng mga nasawi sa makakaliwang grupo para na rin sa kaligtasan ng kani-kanilang mga pamilya.

Kinumpirma din ni Lt. Col. Diagmel na

| October 31-November 6, 2020

isang kampo ng mga NPA ang kanilang narekober kung saan naganap ang bakbakan.

Tinatayang aabot sa 40 armadong grupo umano ang naengkwentro nila, na halos maubusan na ng bala ang mga tropa ng gobyerno dahil sa tagal umano ng kanilang bakbakan. Wala naman nasugatan o nasawi sa panig ng gobyerno.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na minamanmanan ng mga militar ang mga posibleng pagdadalhan ng mga nasugatan na mga nakatakas na mga rebelde, bagamat di pa kumpirmado sa

kasalukuyan kung ilan ang mga ito ayun sa military.

Matatandaan noong Octubre 14, 2020 isang sasakyan at mga trabahador ng ABI Construction mula sa Tandag City na maghahatid umano ng mga supply ng mga makakaliwang grupo ang nahuli ng mga awtoridad sa isang joint operation na inilunsand ng kapulisan at militar.

Dito nakumpiska ang tatlong sakong bigas, isang sako ng harina, kalahating sako ng asin, 20 kilong asukal, mga pakete ng lokal noodles o Odong,

30 sabon panligo, isang karton ng sardinas, candies, apat na bag ng 3-in-1 na kape, dalawang gallon na mantika, isang galon ng toyo, limang plastic na container, at mga malaking supot.

Nakumpiska din ang dalawang Improvised Explosive Devise (IED, Claymore), isang watawat ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, 20 pares ng itim na mga medyas, siyam na pakete na sanitary napkins, anim na pirasong suot panloob ng mga panlalaki at 20 pares ng itim na buta (black rubber boots).

(NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

MisOr chosen for MinDA’s aquaculture program

By Nef Luczon

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Tuesday said the province of Misamis Oriental will be one of the 22 local government units that would benefit from the agency’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Program.

During Tuesday’s signing of an agreement between MinDA and the provincial government on the “digitalization of agri-fishery and socioeconomic information partnership,” Piñol told Governor Yevgeny Vicente Emano that the program is under a project grant funded by the European Union through the Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture D e v e l o p m e n t (MinFAD).

“Just pick a place where to put it. This is what we call a fish center. It is a facility

where you have an ice plant, cold storage blast freezer, and processing facility.

Why? The problem in Mindanao is that there are many fish products, (but they are) not reaching the markets because there is no ice,” he said.

The lack of storage facility of newly-caught fish and other marine food sources has limited the productivity of Mindanao fishermen, according to Piñol, who also mentioned similar situations in Sulu, TawiTawi, and Camiguin provinces.

When operational, he said all of the fish centers would be interconnected in a digital platform that will monitor how much fish is caught in Misamis Oriental, information of the fish varieties caught, and what markets these fish will be sold.

Collaboration Under the agreement, MinDA

and the provincial government would collaborate in the streamlining of data and information between the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO) and MinDA Tienda, which will boost the planning and implementation of strategic projects and programs of the province.

“We have been dreaming this day, to make sure that our data are updated for our value chain players to have access to information to decide on the kind of investment that they are going to engage in Misamis Oriental,” PAGRO chief Apollo Pacamalan siad.

As part of the agreement, MinDA is also tasked with providing technical support to the province in mapping agriculture and aquaculture sites, including the database of individual farmers

and farmer groups.

“This will actually provide the benchmark in the entire country, that if our information system is lodged in the provincial level, then we can have an online, real-time updating of information so that market information is available at the farmers’ field at the same time.

We can actually shape up programs for the farmers based on what the market wants,” Pacamalan said.

For his part, Emano believes the program would benefit farmers and fisherfolk, adding that it was about time that “they who labored

in the production the most could benefit from their hard work, and not the middlemen”.

Other opportunities Meanwhile, Piñol shared with Emano other opportunities and projects that can help improve the agriculture landscape in the province, and one of which is the potential of growing Hass-variety avocado.

“Hass is the most popular Avocado variety mainly because of its taste and long shelf life, making it a potential major dollar earner for Mindanao,” Piñol said in a Facebook post recently. (PNA)

Northern Mindanao’s task force addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis said Friday it has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to complete over 500 isolation facilities in the region since March.

D P W H - 1 0 (Northern Mindanao) information officer Vinah Maghinay said in October alone,

some 300 patient care centers were built in Lanao del Norte, and 240 in Iligan City.

Apart from these, DPWH-10 said another 60 patient care facilities were built in Lanao del Sur, in collaboration with other national agencies and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Maghinay said the

construction of at least 56 patient care centers is also ongoing in Barangay Macasandig and Upper Puerto here and in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.

Patient care centers are also being proposed in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, she said.

To ensure that patient care centers are built fast and according to specifications, Maghinay said the

DPWH would only release funds after exhaustive inspections of a completed project.

Meanwhile, Department of Health 10 Director Adriano Suba-an on Friday lauded the Iligan City government for converting unused spaces into isolation or temporary treatment and monitoring facilities for Covid-19 cases.

Suba-an also cited Cagayan de Oro’s

initiative in establishing an additional 75-bed capacity isolation unit in Barangay San Simon.

“That will not just end as an emerging and re-emerging infectious disease facility as it may evolve as the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine of the south,” he said of Cagayan de Oro’s patient care centers. (PNA)

NorMin task force, DPWH build over 540 patient care centers

October 31-November 6, 2020 |

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Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the Typhoon Rolly

SEC. JOSE RUPERTO MARTIN ANDANAR

As everyone braces for Typhoon Rolly, we in the government have been undertaking safety and pre-emptive measures in order to ensure the protection and security of everyone.

Our Armed Forces has activated all of its units to assist in search, rescue, retrieval, and other disaster response operations in anticipation of the impact of the typhoon.

Personnel have also been dedicated for relief goods transportation, road clearing, and damage assessment operations.

As simultaneous evacuations have been and are being undertaken in areas at risk of landslides and storm surges, we advise everyone to cooperate with the authorities and to follow their directives in order to ensure that operations are done in an orderly manner and continue without a hitch.

For our part, the PCOO continues with its Laging Handa operations, which is activated and at the ready to inform and disseminate essential information and public service announcements to everyone.

We ask everyone to remain connected and updated by subscribing to our official radio and television channels, along with our social media accounts for appropriate information on government responses and how to get in touch with proper authorities for any needed assistance.

We impart to our fellow Filipinos the message of continued hope, strength, and resilience as we face the potential dire impacts of Typhoon Rolly in the coming days. We also pray that there will be no casualties or that those affected will be kept to a minimum.

As this natural hazard is unavoidable, let us be reminded of the resilience and the strong will of every Filipino in each calamity that we have faced. With the government’s continued support and actions, we can endure and recover from this adversity along with the continuing challenge posed by COVID-19.

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| October 31-November 6, 2020

PRRD instructs Cabinet to provide immediate assistance amid Super Typhoon Rolly - Palace President Rodrigo Roa Duterte instructed his Cabinet members to immediately provide assistance to affected individuals and local government units (LGUs) amid Super Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni), which is touted as the strongest typhoon in the world so far in 2020.

“On standby po lahat ng ahensya at departamento ng gobyerno. Ang mandato po ng Presidente, gawin ang lahat ng maisalba na naman ang ating mga kababayan dito sa trahedya ng bagyong Rolly,” said Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr during a press briefing held on November 1, Sunday, at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The Palace official said that the President had asked members of the Cabinet to be on call, especially those from departments that will be directly involved in providing assistance to those who will be affected by the typhoon.

“Ang Presidente na po ang nag-utos na magkaroon ng ganitong pagpupulong dito sa NDRRMC para masigurado na lahat ng pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo ay mabigay sa lalong madaling panahon,” said Secretary Roque.

Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, NDRRMC Executive Director, reported that an estimated 19.8 million

people are predicted to be exposed to the typhoon in 12 regions of the country namely, Regions 1,2,3,4A, 4B, 5,6,7,8,9, CAR, and NCR. Usec. Jalad said that some 96,543 families composed of 346,993 individuals that have been affected were already preemptively evacuated. Those who have been preemptively evacuated were from regions 3, 5, 8, NCR, CAR, and CALABARZON. Meanwhile, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that individuals and staff from affected temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs) were likewise evacuated and transferred to other COVID-19 isolation facilities.

Secretary Duque also assured that logistical support amounting to more than P26 million worth of drugs, medicines, medical supplies, health kits, including PPEs and other COVID-19 supplies have been prepositioned.

Duque added that hospitals were already alerted to have critical life-saving equipment ready, and that health emergency response teams are on standby.

Duque also reminded LGU officials to assign safety officers in evacuation centers and limit the number of people in evacuation areas if possible, in light of the COVID-19 situation.

On the part of the Department of

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Undersecretary Felicisimo Budiongan affirmed that the department has standby funds and stockpiles worth 884 million that includes stockpiles like family food packs, other food items, and non-food items. Usec. Budiongan said that the DSWD and all its quick response teams in field and central offices are on standby and on-call and are ready to provide augmentation with LGUs. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay, assured that military troops and assets are on standby for any eventualities.

Philippine National Police Chief Camilo Cascolan gave the same assurances saying the police have been deployed in evacuation areas.

On the part of LGUs, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that LGU executives are monitoring the typhoon and the situation in their own localities and are supervising response activities.

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara, Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez, ad Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arlene Arcillas provided updates on the situation in their localities and alerted government officials present in the said briefing on the assistance that they need from the national government. OPS-PCOO

Go reminds LGUs to ensure health, safety of evacuees

Following the devastation brought by Typhoon Rolly, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday urged concerned government agencies and local government unit (LGU) authorities to work together to ensure the safety and health of evacuees who are temporarily seeking shelter in evacuation centers.

“Hinihikayat ko po ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno at LGUs na magtulungan upang masiguro ang seguridad ng ating mga evacuees, lalo na’t patuloy pa rin ang pagulan at may pandemya pa (I encourage the government agencies and LGUs to help each other to ensure security of our evacuees),” Go said.

As chair of the Senate committee on health and demography, Go raised concerns given possible spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and other diseases in evacuation centers.

He urged authorities to ensure that health protocols, such as social distancing and wearing of masks, are still implemented, necessary medical supplies and medicines are made available, and healthcare workers are ready to assist Filipinos in evacuation centers.

“Bagamat ginagawa natin ang lahat upang mailigtas ang mga tao mula sa panganib na dulot ng bagyo, iwasan rin natin ang pagkalat ng Covid-19 at iba pang sakit sa mga sinisilungan nilang

evacuation centers (Though we did our best to save people from danger of typhoon, we should also prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other diseases in the evacuation centers),” he said.

Go urged authorities to ensure that evacuation centers are safe and properly equipped, adding that they should be designed to avoid transmission of diseases given the ongoing health crisis.

“Kung kinakailangan, mamigay dapat ng libreng masks at magtalaga ng hand washing stations para sa mga evacuees sa mga evacuation centers (If necessary, there should be distribution of free face masks and put up handwashing stations for evacuees),” he said.

Widely considered as 2020’s strongest storm, Rolly made a landfall in Bato, Catanduanes at 4:50 a.m. on Sunday and brought “catastrophic violent winds and intense to torrential rainfall” to the area, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday, but a new tropical storm “Siony” has just entered PAR and continues to intensify.

Go earlier filed Senate Bill 1228 or the “Mandatory Evacuation Center Act” which aims to establish safe, permanent, and dedicated evacuation centers in every city, province, and municipality in the

country. It must also be fully equipped to provide immediate aid to calamity and disaster victims, including fire victims.

“Taon-taon, nakakaranas tayo ng higit kumulang dalawampung bagyo, at kaakibat din nito ang baha at landslide.

Maraming lugar rin sa bansa ang nakararanas ng lindol. Bukod nito, kaliwa’t kanan ding may nangyayaring sunog sa iba’t ibang parte ng bansa (Every year, we experience an average of 20 typhoons and floods and landslides.

Many areas in the country also experience earthquakes aside from other calamities like fires in other parts of countries,” Go said.

“Kaya naman dapat ay palagi tayong handa na magprovide ng ligtas na evacuation centers para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na ngayon na may pandemya (That’s why we have to be ready to always provide secured evacuation centers).”

He recommended that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other relevant agencies must coordinate with LGUs and their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers, health offices, and the National Task Force on Covid-19 to implement evacuation plans that take into consideration the health hazards posed by the ongoing pandemic.

“Iba’t ibang krisis at sakuna ang hinaharap ng mga Pilipino kada taon. Nadagdagan pa ito ng isang pandemya ngayon. Kung gaano

kabilis makasira ng pamumuhay ang mga di inaasahang pangyayaring ito, mas mabilis dapat ang aksyon ng gobyerno upang mapaghandaan at maprotektahan ang buhay at kapakanan ng mga Pilipino (We have been experiencing different kinds of calamities every year.

Now, we have pandemic.

The government should quickly act to protect the life and welfare of the Filipinos),” Go added.

Go also assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte is currently monitoring and giving directives to agencies involved in responding to the devastation brought by Typhoon Rolly.

“Tinututukan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at ng lahat ng ahensyang sangkot sa pagresponde sa kalamidad ang sitwasyon para makapagbigay ng epektibong emergency response at assistance sa lahat ng mga apektado (President Duterte and all concerned agencies monitored the situation to provide effective emergency response to those affected by typhoon),” Go said.

He said the Duterte administration will never

Senator Bong Go abandon the Filipinos particularly in times of crises.

“Magbayanihan po tayo upang malampasan ang ga pagsubok na hinaharap natin (Let’s support each other to overcome every trial we are facing),” he added.

Go also reminded concerned agencies to act immediately in restoring normalcy and ensuring delivery of critical services in affected areas.

“Siguraduhin po natin na maisaayos agad ang mga daan at maibalik agad ang kuryente at transportasyon, pati rin ang pagsasaayos ng communication infrastructure, upang mas mabilis makabangon ang ating mga kababayan.

Siguraduhin rin dapat na makarating ang serbisyo mula sa gobyerno at mga pribadong sektor na nais tumulong (Make sure the immediate restoration of roads and power and transportation as well as communication infrastructure so that our countrymen will recover fast. Also, make sure that government services and those from the private sector who wants to help will be delivered),” he said. (PR)

October 31-November 6, 2020 |

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This year’s observance of UNDAS is different from all the observance as the country continues to fight the pandemic.

DepEd adjusts 4 quarters of school year 2020-2021

#InformInformInform #LagingHanda #UNDAS2020

Over 2K telco tower permits approved by LGUs: DILG

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan More than 2,000 permits and clearances to build cell towers filed by telecommunications companies have so far been approved by local government units (LGUs), Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

In a televised Cabinet meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday (File photo) night, Año said for Año told the President. the past two weeks, Earlier, Año said the an additional 815 LGUs have complied applications for cell with the order of Duterte tower construction have to fast-track the process been approved. for the construction of “So total po, 2,082 cell towers to boost na ang na-approve the telecommunication natin na mga telco tower companies’ cellular and (applications) mula po internet services. noong ipinag-utos niyo He said the ito. At mayroon pong 637 application process pending applications. So had already been ito po ‘yung aasikasuhin shortened to 16 days namin (In total, we have and the required permits approved 2,082 telco were also cut down tower applications since which made it for the you have ordered this. telecommunication There are 637 pending companies easier to applications. We are comply. now working on these),” Año said the

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| October 31-November 6, 2020

telecommunication companies no longer have a reason for the delay in improving their capacities.

The Philippines currently has 17,850 cell sites according to the 2019 3rd Quarter Report

by TowerXChange, an informal network advisor in the market tower industry worldwide.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology earlier said the country needs at least 50,000 more cell towers to improve services. (PNA)

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor The Department of Education (DepEd) has adjusted the four quarters for school year 20202021 in response to the “key challenges” in teaching students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In DepEd Memorandum issued on October 30, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said the decision is part of the suggested measures to foster “academic ease” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

San Antonio also said that DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones has been “closely monitoring the delivery of basic education services” in public schools since October in collaboration with the Executive and Management Committees.

“There is a need to recalibrate the strategy of assigning teaching responsibilities of teachers and learning activities of the learners with the assistance of their parents,” he added.

The DepEd extended the first quarter of the school year up to Dec. 12, 2020.

The second quarter would start from Jan. 4, 2021 to Feb. 27, 2021; the third quarter, Mar. 1, 2021 to Apr. 24, 2021; and fourth quarter, Apr. 26, 2021 to Jun 11, 2021.

“The week of Dec. 14 to 19, 2020 will be devoted to In-Service Training (INSET) which may include MELCs (Most Essential Learning Competencies)-based Quarter 2 planning for Distance Learning Delivery Modalities (DLDM),” San Antonio said.

Briones earlier scheduled the first quarter Oct. 5 to Nov. 28, 2020; second quarter, Dec. 1, 2020 to Feb. 6, 2021; third quarter, Feb. 15, 2021 to Apr. 10, 2021; and the fourth quarter from Apr. 12, 2021 to June 5, 2021. (PNA)

Andanar lauds Laguna for highest Covid-19 recovery rate The province of Laguna, which used to be one of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) hotspots in earlier months, is now among areas with the lowest Covid-19 active cases and rising as the local government unit (LGU) with the highest recovery rate at 91 percent.

During the Pagdalaw sa Laguna: “Explain, Explain, Explain” conference on Wednesday, P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar lauded the development of the Covid-19 situation in Laguna.

The conference aims to present and bring closer to the people the programs and services of the national government amid the pandemic, and provide an avenue for stakeholders to acquire and share updates on the Covid-19 situation of the locality.

“Kailangan po natin maipakita sa buong Pilipinas kung gaano po kagaling ang Laguna na maresolba ang kaso ng Covid-19. We need to inspire yung iba pang probinsya sa labas ng Laguna at maipakita kung paano

nagkakaisa ang LGUs dito. We should show the entire Philippines how united we are laban sa Covid-19 (We need to show the whole Philippines how well Laguna handled the Covid-19 cases. We need to inspire other provinces outside of Laguna and show that LGUs are united here.

We should show the entire Philippines how united we are against Covid-19),” he said.

He said Laguna’s accomplishment would serve as “symbol of hope” and good examples that can be emulated by other provinces as the country continues to grapple with the Covid-19 infections.

In previous months, high numbers of Covid-19 infections were reported in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, prompting the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF Covid-19) to designate Cabinet members to oversee said areas.

Andanar is the designated “Big Brother” of the antiCovid coordination for Laguna, linking gaps among LGUs and state agencies and ensuring synchronized Covid-19 responses.

As of November 3, Laguna has a total of

COMMENDED. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar joined the Pagdalaw sa Laguna: “Explain, Explain, Explain” conference in the town of Sta. Cruz with Governor Ramil Hernandez and key officials of National Government Agencies at the Cultural Center of Laguna on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2020). Andanar commended Laguna for having the highest Covid-19 recovery rate of 91 percent.

PCOO photo

13,925 recoveries and has only 1,063 active cases of Covid-19. It has so far logged 312 deaths.

A n d a n a r assured that aside from Covid-19, the government maintains commitment to assist and respond to areas affected by typhoons and the pandemic, while bringing timely information needed in emergency cases and dismissing disinformation.

“Sa gitna ng unos, naniniwala kami na ang involved public is an informed public. Kaya kami sa Presidential Communications Operations Office at aming attached agencies ay walang tigil at walang kapaguran sa pagpapalaganap ng

impormasyon tungkol sa mga responses, actions, at programs ng administrasyong Duterte para mabawasan ang epekto ng Covid-19 at ng maiwasan ang mga di inaasahang sakuna mula sa mga bagyo at iba pang mga kalamidad (Amid the storm, we believe that an involved public is an informed public. So we at the Presidential Communications Operations Office and our attached agencies are relentless and tireless in disseminating information about the responses, actions, and programs of the Duterte administration to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and to prevent unforeseen accidents from storms

and other calamities),” he said.

Key officials present during the conference include the Department of Health (DOH) Director Beverly Ho, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Irene Dumlao, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Sarah Arriola, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roldan Gorgonio, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, Small Business Corporation (SBCorp.) Strategy for Policy and Systems Sector Officer-inCharge (OIC) Josefina Flores, and the Regional Task Force Against Covid-19.

(PR)

October 31-November 6, 2020 |

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Vaccine czar appointment won’t change DOH processes: Vergeire

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor Policies on the testing, evaluation and procurement of potential vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country will not change despite the appointment of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez as vaccine czar, a health official said Wednesday.

“No processes will be changed, there may be additional ones, because we now have this vaccine czar, our leader, he may add more expeditious processes for our work to be easier,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during an online media forum.

Vergeire added that the specific tasks Galvez would be handling include the purchasing, the negotiations, the manufacturing, the production and distribution of the vaccines.

“Of course, he will not work alone,” she said.

She said the new vaccine czar will still work with DOH and the Departments of Science and Technology (DOST), Trade and Industry (DTI), Finance (DOF), Bureau of Investments and other agencies.

“Definitely, the procedures and the processes in place will still be followed and most importantly, our

14

regulatory process to ensure that these vaccines would be safe and efficacious will still be implemented,” she said.

On Tuesday, the DOH expressed its support on the appointment of Galvez as the vaccine czar and assured the public they will jointly ensure that effective Covid-19 vaccine is made accessible to all Filipinos.

In a virtual Palace presser on Tuesday, Galvez said his role as vaccine czar is to “unburden” the DOH and DOST from administrative work.

He said Duque would still be the primary person in charge of overseeing vaccine implementation.

“As chief implementer, ang boss ko pa rin po si DOH Secretary considering si DOH Secretary is IATF Chairman. Kung ano yung policy niya pertaining sa (my boss is DOH Secretary considering the DOH Secretary is IATF [InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases] chairman.

His policy pertaining to the) vaccine will be implemented by me,” he said.

Galvez, a former general, also said his military expertise would also be an advantage

| October 31-November 6, 2020

as it would enable him to easily coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Yung pagiging military chief ko mas madali po ‘yan na coordination sa PNP at saka sa AFP… Malaki pong tulong yun kasi kayang-kaya i-integrate ang lahat na mga (My being military chief will mean easier coordination with PNP and AFP. It will be a big help because we

can easily integrate all) logistical requirements that we have,” he said.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that

he designated Galvez as vaccine czar to ensure that the Philippines has access to a potential vaccine once available.

(PNA)

PH receives USD100-M loan for Covid-19 response from SoKor The Philippines and South Korea have entered into an agreement for the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) Covid-19 Emergency Response Program Loan worth USD100 million.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Korean government, through the Export-Import Bank of Korea or Korea Exim Bank, and the Department of Finance of the Philippines signed the agreement on October 29.

The agreement was the third signed by the two countries under the USD1-billion EDCF Framework Arrangement for the years 2017 through 2022. The first was New Cebu International Container Port Project worth USD172.64 million and the second was Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility worth USD50 million.

The loan program aims to provide immediate financing or budgetary support to the recipient country for

economic policies or implementation of sector development plans.

It also aims to “further strengthen relations between Korea and the Philippines in the field of public health and safety in addition to diverse areas of cooperation over the past 70 years”.

“It (the loan) may also take the form of an emergency relief fund for a pandemic situation like Covid-19. Due to Covid-19-related travel restrictions, the EDCF Covid-19 Emergency Response Program Loan agreement between the two governments were cross-signed by mail,” it added.

The EDCF was established by the Korean Government on June 1, 1987 with the purpose of promoting economic cooperation between Korea and developing countries.

Most EDCF projects in the Philippines have focused on infrastructure development, particularly roads and bridges, and the transportation sectors. (PR)

News Briefs The 2nd Congressional District, Office of Cong. Robert Ace S. Barbers through Abante Surigao, and its president, Mark Anthony Basol distributed this afternoon face shields to the vendors and tricycle drivers situated at Nueva Public Market, Surigao City. xx

DILG Caraga assistant regional director Donald Seronay said in his opening message during today’s 2nd episode of Dagyaw Virtual Town Hall Meeting in Caraga that the activity aims to build mutual trust between the government and the Filipino people by providing an open, neutral, and protected space for dialogue on key local issues and plans amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As an access to information platform, it aims to boost confidence among civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens in government and sustain the promotion of citizen participation in governance,” he said.

As discussed during the 17th Caraga RTF COVID-19 Teleconference Meeting, the province of Agusan del Sur has 374 evacuation centers province-wide, with 597 active responders. The said number of responders do not include reservists who will augment manpower when the need arises.

As part of this year’s National Children’s Month celebration, the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office has distributed coloring materials to the daycare pupils of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.

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