Gongs and Drums - 2020 2nd Quarter Issue

Gongs & Drums

CAR

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT - CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

APRIL - JUNE 2020

2ND QUARTER ISSUE

VOLUME XXII NO. 2

What’s Inside?

Baguio shares COVID19 best practices to other LGUs LGU beefs up measures to beat COVID19 in La Paz Prov’l IATF readies LGUs, conducted ocular inspection DILG provides aid to Abrenians, LSI amid COVID19 DILG-CAR Emergency Operations Center

DILG Cordillera regional and provincial offices assist thousands of complainants on COVID19 crisis

by Daryll Jade Bolislis

BAGUIO CITY — After more than three (3) months of activation of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera regional office and its field operating units (FOUs) have already recorded thousands of complaints and feedbacks on the implementation of the directives and measures against COVID-19 in local government units (LGUs). (continued at page 2)

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2ND QUARTER ISSUE

CONTENTS

DILG Cordillera regional and provincial offices assist thousands of complainants on COVID19 crisis LGU beefs up measures to beat COVID -19 in La Paz DILG provides aid to Abrenians, LSI amid COVID 19

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Baguio shares COVID-19 best practices to other LGUs

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DILG: Ensure remains of confirmed and suspected Covid-19 cases are buried, cremated within 12 hours

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DILG Cordillera asks LGUs and public to embrace ‘New Normal’

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Prov’l IATF readies LGUs, conducted ocular inspection

More than 1,600 stranded individuals in Cordillera sent home Peace-building in Cordillera continues amid pandemic Best #COVID19 Response: • Abra • Apayao • Baguio City • Benguet • Ifugao • Kalinga • Mountain Province Legal Opinion How to Remain Positive in Times of Crisis

DILG-CAR QUALITY POLICY We, the DILG-CAR, commit to embrace competence, integrity, responsiveness and dedication in empowering and nurturing our LGUs to become resilient, progressive, business-friendly, and socially protective through excellent PPAs for the progress of our Region and the happiness of the Cordillerans.

We pledge to continually improve the effectiveness of our Quality Management System to provide the highest quality service compliant to applicable legal requirements by Stepping Up to Challenges and Changes thru Excellent and Sustainable Strategies.

EDITORIAL BOARD MARLO L. IRINGAN, CESO III Regional Director ARACELI A. SAN JOSE, CESO IV Assistant Regional Director MILLICENT B. CARIÑO Provincial Director, DILG-Abra MARVIN A. BASQUEZ, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Apayao EVELYN B. TRINIDAD, CESO V City Director, DILG-Baguio City RUFINA T. FEGCAN, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Benguet REGINA ELIZABETH L. MAMMAG Provincial Director, DILG-Ifugao MAX MAYER G. ADONG Provincial Director, DILG-Kalinga ANTHONY MANOLO I. BALLUG, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Mountain Province SHIRLEY EVANGELINE V. MON Chief Administrative Officer, Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) DAISY A. PAYANG Division Chief, Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) MARLEEN M. GUERZON Division Chief, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED)

LAYOUT AND PUBLICATION DESIGN DARYLL JADE R. BOLISLIS Writer, DILG-CAR PAMELA MARIZ T. GEMINIANO Information Officer, DILG-CAR

APRIL - JUNE 2020 VOLUME XXII NO. 2

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RD’s Message Due to the current COVID-19 global epidemic, the world faces unparalleled challenges. Thus, the DILG continues to reinforce its mandate to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and curtail its inflationary effect.

Alongside the agency’s efforts, I commend the LGUs in stepping up their efforts and taking the lead in the mobilization of their communities to curb and mitigate the adverse impact of the threat of COVID-19.

It is crucial that LGUs, along with stakeholders, stay responsive, adapt to on-the-ground realities, and work together to create a stable, viable, and resilient Cordillera. The actions we take today will impact the region’s post-COVID-19 recovery and long-term development.

It’s our responsibility to ensure our communities secure and healthy, and so we have already taken measures to protect our constituents from the risk of contagion.

Maraming Salamat po!

MARLO L. IRINGAN

ARD’s Message As the country continues to fight against COVID-19, we, the DILG-CAR, continues to effectively and efficiently serve the public by strengthening the capabilities of our local government units . The pandemic has become a call to action for each and every one and our LGUs to unify our efforts through responsibility and discipline.

The activation of the Emergency Operations Center was significant in scaling our efforts to show our solidarity especially to the most vulnerable in society. We have demonstrated the power of collective effort in order to address the concerns of every individual who sought our assistance. Above all, we are grateful for the dedication, cooperation, and hard-work of the DILG-CAR personnel and local government units in this fight.

Let this Gongs and Drums issue serve as a reminder of how we were able to perform beyond the call of duty and to sustain our efforts in providing assistance and serving our fellow Filipinos as we continue to extend our time, effort, and resources in order to fasttrack the nation’s goal of curtailing the virus that we may be able to heal, to recover, and to rise as one.

ARACELI A. SAN JOSE

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(continued from front page)

Thousands of complaints, queries, and requests in CAR have successfully been acted upon by DILG-CAR and its FOUs during the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

A concerned citizen from one of the LGUs complained on the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) implementation and irregularities of the selection committee in their barangay and requested for a thorough validation, “we observed that there are rich and middle class people listed. They own big houses, trucks, and high end cars, yet those who truly deserve the assistance were not listed. I hope we are all serious about transparency and accountability”.

DILG-CAR and the concerned FOU took action immediately and after two days, the EOC received an email from the same client, “I am so grateful to DILG’s prompt action. I guess DILG has already taken action as I heard there were already actions being done today pertaining to the issues I raised. Saludo po ako sa inyo!

Maraming salamat sa inyong serbisyo!”.

Although most concerns handled were on the subject of relief goods distribution and the SAP implementation within CAR, the EOCs have also answered queries from clients outside the region and overseas. So far, the offices have been receiving positive feedbacks from the clients.

“These are indeed stressful times and by nature, emergencies are unpredictable. On a daily basis or in the case of a large scale disaster, there’s no telling what the conditions will be for your community, your family, or for you personally. That is why when it comes to concerns regarding the implementation of directives on COVID-19, we encourage everyone to contact our Emergency Operations Center immediately. We are here to help you 24/7”, DILG CAR Regional Director Engr. Marlo Iringan said resolutely.

Concerns from clients are lodged into a tracker system where their contact information and concerns are recorded and handled with utmost confidentiality. These are then monitored and acted upon by both the EOC and concerned FOUs.

LGU beefs up measures to beat COVID -19 in La Paz

by OIC-MLGOO Santos B. Trinidad

LA PAZ, Abra — The local government unit (LGU) in significantly improving the supply of organically beefed up its measures to prevent the spread of the produced agricultural crops that will cater to their coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an official said. daily supply of food and provide additional supply of crops that could be sold in the available markets to “We are hoping that our notable initiatives can help generate added income for the said families. mitigate the adverse effects brought by the COVID-19 menace,” said La Paz Mayor Menchie Bernos.

She said that the pandemic is indeed a battle of every human and every unit of government, but to ultimately win this battle, the collective effort and solidarity of everyone are needed.

The LGU spearheaded the following initiatives: immediate distribution of plastic laminated Home Quarantine Pass (HQPs), provision of free ride for medical frontliners, and rolling out of stores with strict compliance in physical distancing.

The LGU also urged the residents to embrace urban gardening for them to be able to contribute

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La Paz’s Mobile Palengke

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DILG provides aid to Abrenians, LSI amid COVID 19

by DILG Abra

BANGUED, ABRA — The DILG continues to provide assistance to the members of the community including the Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI).

“In these trying times, the government will do its best to carry out its mandates and help the community,” said MLGOO Bernabe Trinidad of DILG-Abra.

He said that they were able to provide at least hundreds of relieg goods which includes canned goods and noodles.

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investigators, and health authorities; mass testing is critical to contact tracing; cognitive interviewing skill is the key to efficient collection of information; and use of technology (as analytical tools) is indispensable.

Mayor Magalong underscored the importance of technology and the organization of contact tracing team (CTT), acknowledging that these play vital roles during the detection phase. He said that to create harmonized initiatives, the 4Cs must be observed which stands for collaboration, coordination, cooperation, and communication.

“Every second counts. Early detection is key to prevention,” added Mayor Magalong. When asked for some tips on how to effectively contain the virus, Mayor Magalong advised his fellow local chief executives to be passionate enough in taking the lead, to get themselves involved, and to think of some innovative or out-of-the-box solutions to address this unusual problem.

Further, hygiene kits which includes towels, bath soaps, toothpaste and toothbrush were also provided to 34 LSIs.

Baguio shares COVID-19 best practices to other LGUs

by Franzes Ivy Carasi

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through its Local Government Academy (LGA), continues to maximize the use of online platforms as one of the ways in addressing or fighting the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The DILG produces a series of video teleconference called L!STONG UGNAYAN with the following objectives -- raising public awareness about the pandemic, equipping its stakeholders and local counterparts with the right knowledge, capacitating local government units (LGUs) to better understand their roles and responsibilities, and sharing of best practices. The 9th Online Talakayan Series on April 22, 2020 revolved around the topic about pioneering ways to fight Covid-19 particularly on the contact tracing and detection experiences in the City of Baguio.

As the Resource Person, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong explained the basic principles they applied and continue to apply in addressing this crisis -seamless collaboration between law enforcement,

Along with Mayor Magalong as the Resource Person is DILG Cordillera regional director Marlo Iringan where he was given the chance to lay down the office’s plans and initiatives in informing and supervising LGUs on the implementation of different directives.

Dir. Iringan also reiterated the four (4) main tasks the LGUs need to comply as mentioned in the national action plan framework against Covid-19. LGUs are to detect, isolate, treat, and reintegrate. He again appealed for the strict implementation of the ECQ rules saying that the virus only becomes a threat to the community once the infected individual is allowed to go out and mingle with other members of the community. Dir. Iringan asked to take the ECQ rules seriously even during the last week of its implementation.

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Aside from the responsibilities of the LGUs, Dir. Iringan also highlighted the actions undertaken by the office.

“Our primary role is to be the link between the local and the national government. We make sure that the efforts of LGUs are aligned and harmonized with that of the national government,” he added.

The DILG Cordillera activated its regional and provincial emergency operations centers since March 19 which recorded more than 1,300 feedbacks and complaints from concerned citizens where all have been acted upon.

Based on the reports, the bulk of complaints during the first few weeks of the ECQ were mostly about checkpoints. However, for the past two to three weeks, a lot of issue being received by the office are related to the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and distribution of relief goods. Dir. Iringan assured DILG Cordillera will continue to carry out its functions especially now that the country is faced with a phenomenal crisis.

Prov’l IATF readies LGUs, conducted

by Lyka B. Asbucan ocular inspection

The Kalinga Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF) on COVID-19 conducted an ocular inspection on the eight (8) local government units of the province to ensure preparedness and readiness of barangay and city/municipality isolation units as well as the management of the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

It also aims to check and capacitate whether these conform to the guidelines of the IATF and to see if these complied with the standard of the Department of Health.

The Incident Management Team (IMT) composed of responsible officials namely: Governor Ferdinand Tubban, Congressman Sonny Mangaoang, Incident Commander Vice Governor Dave Odiem, Operations Chief DILG PD Max Mayer Adong, BGEN Henry Doyaoen and PHO Dr. Ignacio Cawas, conducted a site inspection at the identified isolation units in Tabuk city, and municiplaities of Tinglayan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Balbalan, Tanudan, Rizal and Pinukpuk, respectively. The LCEs of the aforementioned city/municipalities ensured the IMT that they will finish the isolation units as soon as possible to cater their constituents who will be coming home if ever the ECQ will be lifted.

Based on the reports, a total of 93 BIUs were in place, which is equivalent to 61% completion rate out of 152 barangays in the province. DILG PD Adong, during the PIATF regular meeting on April 22, 2020 reported that of the city/municipality the team inspected, good practices relative to their preparedness and management of the ECQ were observed.

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Based on the reports, a total of 93 barangay isolation units (BIUs) were in place, which is equivalent to 61% of the total 152 barangays in the province with BIUs. DILG PD Adong reported during the PIATF meeting that during the city/municiplaity inspection , good practices relative to preparedness and management of the ECQ were observed.

Furthermore, he advised the body to be fully prepared for the possible influx of individuals coming in and out of the province. Tabuk City Executive Assistant Aurora Amilig reported that the city is currently preparing for the possible influx of individuals after April 30, 2020 and identified Tabuk City gymnasium housing 80 beds, Tabuk City National High School which will be housing 100 beds and Agbannawag Evacuation Center as its isolation facility.

Meanwhile, Governor Tubban advised the City Government of Tabuk to inform every barangay on their inventory and to prioritize those barangays, specifically urban barangays, which have the largest number of constituents coming from outside of the province to fast track the establishment of their isolation units. He also advised every city/municipality LGU to utilize their funds from the Bayanihan Grant Act wisely in aiding their needs in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the PIATF ocular inspection held in Tinglayan on April 21, 2020, DILG PD Adong asked the usual support of the communities by simply following the ECQ guidelines so as not to add burden to the front liners. He also gave emphasis on the readiness of the city, municipalities and barangays on the need to have quarantine or isolation area when they will be placed under GCQ on May 2020. He likewise encouraged the LGU and BLGU to use their 20% Development Fund and SK Fund for Covid related expenses. He said that the LGUs might imitate the practice of Balbalan during the incumbency of Mangaoang as Mayor wherein their 20% Development Fund were utilized in implementing projects thru intensive labor base.

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DILG: Ensure remains of confirmed and suspected Covid-19 cases are buried, cremated within 12 hours

by Franzes Ivy Carasi

The Department of the Interior and Local Government told local government units (LGUs) today to ensure that the remains of confirmed and suspected Covid-19 cases in their localities are cremated or buried within 12 hours after death as it urged all cities and municipalities to designate reputable funeral parlors and crematoriums to handle such remains.

“The remains of persons who died of communicable diseases such as Covid-19 are potentially infectious and standard precautions should be implemented for every case.

Kaya dapat siguruhin ng mga local governments na may nakatalagang funeral parlor at crematorium sa kanilang lugar na mamamahala sa mga labi ng namatay sa Covid-19,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año.

He pointed out that while cremation is preferred the same cannot apply to our Muslim brothers because it is against their religion. “Hence, all remains of our Muslim brothers cannot be cremated but must be buried in the nearest Muslim cemetery within 12 hours from death,” he said.

In places where there are no crematoriums, the standard burial process within 12 hours should apply.

The DILG Secretary issued the statement after receiving reports that some local government units (LGUs) refuse entry in their localities to cadavers of Covid-19 cases for burial or cremation purposes as well as LGUs with

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identified Muslim cemetery who restrict the burial of a Muslim who died as a suspect or a confirmed Covid-19 case.

business permit. “LGUs shall monitor and penalize funeral parlors and crematoriums that refuse to provide logistics and transport of suspect or confirmed “No LGU shall prohibit the Covid-19 remains, including cremation or burial of Covid-19 refusal to pick-up the remains,” he cadavers in a cemetery or memorial said. park located in his or her area of jurisdiction,” he said.

Funeral workers are frontliners too Año also urged LGUs to provide possible financial assistance to Meanwhile, DILG Spokesperson cover the logistics, fuel, salary and Undersecretary Jonathan E. and other expenses that will be Malaya said that funeral services incurred in the process which staff and personnel may also be include transfer or transport of considered among the frontliners human remains. “The cost of burial amid the Covid-19 pandemic. or cremation of a dead person shall be borne by the nearest kin. If the “Funeral workers are also risking family is not financially capable their safety in order to provide of defraying the expenses or if the proper burial or cremation of the deceased had no kin, the cost shall dead. They must also be accorded be borne by the city or municipal the same safety measures as health government and the Department of workers,” Malaya said.

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” he said.

He said that funeral workers are granted exemptions from the He said that the Inter-Agency imposed enhanced community Task Force for the Management quarantine to be able to freely of Emerging Infectious Diseases move and travel to ensure that the (IATF-EID) has set aside P25,000 remains of deceased individuals for each indigent bereaved family will be given proper funeral of suspected or confirmed Covid-19 services. cases through the DSWD. “The LGUs are enjoined to ensure The DILG Chief also advises funeral companies are to provide LGUs that they may issue a price transportation and/or housing cap or impose a price ceiling on accommodations for funeral funeral services located within service staff and that all personnel their jurisdiction to prevent over handling the dead body are required pricing. to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while The DILG Chief said also said performing their tasks. All PPEs that any crematorium service or shall be properly disposed of, funeral parlor who will refuse to preferably burned for disposable accept cadavers would be closed and properly disinfected for nonpermanently by cancelling its disposable, after its use,” he said in accordance with MC 2020-063.

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DILG Cordillera asks LGUs and public to embrace ‘New Normal’

by Franzes Ivy Carasi

BAGUIO CITY-- As the region transitions to more relaxed community quarantine measures, the DILG-CAR enjoins the public and the local government units (LGUs) to remain vigilant and adapt to the new normal to avoid the spread of 2019 corona virus disease (COVID-19).

Based on the COVID-19 Inter-agency Task Force Resolution No. 41, all six (6) provinces and highly urbanized city in the region are included in the list of areas that are placed under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that LGUs should strictly implement the minimum health standards – use of face masks in public places, implementation of curfew, observance of physical distancing, limited capacity in allowed public transportation, among others. He also said that LGUs must utilize their authority to impose localized lockdowns in critical barangays so long as there in concurrence with the regional IATF. “Dapat paigtingin ng mga opisyal sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan mula sa probinsya hanggang sa mga barangay ang kanilang mga ginagawa para masigurong ligtas lahat mula sa pagkalat ng sakit; nakasalalay sa inyo na mabawasan ang mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa inyong komunidad,” he added.

DILG Cordillera regional director Marlo Iringan also clarified on the issue of quarantine passes now that the region is under MGCQ, saying that passes are no longer mandatory unless the LGU will require it, specifically in critical and buffer zones. LGUs have the discretion to implement their local guidelines so long as it does not contradict the basic policies from IATF. In a memorandum issued by DILG on June 1, it was also underscored that travels across provinces will still require travel authority except for workrelated undertakings.

Meanwhile, the DILG Cordillera is doing its best to adapt to the new normal by enhancing its IT capability to make sure that the services being rendered by the office are not compromised amid the crisis. Further, the office is currently preparing for the Quality Management System surveillance audit through a series of online meetings.

Although, the ‘no visitor policy’ is being implemented in the regional office and all its field operating units, DILG CAR assures its clients that it shall continue to provide quality service and will act on the concerns of its stakeholders virtually.

“We will still continue to perform as expected. We are not yet off the hook considering that the vaccine or the cure is yet to be discovered. We prepare together,” concluded Dir. Iringan in a virtual teleconference last June 3.

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More than 1,600 stranded individuals in Cordillera sent home

by Gyda H. Namingit

Based on the latest report from the DILG-CAR dated June 12, 2020, there are already 1,633 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) in the region who were sent home.

During a joint virtual meeting with the members of the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC), the chairperson of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) on COVID-19 and DILG Cordillera regional director Marlo Iringan reported the exact number of LSIs who were assisted through coordination with concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs).

Out of the 2,493 enlisted LSIs, 1,633 were sent home or have reached their destinations and are following standard health protocols, 473 are currently processing their requirements such as medical certificates and travel authority, while 387 are still pending and undergoing verification whether to push through the intention to travel back to residences or to discontinue the plan.

Of which, 340 are students, 577 are workers, 76 are tourists, while the rest falls under various categories.

1,064 individuals are inbound or those who came home in different places here in the region while 569 are outbound or those who were sent home to places outside Cordillera It is recalled that the DILG has issued Memorandum Circular No. 87, s.2020 directing LGUs to put up help desks intended to aid stranded individuals and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). There are also established one-stop-shop for the management of LSIs at the local level.

In a report from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Cordillera, there are already 710 OFWs who were assisted from May 1 to June 9. There are 563 OFWs who were served at the Baguio Teacher’s Camp Quarantine Facility since April 17.

Out of the 2,939 applications for DOLE-AKAP (financial assistance for displaced OFWs) received by OWWA, 1,842 were successfully endorsed to the Cordillera regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-CAR).

Aside from the national government programs, the assistance provided to stranded individuals was made possible through the initiatives of the LGUs – Oplan SUMAAR of Mountain Province, Oplan GAWID of Ifugao, Oplan Mahuli ne Wahi of Apayao, Returning Baguio Residents (RBR), and Oplan Mangulin in Kalinga. Even with the challenges being encountered in assisting LSIs (limited resources such as vehicles to fetch and ferry LSIs, and limited time for coordination with concerned offices and LGUs), the DILG-CAR continues to harmonize its efforts with other regional line agencies and LGUs in order to provide timely services during this tough times.

Meanwhile, as the chairperson of RIATF, Dir. Iringan shared with the member agencies of the task force the possible adoption of the ‘zoning concept’ by the national task force. Further, the RIATF also recommends the adoption of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-Cor) proposal to require returning government employees to secure travel authority and return-to-work order prior to travelling. “Sa gitna ng lahat ng nangyayari, marami pa tayong kailangang bunuin upang malabanan ang COVID-19 pandemic. Nawa’y pagigihin at lalong paghusayin pa natin ang ating mga ginagawa sa panahong ito,” said Dir. Iringan to fellow public servants.

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Peace-building in Cordillera continues amid pandemic On June 19, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for the Cordillera Dr. William Dar presided over the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF- ELCAC) in a joint meeting with Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) which was presided over by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong at the Baguio Country Club.

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Abra

Provincial Director’s Message The Provincial COVID-19 TF Chairman, Governor Jocelyn V. Bernos created a committee on COVID-19 Zoning and Containment placing Provincial Director Millicent B. Cariño as Chairman.

Provincial Director Cariño assumed such responsibility with enthusiasm, to contribute further in addressing the effects of COVID-19. The committee among its other functions serves as the recommending body to the Provincial COVID-19 TF regarding the Zoning Classification for a certain Municipality in consonance with NTF MC No. 02 series of 2020 in times of need. Thru such committee, swift facilitation of future requests for Zoning Classification is expected. Thus, ensuring responsive action from the Provincial Government at times when there is a need for local lockdowns. The committee already had its first meeting which resulted to their action plan.

MILLICENT B. CARIÑO

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Abra Gov urges LGUs to purchase produce from local farmers

by Carl Tristan Bautista/ UC Intern

BAGUIO CITY-- In line with Republic Act 11469 also known as Bayanihan To Heal as One act signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, the province of Abra immediately provided assistance to residents affected by the imposition of the community quarantine in the country.

“Farmers in Abra have been unable to sell the vegetables they’ve grown due to the lockdowns imposed in Luzon in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Abra Governor Jocelyn Valera Bernos.

Adding, “Following the recommendation of the province’s COVID taskforce, I am urging the local government units to purchase produce from local farmers from the 27 municipalities in Abra,” she said.

The vegetables purchased were chili peppers, eggplants, as well as tomatoes, which were then distributed to residents in need. The Abra Oval Gymnasium in Bangued—the capital of Abra province—serves as the Bagsakan Center for Vegetables every Friday.

Gov. Bernos hoped that the LGUs initiative will boost the residents’ health and immune system through the relief goods, especially since vegetables provide vitamins and nutrients that can be very helpful in fighting bacteria and infections as well as helping maintain a healthy body,” she said.

“I am thankful to the provincial officials and local chief executives of the 27 municipalities for supporting the initiative to assist our local farmers by purchasing their produce” added Governor Bernos.

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Apayao

Provincial Director’s Message There is no doubt everyone is affected. The whole world is in this battle against COVID-19. This is one of the worst crisis situations we ever faced and for almost a year now, it is causing a lot of distress to everyone.

The Province of Apayao is no exemption. We might not have the virus in the first five months but it affects the lives of the people significantly. And now that we have confirmed cases, the battle against this virus is becoming more intense.

With the good leadership of our beloved Governor Hon. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, the people of Apayao stand united and strong in this fight against COVID-19. She believes that correct information and immediate action are key factors to stop the further spread of the virus in the province. Constant meetings among the members of the Apayao COVID-19 Task Force and representatives of the different Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force are conducted to gather and disseminate correct information and to determine both proactive and preventive actions to keep this virus at the minimum level.

The different municipal governments thru their Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force led by their active Municipal Mayors are taking actions as well to prevent the further spread of the virus and its effect to the lives of the people.

The different line agencies play a significant role in this fight. While the different health workers and other front liners are giving their all in this fight, same is true to the personnel of the DILG-Apayao.

Yours truly attends constant meetings with the Governor and even with the municipal mayors to provide guidance for actions, the MLGOOs provide relevant and timely information needed by the municipal government, and the focal persons provide technical assistance to the different field officers in the implementation of the department’s mandates amidst this pandemic.

Using our official Facebook page, we provide relevant and timely information to all our partners and stakeholders. Complaints, inquiries and even requests received through our official phone numbers, emails and official Facebook page are immediately responded and actioned.

We at the DILG-Apayao understand our significant role in this fight and we are honored to play our part. Let us all fight, pray, heal and recover as one. Stay safe and GOD bless.

MARVIN A. BASQUEZ, CESO V

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Emergency response teams to man village amid COVID-19

by Marjorie Dodon/ UC Intern

BAGUIO CITY— The Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) continue to man the frontlines as local communities take action to prevent further transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-2019), an official said today.

“The creation of BHERTs is mandated by DILG memorandum circular number 2020-023.

Its members include the executive officer, village watchmen, and two Barangay Health Workers (BHWs),” said Pudtol Mayor Hector Pascua in a statement.

Pascua underscored that since the beginning of the localized community quarantine, all of the 133 barangays already established their respective BHERTs. Meanwhile, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (MDRRMO) of Luna and Pudtol, Apayao continues to monitor entry and exit points in the province.

Market schedule was also imposed to minimize crowd build-up and limit the number of market goers in order to maintain social distancing.

Pascua reiterated that permanent authorized household representative aging between 18 to 59 may purchase food supplies and other necessities, medicine, gas, and enter bank or money remittance centers once a week.

“Representatives must secure a home quarantine pass provided by the barangay which is distributed door to door, and an identification card to be presented in every checkpoint,” she said.

A special travel quarantine pass is also issued by the mayor’s office through operation centers to patients with medical emergencies and life-threatening situations (dialysis, chemotherapy, etc.). For assistance, barangay officials are always readily available.

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Baguio City

City Director’s Message

In a period wherein anything could be done online and through other digital platforms, we must harness the power of information and communication technology to better serve our purpose and bring our programs and services closer to the people.

The new standard warrants us to recognize and acknowledge the implications of information transformation through the use of electronic resources and channels in a very revolutionary yet pragmatic way.

To offer an increased portfolio of public services to clients, the launching of the e-service paved the way for being a catalyst in enabling the government’s efficiency in providing better access to services and in the democratic process geared towards transparency and accountability.

In a crisis situation, it becomes more important than ever to reach out to vulnerable groups in the society, respond to their needs and ensure social stability The e-Service is an alternative way of transacting with us, the DILG Baguio which provides a convenient, reliable, and secure delivery of DILG services via Google Forms. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Rest assured that we, at DILG Baguio, will continue to perform our mandate and deliver quality service to our internal and external clients even in times of pandemic and other emergencies.

Maraming Salamat po!

EVELYN B. TRINIDAD, CESO V

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Baguio hailed as a model city for COVID 19 containment

by Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY-- The City of Pines was recently lauded by the World Health Organization for resilience in meeting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, turning it into a model city for containment and must be replicated in other local governments around the country.

It can be recalled that as early as in January, Mayor Benjamin Magalong suspended the 2020 edition of the Panagbenga Festival, the city’s major crowd attracting event that is held customarily in February.

In a statement, Magalong disclosed that the city performed some 32,468 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests and some 9,041 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), representing more or less 10 percent of the city’s nighttime population of 370,000 and daytime population of 450,000.

For contact tracing, he said that city is able to contact trace a ratio of 1:23 from the previous P1.37 because of the need to contact trace the identified high risk contacts of patients up to the third degree of their close contacts.

He explained the ability of the city’s contact tracing team to immediately identify and contact trace the high risk contacts of confirmed cases within 24 hours had greatly contributed in efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in the city with some 52 identified clustering of cases in the city over the past several weeks.

Swift action and immediate compliance to lockdown measures averted what could have been a dire situation in the city, (together) with the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Baguio city is now under modified general community quarantine,” the tourism chief said.

Magalong said that strict protocols are continuously implemented even with the downgrading of the city’s community quarantine status.

Further, as part of its strategic measures, the city government put up quarantine and isolation facilities at the onset of the pandemic. Lindi Hotel serves as quarantine point for some time through the kindness of its owners who allowed free use of the building.

The city later established one quarantine facility for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at the Teachers’ Camp with the Department of Education’s consent and a Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility Community Isolation Units to manage patients with mild conditions at the idle Sto. Niño Jesus Medical Center with the help of private companies and the hospital’s benevolent owners.

Recently, the Department of Health granted license for the quarantine facility at Teachers’ Camp to also operate as a community isolation unit with a 90-bed capacity and for the Baguio City Community Isolation Unit at Sto. Niño Jesus Medical Center to expand its bed capacity from 45 to 90. (with reports from Baguio City Information Office)

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Benguet

Provincial Director’s Message It has been months since the scare brought about by this COVID-19 started, nobody welcomed it, but it managed to cause a devastating damage in all aspects of our lives.

Various efforts were pulled by national agencies, local government units and private sectors to shoo the virus away, yet the pandemic got worse and has no sign of letting down, proving how formidable it is.

Formidable as it may, the government and stakeholders are one in putting out measures in the fight.

To which, at this juncture, the enormous efforts exerted by our local government units (LGUs) through the local chief executive, the officials, employees, and volunteers from provincial, municipal to barangay levels are hereby lauded. Our salute to everyone for going through the extra mile just to ensure that the damage to our beloved Province of Benguet, our municipalities and barangays are kept at the minimum. Our kudos extends to the private sector and national line agencies that are back-to-back working with our LGUs. The sacrifices will be remembered even by the next generations to come, Mabuhay po kayo! And as they always say, may your tribe increase!

As we remain steadfast in our offensive and defensive strategies, we assure our partners in the LGUs, private sectors, partners in the regional line agencies, and to the general public of Benguet Province that our office will firmly hold its own ground in the battle field and will continuously deliver the best quality of service to our clients. Conditions may call for alternative work schemes that change our engagement with you, but rest assured that our communication hotlines and social media account are open and remain active to answer queries and concerns.

As we ourselves practice, we enjoin our clientele and the public to continue to adhere to basic health protocols. As we protect ourselves, we also extend the protection to others. No one is certain of the duration of this pandemic, but surely one day this will end. Until that end nears, we cannot let go off our guard in the fight.

With that, we pray for everyone’s safety! Let us all keep our self spiritually, physically, and mentally healthy. Indeed, in God’s time, we will all heal and recover as one!

RUFINA T. FEGCAN, CESO V

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Baguio, Benguet sells veggies at P10/kilo

by Jethsemaine Myrrh Gawlik/ UC Intern

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Provincial Government of Benguet and City Government of Baguio are selling assorted vegetables at PHP10 a kilo to aid its farmers and constituents amid this pandemic.

“Benguet vegetables will be sold at only Php 10.00 per kilo in Baguio City on certain dates during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) as a generous group of Benguet farmers will bring their produce here to serve residents especially those stranded students, senior citizens, and vegetarians,” said Benguet Vice Governor Johnny Waguis.

Waguis explained that this collaborative project dubbed as ‘Sampung Piso Para sa Farmers, Murang Gulay Para Sa Mamamayan’ to help sustain the daily needs of Benguet farmers in order for them to recover their lost income and to share their produce to the city residents by selling it to them at Php 10.00 a kilo.

In Baguio, Councilor Joel Alangsab who did the leg work for the collaborative effort said each buyer is allowed a maximum of 10 kilos of assorted vegetables.

“The original plan was a leeway of 10 kilos each kind per buyer but with the long queue in the area even before they opened the selling at 9 a.m., they decided to give everyone a chance to buy cheap vegetables by limiting the purchase to 10 kilos of assorted vegetables per buyer,” he said.

The 128 villages of the city were divided into 20 districts, except for the biggest village, Irisan, distributing them to the scheduled market day.

Alangsab said that they hope to have another schedule for the PHP10 a kilo vegetable event in Baguio if the prices of vegetables remain low.

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Ifugao

Provincial Director’s Message The health crisis being experienced by everyone, families and communities has been a great challenge especially to the local government units. The strong leadership and collaboration of the 11 Municipal Task Forces (MTF) and the Provincial Task Force (PTF) of the province of Ifugao resulted to well meaning and productive local initiatives are being implemented to contain the spread of the covid-19 virus. The PIATF regularly conducts weekly meetings to assess the situation in Ifugao and plan for activities needed to respond with the pandemic.

One of the initiatives that has brought families and tightened family bond is the “OPLAN GAWID”which was to fetch all stranded individuals to Ifugao from the different parts of the country. This was initiated by the PIATF as early as March 29, 2020 and is the first in the region, to pull out all stranded Ifugao’s to be back home safe and to be with their beloved families. It was implemented before the National Task Force has released the guidelines for LSIs and OFWs. The Provincial Government realized this initiative through its strong relationship with the civil society organizations and the Business Sector. Transport group was utilized through Ohayami and Coda Lines to fetch the LSIs strictly complying with the basic health protocols.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry– Ifugao Chapter has also played a major role in ensuring the sufficient supply of essential needs and goods over the 11 municipalities of the Province. The spirit of sharing in this time of pandemic was felt by the people of Ifugao as civil society organizations and the people have contributed a little in their own little ways through their little donation in cash or in kind.

In all these activities, the DILG Ifugao has always been alongside to support the implementation of the LGU initiatives in consonance to the IATF resolutions through its participation to IATF meetings, responding to LGU concerns and queries 24/7. The DILG Ifugao involves and acknowledges the support of our civil society organizations towards good governance.

Lastly, I congratulate the Ifugao IATF, and local government offcials and employees in implementing the “Disiplina Muna” program as a holistic tool in fighting this covid-19 pandemic.

Haggiyo Ifugao!

REGINA ELIZABETH L. MAMMAG

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Ifugao LGUs set up more covid care units

by Ralph Gian Awingan/ UC Intern

BAGUIO CITY – With the government doing its best to cease the spread of the dreadful COVID-19, local government units (LGUs) have set up more covid care to assure the the containment of the virus.

“The Executive Order No. 54 mandates all 18 barangays in Lamut to rehabilitate their agricultural booths into isolation facilities/quarantine areas. The rehabilitation of agricultural booths and construction of additional isolation facilities is the LGU’s response to the local Department of Education (DEPED) officials ending the use of schools as facilities for COVID related affairs,” said DILG Provincial Director Regine Mammag.

PD Mammag said that these COVID care units are located at the Lamut Trading Post (LATRAP) and will augment patients and will also serve as an agricultural booths during fiestas and other Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) activities, satellite barangay halls, venue for barangay affairs/activities , evacuation area during pandemics and natural calamities and transient house and cottage and/or business stalls when LATRAP is in full operation (depending on the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) decision).

“These facilities will serve as quarantine facilities for the returning residents from their respective households,” he said.

The facilities were inaugurated on August 17, 2020 by Municipal Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr., and Municipal Vice Mayor Victomar Bunnol, together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Mario Iringan and Provincial Director Regine Mammag

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Kalinga

Provincial Director’s Message We live in this troubled time where nations were caught unprepared to the onslaught of this dreadful Covid-19. But despite of this, our spirit of resilience and camaraderie have helped us rise above and adapt. This is the time where we really need to unite, heal and work as one. As such, we continuously provide leadership and foster coordination and efforts between and among our local chief executives and LGUs to address challenges brought by this pandemic. The following were among the various activities done by our LGUs: • PIATF continues its ocular visit and inspection of isolation facilities of the city/ municipalities in the province of Kalinga to closely monitor the implementation and realignment of every LGU’s programs and projects funded under the Bayanihan Grant Fund; • PIATF consistently check the readiness of isolation facilities whether they conform to the guidelines of the IATF and the safety standards and health protocols set by the DOH; • Ensure 100% complaince on the disbursement of Social Amelioration Program emergency subsidy to qualified families identified by the DSWD; • Strong advocacy on on social distancing, and wearing of face masks, strict border checkpoints, strengthened contact tracing, massive COVID-19 testing, disinfection activities, community-based syndromic- surveillance and other community quarantine measures were adopted and strictly implemented to help prevent and contain the spread of Covid-19; •Close coordination and feedback mechanism between and among the Provincial and City/Municipal IATFs towards achieving a COVID-19-free and resilient Kalinga; • Strengthen community engagement and promote active people participation to further improve delivery of basic services to the citizenry.

We are being tested, as people and as a nation, but I do hope that a more resilient and stronger nation

MAX MAYER G. ADONG

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YKalinga’s Resiliency in combatting Covid-19

by Keith Karl Magpale/ UC Intern

BAGUIO CITY -- The COVID-19 pandemic can be beaten through cooperation and harmonization of efforts and good governance, an official said on Monday.

DILG Kalinga Provincial Director Max Mayer Adong said that the local government units (LGUs) continue to believe that shared governance will significantly help in the containment of the virus and to safeguard the lives of the public.

In Tinglayan, Kalinga, an Executive Order (EO) was implemented declaring the municipality under TO-OR to have a stricter Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). To-or is a significant cultural practice for good fortune and to prevent the spread of infectious disease in the community.

During the implementation of to-or, the local tribes or the whole community are not allowed to go out the boundaries of the community and no outsiders are permitted to enter.

Meanwhile, in Tabuk City, the first completed Isolation Facility in the province has formally opened and is now equipped to assist and accommodate COVID-19 patients. The isolation facility is located at the Gabriella Meja Kim Medical Center, Barangay Agbannawag, Tabuk City.

Further, the Office of the City Agricultural Services (OCAS) distributed vegetable seeds and essential equipment for farming to six farmer organizations in the city.

The distribution is a part of the Plant Plant Plant Program or the 4Ps of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The seeds and equipment were given to help the farmers rise from the damage as a result of Typhoon Ompong and these also equipped them to pull through the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Moreover, programs and projects that aim to provide a new livelihood to YKalingas were also implemented particularly the free one-day training on the Alcohol – Based Hand Sanitizing Agent Processing with a theme “Maintaining a Resilient Kalinga through the Introduction of New Means of Livelihood.”

According to Kalinga Governor Ferdinand Tubban, aside from the skills the participants are developing, they are also helping the community control the spread of the virus through the product they are producing. He also encourages the YKalingas to actively participate in trainings while oberving health protocols to avoid the spread of the virus. The training targets to accommodate 25 participants from each municipality and Tabuk City. The Provincial Officice of Kalinga funds the said training and is in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Kalinga State University (KSU).

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Best #COVID19 Response:

Mountain Province

Provincial Director’s Message From the start of the declaration of state of public health brought about by COVID-19 to present, the DILG-Mountain Province personnel especially the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) have been in close coordination with the local government units to help mitigate, if not contain, the transmission of COVID-19 and to help reduce the negative effects of the pandemic.

Since Day 1 of the pandemic, the MLGOOs have been with the LGUs in the implementation of the government’s programs like the the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), the Management of Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), and the Balik Probinsya Program, among others.

In Bontoc, Mountain Province, MLGOO Lourdes Claire F. Peel has been helping in the distribution of SAP payout to SAP beneficiaries and likewise the distribution of relief goods to the people of Bontoc. She was also with the frontliners who went to Baguio City to receive the Returning Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and the individuals who availed of the Balik Probinsya Program which is locally known as the “OPLAN SUMAAR”.

In Paracelis, MLGOO Johnny M. Maymaya had also been helping in the distribution of SAP payout to the constituents of Paracelis, Mountain Province.

With the concerted efforts of the DILG-MP personnel, the other agencies, and the local government units, the transmission of COVID-19 is mitigated and its negative effects is not so much felt in the province.

ANTHONY MANOLO I. BALLUG, CESO V

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Mountain Province LGUs aid farmers through “East-to-West, West-to-East” program

by Geneva Antonio/ UC Intern

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The local government units (LGUs) in this province adopted the “East to West, West to East”program in support to the plight of the farmers and the constituents amid this COVID-9 pandemic.

“The provincial government of Mountain Province initiated the buying of farm products that were distributed as relief goods through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO). Under this project, the farm produce of Eastern Mountain Province like corn, bananas, and other fruits were bought and distributed to people in the western municipalities. In exchange, vegetables produced by farmers in the western part of the province were bought by the PDRRMO and given to the residents of the eastern municipalities,” said Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan.

The Governor noted that they opted to adopt the “East-to-West, West-to-East” agri-scheme as a tool to help the farmers sell their vegetables since they were not able to trade it outside the province due to the regulations under the imposition of the community quarantine.

“The local government made no haste to set the program in action. We turned over P76, 650 worth of assorted vegetables to the municipality of Barlig with the help of Mayor Clark Ngaya,’ he said.

On April 7, there were also various vegetables that were procured from Bauko and Sabangan to Paracelis with the initiative of Mayor Marcos Ayangwa.

“Fresh vegetables like cabbage, wombok, potatoes, carrots, chayote and beans were also given to Natonin,” he added.

Up to date, the LGUs reported a distribution of 65, 993 kilograms of vegetables and other agricultural products.

“This initiative of the provincial government made it possible for the municipalities of Bontoc and Sadanga to receive their vegetables from local farmers of Sabangan, Tadian and Bauko, and in return, these municipalities will be receiving bananas procured from the local farmers of Paracelis as relief goods,” Governor Lacwasan said.

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Legal Opinion Corner Terminal Benefits DILG Opinion No. 26, Series of 2020

Whether or not an elected official who has a pending case, either administrative or criminal, at the Office of the Ombudsman may validly claim his terminal leave benefits.

Whether or not terminal leave benefits of an elected official may be validly withheld during the pendency of a case at the Office of the Ombudsman to answer for any possible pecuniary liability that may be ordered paid by the Court.

Legal Basis of Terminal Benefits: Ninfa N. Ward, CSC Resolution No. 98-2449 September 23, 1998

Accrued leave credits (terminal leave benefits) are considered as earned salaries of the official or employee concerned and the latter was ruled to be entitled to the same as a matter of course.

S. 35 to 37, CSC MC No. 41, s. of 1998 (as amended)

Sec. 37. Payment of terminal leave. – Any official / employee of the government who retires, voluntary resigns, so is separated from the service through no fault of his own, and who is not otherwise covered by special law, shall be entitled to the commutation of his leave credits exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays without limitation and regardless of the period when the credits were earned.

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Based on the foregoing, an official or employee with pending administrative case shall not be barred from enjoying leave privileges. In fact, the application for commutation of terminal leave shall already be made with the head of department concerned and that Ombudsman clearance is not required in the processing thereof.

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car.dilg.gov.ph DILG Cordillera dilgcarcloud@gmail.com (074) 442-0085 / 442-6339

Matino. Mahusay. Maaasahan.