MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Volume IX, No. 259
www.mindanaodailynews.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
PHIVIDEC exec suggests modified ECQ measures By MDN Reportorial Team
Atty. Franklin Quijano
MIS.OR - PHIVIDEC administrator Atty. Franklin Quijano, in a phone interview yesterday, told MDN that the present Pandemic situation calls for modification of quarantine measures that could effectively and efficiently mitigate a negative impact
of an extensive quarantine to the economy and safety of the people in a region. EXTENSIVE MAPPING Notwithstanding the forthcoming nationwide mass testing, Quijano said his suggestion is like “herd quarantine.” Map-out the specific areas or communities where PUMs and PUIs or infected persons are
pinpointed, and isolate the area, not the whole province, or municipality. LIFT-UP WIDE GEOGRAPHIC AREA ECQs or LOCKDOWNS, ISOLATE AREAS HAVING COVID-19 RELATED CASES: “Barangays or cities and provinces who are still negative of any Covid-19 cases
Sec Andanar welcomes medical experts from China COMMUNICATIONS Secretary Martin Andanar, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III welcomed the 12-member team of medical experts from China, who arrived in Manila April 5. The Philippine government thanked the Chinese government for extending assistance to the Philippines, to help address the COVID-19 situation in the country. The medical team also brought medical supplies such as masks, respirators, ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other much-needed materials in fighting the disease. We give our deepest gratitude to China for See DONATIONS, page 11
P15.00
Caraga’s first Covid case confirmed By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN Contributing Editor
should be allowed to continue its economic activities. In this case, also, health services and economic support (food, medical assistance, PPEs and masks), should be concentrated on the isolated area or community that are locked-down. Once, these are done, there would be less expenditure of the
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur -- A 68-year-old man from Butuan City with preexisting medical condition is reported to be the first confirmed Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) case in Caraga region after more than a month that the area remained free from the dreaded disease. A report by government station Radyo Pilipinas in Butuan City however cited an interview with Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. Department of Health Caraga regional
See EXEC, page 11
See CASE, page 11
Business mogul Manuel V. Panganiban announces P190 million support for the group’s employees, government agencies, front-liners and vulnerable communities in the country.
Metro Pacific mobilizes P190-M to wage war against covid-19 pandemic PCOO Secretary Martin Marfori Andanar received a team of medical experts from China who arrived in the country this afternoon. The group is expected to help in the Philippines’ fight against COVID-19.
MANUEL V. Pangilinan and his group of business partners has mobilized over P190-M worth of resources with the aim of helping the front-liners and all those vulnerable communities against the unseen enemy that is covid-19
Pangilinan said Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC), in support and cooperation with foundations and operating companies donated virus specimen collection kits, medicine, personal protective equipment, relief goods (food and See WAGE, page 11
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Community
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DSWD assures no delays in delivery of goods to LGUs
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that its relief goods given to the local government units (LGUs) as part of its resource augmentation support to them while under the enhanced community quarantine are delivered in a timely manner based on their request for augmentation. At the same time, the Department clarified a post circulating in the social media showing the placement of DSWD logo stickers in canned goods which allegedly delayed the distribution to its intended recipients. The Department said it does not have its logo on canned goods. DSWD explained that the Department’s logo is placed, instead, on the Family Food Pack boxes for Local residents heed to the Community quarrantine imposed by the City government of Iligan City to prevent the proper identification and spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). No PUJs, no buses not even tartanillas are visible in this once busy to maintain the integrity streets here. photo by gerry lee gorit
of the relief supplies. Each box of FFP contains six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, four cans of corned beef or beef loaf, and six sachets of coffee or cereal energy drink which is enough for two days for a family with five members. The provision of additional relief items is part of the Department’s mandate to provide Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation (TARA) to LGUs during times of emergencies. To date, DSWD has already distributed FFPs amounting to more than P35 million to LGUs around the country. The Department will continue to work with the LGUs, which are the first responders in providing assistance to their constituents, to provide maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo amid the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine.
Lanao Norte LGU extends assistance to Barangay Malingao residents
The Bangsamoro Government Ministry of Health announces in a press briefing that two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in Lanao del Sur have finally recovered and were discharged from Amai Pakpak Medical Center. (Bangsamoro Government)
2 COVID-19 positive patients in BARMM recovered, discharged MARAWI CITY -- Two patients who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 in Lanao del Sur have finally recovered and were discharged from Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC). Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, Bangsamoro Government’s Minister of Health, announced this during the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency
Task Force’s press briefing held Friday, April 3, in Cotabato City. “Meron tayong positive na balita. Ang tinutukoy ko ay as of yesterday, two patients from Amai Pakpak Medical Center ay gumaling na at discharged from the hospital,” Dipatuan said. [“We have positive news. See RECOVERED, page 9
ILIGAN CITY -- The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte continues to extend assistance to the residents of Barangay Malingao in the municipality of Tubod after the barangay was placed on total lockdown to prevent the movement of people that may cause the proliferation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the community. The lockdown was declared by Tubod Municipal Mayor Leoncio C. Bagol right after the Department of Health Region 10 confirmed the result of a COVID-19 positive patient from the said barangay. Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said the provincial government needs to help the municipal government of Tubod in its effort to provide basic goods to Malingao residents for them to stay at home and
The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte distributes food packs to the residents of Barangay Malingao in the municipality of Tubod after the barangay was placed on total lockdown due to a confirmed COVID-19 case from the area. (PIO LDN)
follow the strict implementation of the total lockdown. Meanwhile, the number of Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) and the Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) in the province have gradually decreased. The Lanao del Norte Bantay COVID-19
Task Force recorded five PUIs and 68 PUMs as of April 3. To help sustain this, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte continuously urged its constituents to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously by
religiously practicing and observing the recommendations of the Department of Health. These include proper handwashing, frequent use of alcohol or sanitizer, physical or social distancing, avoiding crowded places, wearing of face mask in public, and staying at home, among others. (APB/PIA ICIC)
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020
PCSO helps cover the cost of COVID-19 patients treatment MANDALUYONG CITY. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is working with PhilHealth to help ensure that coronavirus disease-2019 or COVID-19 patients are assisted in paying for treatment. Earlier, PhilHealth announced that it will shoulder the full cost of COVID-19 treatments until April 14, 2020 and that it will issue new guidelines for COVID-19 packages based on accepted protocols. According to PCSO General Manager (GM) Royina Garma, the agency transferred PhP420.585 million to cover COVID-19 related packages of PhilHealth. At a time when COVID-19 cases are on the rise, PCSO’s contribution will reinforce the capability
of PhilHealth to respond to the pandemic. “For COVID-19 patients and their families who battle with uncertainty, knowing that the cost of hospitalization is one less worry is a big relief,” GM Garma said. As early as February this year, PCSO pro-actively allocated funds to support the government’s efforts in relation to COVID-19. “To the PCSO gaming enthusiasts, this is your money,” GM Garma reminded. “Every time a ticket is purchased, 30% of the amount automatically goes to the PCSO Charity Fund. That’s why even if you do not bag the jackpot prize or any of the prizes, you are still a winner by helping
By MARK F. FRANCISCO Correspondent
Manila 3 weeks ago. Her third confirmatory test has confirmed her positive of the deadly coronavirus disease. It was learned that their trainor during the seminar had earlier tested positive of covid-19, so that the
Department of Health immediately conducted contact tracing to all those who have attended the seminar and have showed signs of the flu-like symptoms. Immediately after she was traced in Camiguin
ILIGAN CITY -- A barangay treasure and an employee of the local government unit of Lugait town in Misamis Oriental were arrested for conducting ‘cockfighting’, Saturday afternoon, April 4, in Barangay Kaluknayan, Lugait. This despite the implementation of enhanced community quarantine that suspended mass gatherings including gambling like cockfights or derby
to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The arrested personalities are identified as Dennis Estenzo, 58, treasurer of Barangay Poblacion, Lugait and Danilo Bugay, 58, a job order worker of the local government unit (LGU). Captain Edgardo Balido, chief of Lugait Municipal Police Station, said the two and nine others, including the organizer of the cockfight identified as Darwin Cabarobias, were caught while in a place temporarily
converted into a cockfighting area. Cabarobias, 46, is a resident of Barangay Bunawan, Iligan City, some 20 kilometers away. Balido said some concerned residents reported to them the activity that prompted them to act. Authorities siezed two fighting cocks. The arrested personalities are facing violations of the Presidéntial Decree 1602 or the Philippine Gambling Law.
LEGAL focused group launched a quick response hotline to provide accessible legal advice, consultation, and information aid to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS, Inc) aims to address the crucial need of the communities for correct information and communication in times of crisis and emergencies. “Everyone should have access to factual and relevant
information and practicable advice, so they can have guided decisions during this challenging time,” IDEALS legal coordinator Atty. Ansheline Bacudio said. Lawyers and paralegals, through the hotline, give free legal assistance by responding to queries about government protocols, relief operations, social welfare concerns and legal rights education in the context of the enhanced community quarantine. The abrupt declaration of President Duterte to imple-
ment an enhanced lockdown in Luzon on March 15 has brought panic and confusion to millions of Filipinos. The continued press briefings of the government, however, lacked clear and detailed plans and strategies on how to overcome this health emergency. Thus, the government, up to this date, fails to appease the public. While other countries battle the coronavirus, the Duterte administration wages a war that hurts mostly the poor,
See HELPS, page 9
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TRANSPORT COOP SUPPORT. BUKTRAMCO Bugo-Puerto Cluster Vice Chairman Jojo Caga-anan (2nd from left) turns over cash donation to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 10 Regional Director Aminoden Guro (extreme left), as the transport cooperative’s support to the agency’s need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which are essential in protecting personnel against Covid-19. Representing BUKTRAMCO General Manager Teofredo Soquiño is represented by Bugo-Puerto Cluster Chairman Melvin Erederos (2nd from right) while Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) Regional Desk Officer Camcer Ordoñez Imam looks on to witness. BUKTRAMCO is an accredited transport cooperative of OTC. photo by gerry lee gorit
Guv confirms first coronavirus positive in Camiguin Island CAMIGUIN ISLAND - The governor told the media that the first case in Camiguin was a 33-year-old female government employee who attended a seminar in Metro
Barangay treasurer, LGU employee, 9 others arrested in a cockfighting By DIVINA M. SUSON Correspondent
NGO launched crisis hotline, gives free legal advice amid COVID pandemic
See LAUNCHED, page 9
Island, the government employee was isolated and has undergone strict monitoring from attending physicians.
After her 14-day mandatory the hospital. Until her third quarantine period ended, confirmatory test has arshe was still assymptomatic rived this afternoon (April so she was discharged from See CONFIRMS, page 9
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Opinion
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Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute
On Mr. Fareed’s selling of fear and hate
WHILE I may agree in some points raised by CNN’s Fareed, painting a terrifying scenario in this time of global pandemic is not an appropriate greeting to open his piece just for ratings. His grim global economic forecast of what he says as cascading crises globally after Covid-19 is fearsome, yet this could play a surprising turnaround of economic outlook with the first world countries suffering the most. But how to get back to normal life may not be as
easy, unless the first world nations can find some ways to cooperate and manage altogether. Mr. Fareed may be right of his prediction but if we have to dissect Mr. Trump, his country will definitely go to the dogs! New York now leads as the most hit by coronavirus, next to Italy. Shame on you Mr. Fareed, Asian countries has the most tests, and in proportion, we have 10 times less deaths than yours. And our hospitals respond easily despite the
lack of supplies to meet the demand. Well yes, your health system may be the best in the world, but Covid-19 has caught you with your pants down. Unfortunately your current leadership does not have the tenacity to pursue cooperation among your divided nation. After all, Mr. Trump has no action plan to address the pandemic. What he has is his swollen balls and the usual bragging at the expense of his people.
Ruffy Magbanua
Going back to Mr. Fareed’s fearless forecast, the recession that he was talking may hit hard globally, but not too much in third world countries as against the superpowers like Mr. Fareed’s country. Third world countries will survive this pandemic. No doubt about that. The first world will suffer the most (ruffy44_ ph2000@yahoo.com)
Nuts & Bolts
PHL braces for 26,000 OFWs arrivals next few weeks
INTERIOR Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III in an interview said it is expecting that the OFWs who will fly back to the Philippines in the next few weeks numbering around 26,000 to 278,000 as this not only come from cruise liners where there are a massive shutdown of services due to coronavirus outbreak. It was also mentioned that there are also land based OFWs who were
told by their employers that they could no longer sustain their business and thus, they have to go home. L i ke w is e R e p. Jo e y Salceda, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, in a separate interview estimated a bigger number of potential displaced OFWs — close to half million Filipinos or 420,000. “We did a value chain analysis and found that that is in fact a net number.
Sa value chain analysis po namin ng major economies and sectors where there are OFWs, we found that up to 420,000 may come home to the Philippines at some point within the next six months, with 170,000 to 180,000 of them coming home because of temporary circumstances,” Salceda, an economist, said. With this development the government should be prepared and mandatory testing for COVID-19
JEROME DE LA FUENTE
should also be made available to them to prevent a second wave of infection. All the arrivals must be tested and isolated if we cannot then this will now be potentially the Second Wave of the coronavirus, could overwhelm the health care system.
Susan’s Notes
CDO native sews face masks for family, friends at the Carolinas CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—Due to the ongoing global pandemic, I decided to feature Filipino Americans here in the Carolinas who have stories to share and tell under my ‘Straight From The Carolinas’ series if only to provide a connection to Filipinos back in the Philippines who are struggling like the rest of humanity in fighting this unseen enemy called COVID-19. Knowing Filipinos to be gregarious and social animals who love to be in groups, this pandemic had forced all to stay at home to avoid contracting this virus. There are those who struggle with the boredom and the constriction of being quarantined and there are those like Carol Mathewson formerly Carol Japitana of Sitio Bantilis, Barangay Bugo in Cagayan de Oro. To this day, she can still recall the zone where she was born, which is Zone 5. Now Carol Japitana Mathewson lives with her growing family at Mint Hill, North Carolina. Her lovely home is now a school,
restaurant and an art gallery. Being stuck at home prodded Carol to make 20 face masks for her family— eight for her household and 12 divided equally among friends. ‘It is good to share especially since it is hard to find face masks anywhere,’ Carol said. If there are still more being sold, she said they should be reserved for the frontliners. A mother of six, Carol loves to stay in the kitchen and cook for her family. In making her face masks, Carol said it’s better to make them at home rather than buy commercial since they fit better. After sizing up their faces, Carol places filters into the mask to help users breathe better and to keep out germs. ‘I used micro fiber because it is thick. Times like this we need to be resourceful. That is one of the reasons why I posted my finished product at Facebook so I can give ideas to others,’ Carol said. She couldn’t make more because supplies ran out, she said. Carol studied at the Cagayan de oro Bugo School
of Arts and Trades (COBSAT) which is accredited by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). She studied Home Economics and on her third year she chose Garment Making. Carol recalled struggling at first to use the sewing machine but eventually adjusted. ‘Maayo na lang kay nagamit nako akong natunan sa una (Good thing I used what I learned before) and help save lives,’ Carol said. She used a Brother XM2130 sewing machine and spent two days to sew the face masks after caring for her two-month-old baby and finishing household chores. The face masks are washable and Carol said it is double sided with filters. These have three layers to allow the users to breathe. Carol said she ironed them to flatten the fabric. The face masks for kids measure 21cmx17cm while the adult face masks measure 21cmx24cm. She felt happy after finishing the face masks saying it would help protect her
Susan Palmes-Dennis
family and friends. Carol said while she is affected like the rest of us with the quarantine, it is to our best interests to stay inside and wait for COVID-19 to run its course. ‘Kung maka gawas murag feel nako naay mga virus naglupad lupad...pag tan aw nimo sa ubang tao nag mask pod morag feeling nako naa sa lain na kalibutan (If I go outside I feel like the virus is just floating out there and when you see people wearing masks I get the feeling that the world is different now),’ Carol said. While she agreed that the pandemic can affect one’s mental well being, Carol said the best thing to do now is to stay at home, pray to God and monitor what the country’s leaders announce. “I had to adjust a lot especially since the kids are at home school. I kept reassuring them and I also entertain them through arts and crafts so they won’t get depressed and bored,’ she See MASKS, page 11
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MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
BUSINESS 6
APEC cooperation and public-private partnership midst COVID-19 pandemic THE APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has called for APEC leadership and cooperation to fight the challenges to health and economies posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Saving lives is obviously what matters most right now,” said ABAC Chair Dato Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood. “That demands collaboration across the region on the knowledge and the tools we need to combat the health impacts and mitigate the most severe consequences in the short term, she added. The Council has written to APEC Trade and Foreign Ministers to ensure free flow of essential goods and tools critical to address the health emergency, including medical equipment, medicines and basic items such as disinfectants and personal protective equipment. Specifically, economies should facilitate trade by simplifying and expediting border procedures, and relaxing the rules for ease of movement of essential workers and medical professionals across borders where they are most needed. Dato Rohana however, stressed the need to lay the groundwork for rapid economic recovery when the worst of the impact of COVID-19 begins to wane. “This is rapidly becoming
a financial and economic crisis too,” she added. “The impact on workers, businesses and supply chains are already severe. We are especially concerned about small business, the selfemployed and those in the informal economy, who are ill-equipped to withstand these impacts,” said the ABAC Chair. ABAC also called on APEC economies to make the fullest possible use of digital technologies and connectivity, and work together effectively across economies and enable a level of economic activity to continue. “There is no precedent for the global shutdown we are now experiencing and no guidebook to assist us as we recover,” said Dato Rohana, “so it is critical that APEC economies work collaboratively to address the immediate challenges and to plan for reopening of our borders as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, the Philippines expeditiously passed the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” laying the government’s policy and emergency measures to address the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines. This include allocating budget and resources to facilitate testing by public and private health See PANDEMIC, page 9
Veterans Bank continues to serve customers amidst health crisis
EVEN with the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) being implemented in Luzon and in many parts of the country to combat the spread of COVID19, Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) has remained committed to serve its customers while keeping the balance of providing needed banking services and ensuring the health & safety of its customers and its own employees. To begin with, Veterans Bank branches nationwide
remain operational although on a reduced work week schedule. Most branches are operating 3 or 4 days a week on a rotating schedule on shortened their banking hours to support the cash needs of government, private and individual clients. Likewise, the Bank continues to service clients for their cash delivery and deposit pick-ups (DPUs). PVB branch schedules are updated regularly at the official Veterans Bank Face-
book page at www.facebook. com/VeteransBank. The Bank’s ATM network nationwide remains online for payroll clients and veteran pensioners of the AFP and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). On non-operating days, Veterans Bank branches and ATMs are disinfected thoroughly for everyone’s safety and peace of mind. Due to the prevailing ECQ, the Bank’s doorto-door pension delivery
service is temporarily suspended. However, Veterans Bank is now allowing AFP & PVAO pensioners or their representatives to get their monthly pension by allowing over-the-counter withdrawals at any open Veterans Bank branch. Given that almost all pensioners are senior citizens and are not allowed to travel, they can send their authorized representatives to any PVB branch to withdraw their
HEEDING the government’s call to address the deficient supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the country, member-companies of the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP) will start the local production of medical-grade PPE coveralls for healthcare workers. “We need to protect our healthcare workers as they are in the frontline of our fight against COVID 19. With PPEs in short supply globally, the government and private sector have collaborated closely to locally-produce these critical items needed to protect those who are protecting us against this virus.” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Chairman Ramon Lopez. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III added that, “the Philippines is preparing for all possible scenarios in
COVID-19. In the midst of the global shortages in PPE, the IATF through the DTI and DOH in partnership with PGH and CONWEP has mobilized the local garments and textile industry to mass produce PPEs for our health workers towards a more responsive and sustainable supply in our country.” “With this initiative, the Philippines will be able to produce medical grade coveralls to protect healthworkers at the frontlines of the COVID-19 efforts,” he said. Medical and healthcare groups have repeatedly called for donations of PPEs for the country’s frontliners, with supplies dwindling amidst the rapid spike of COVID-19 cases in the country. The Philippine Medical Association for one, previously said deaths could have been prevented if there was enough PPE supply. The Philippines had not been a local producer of medical-grade PPEs. To
urgently remedy this, Secretary Lopez emphasized that the project leveraged the garments exporting sector’s core strengths in product development, global network of raw materials, and a highly-organized management and production system and pool of talents. The government—namely thru BOI Governors Fita Aldaba and Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego—shepherded the project by linking Industry and the Health sector (PGH and DOH) in developing a medical-grade prototype that can be used even in the high COVID-risk hospital situations (e.g. Operating Rooms, COVID 19 positive wards, ICUs, and the like). Under this partnership, member-companies of CONWEP executed the design prototype of the PPE coveralls. After several tests by DOH and PGH, CONWEP refitted the design prototypes until its final approval by the DOH and
See SERVE, page 9
Garment exporters and Government collaborate to produce medical-grade coverall PPEs for healthworkers
See PRODUCE, page 9
Aggie News DA’s ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita’ now in NorMin FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
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DA-10’s move is in response to Agriculture Secretar y William D. Dar’s directive to keep food sufficient in light with the COVID-19 crisis. The agri chief also ensures that farmers can market their produce while at the same time, providing the consumers with affordable, safe and nutritious food. Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga assured the public that Northern Mindanao has enough food supply. She is also encourag-
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
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ing the local government units to buy farmers’ produce for inclusion in their food pack distribution for their constituents. Jocelyn Kwong, a resident of the area said, “We’re glad DA has come up with this program to lessen our worries going outside to buy food. The vegetables are fresh and very affordable.” The adoption of farm mechanization is being emphasized in the 10th NRTF of DA as it The ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at makes farming operations more efficient while reducing postharvest losses. Kita’ is a program of the agency thru the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in coordination with the City Agriculture Office lado, said that such activity of CdeO and barangay KAHAPUNAN, Valen- private sectors. allows local farmers to cia City, April 1, 2020 Three months after its Lumbia.# (ATCabig) Fifteen seed companies launching, the City Agri- identify which rice variety throughout the country culture Office of Valencia best suits their area, which showcased various hybrid City started its crop cut- in turn, will augment their rice varieties in the 10th ting and data gathering productivity and income. National Rice Technology activities to determine In Region 10, RD ColForum (NRTF) of the DA, the projected yield and lado emphasized also the Rice Board in partner- the characteristics of each farm mechanization comship with PhilRice and rice variety planted in the ponent to effectively make the local government of 100-hectare demo farm. farming more efficient Valencia City. The NRTF is one of the and reduce postharvest Launched on December strategies of the Depart- losses. 5, 2019, the NRTF is an ment of Agriculture (DA) The use of farm mainitiative of DA with an to attain rice sufficiency chineries include comaim to promote the lat- through the adoption of bine harvester, mechanical est technologies in rice hybrid rice technology. transplanter - riding type, production, especially on DA-Regional Field Of- drone seeder, direct seeder Farmer-associations have been tapped to bring in their produce to DA’s Kadiwa ni Ani hybrid rice developed by fice 10 Regional Executive - riding type and the walkat Kita to ensure there is enough supply of food amid the COVID-19 crisis. the government and the Director Carlene C. Col- behind transplanter.
LUMBIA, CdeO, April 4 - Fresh vegetables and fruits and other food products are sold in DA’s ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita’ here in Grand Europa, this city. The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) thru OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has been coordinating with farmerassociations to bring their produce to the market. In which, the Miarayon Highland Farmers Association of Talakag, Bukidnon supplied the fresh vegetables for this Kadiwa project.
Rice techno forum promotes adoption of hybrid rice technology
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Globe addresses loading concerns of prepaid customers through loan credits without service fees
WITH the majority of Filipinos now at home due to enhanced community quarantine, Globe is providing its customers with a way to borrow load or subscribe to promos so they can remain connected with their loved ones and social circles during this time of crisis. Globe’s load and promo loans provide a safer alternative that Globe and TM customers may avail of since they cannot go out to the store or any loading center to buy prepaid load. Service fees are temporarily waived to ease the burden customers are faced with at this time. “We are constantly looking for ways to support our customers especially with
the current health situation. We understand that many of our customers may be struggling financially or have no access to load or mobile services because of the ECQ in many areas. Through Globe’s load and promo loans, we hope we can help our customers especially at this time,” said Diane Bautista, VP, Globe Feel Valued Tribe.
Eligible prepaid customers can avail of loan products from P5 to P50 in the form of load and promo. Those not qualified for load and promo loans may avail of emergency services comprising 5MB of data for P5 or 3 texts to Globe/TM and 1 load for P4. The borrowed amount will only be collected once they top up. Customers may dial *143#
on their mobile phone and choose “Loans” for Globe or “Utang” for TM to check the available load loan, promo loan and emergency text or data services. Although customers may still see a service fee in the menu description when they visit *143#, Globe gives the assurance that the said fees are waived until April 15, 2020.
GrabExpress expands to Iloilo, Davao, Pampanga, and Bacolod to aid consumers and partners amid ECQ essential items such as food, that lets consumers buy without having to go out of medical supplies, and es- up to P2000 worth of items their homes. GrabExpress sential documents instantly from their chosen store See EXPANDS, page 9 with real-time tracking. For small businesses that require delivery of multiple orders, GrabExpress Instant has a Multi-Stop Booking DILI pa matino kon ka- cover nga baga og transparFeature that lets them add nus-a mahuman kining ent; double sided tape, duck up to 7 destinations under 1 krisis nga dala sa coro- tape, push pins, foams nga GrabExpress booking, and a navirus disease 2019 adunay usa ka pulgada nga Multi Concurrent Booking (COVID-19). Samtang gibag-on; garters, gunting Feature that allows up to nagkadugay, nagkataas ug blade. 10 GrabExpress bookings usab ang demand sa face “This is an answer to the at the same time. mask ug uban pang per- call of our several health 2. GrabExpress Pabili sonal protective equip- care providers or frontlin- Formerly known as Grab ment (PPE) alang sa atong ers nga naay kakulangon sa Assistant, GrabExpress mga frontliners. Apan, improvised PPEs. So, Gov. Pabili is an on-demand tungod kay dili basta-basta Bambi Emano, ni mando concierge / pabili service makapalit sa face covers, sa mga volunteers for posadunay inisyatibo si Gov. sible nga makatabang. Ang Bambi Emano. pwersa sa kapitolyo probin Pinaagi ni Provincial syal wala nag duha-duha sa Early Childhood Care pagtabang aron ma provide and Development Officer kining protective equipment Maryden “Lilay” Ocot ug sama sa facial shield. This Provincial Youth and De- is our way of showing them velopment Officer Allyn that the Provincial governPenalosa, gi-mobilize ni ment employees truly care, Gov. Emano ang mga em- because our frontliners truly pleyado sa kapitolyo isip matters. And, to our frontKagay-an Festival 1st volunteers nga maghimo liners, ‘we care you matter’,” Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion og face mask aron ma- segun pa ni Ms. Ocot. donate ngadto sa atong Ang kabatan-onan sa for Orders, Contact Yoyong: mga frontliners. Misamis Oriental, pinaagi Kini ang do-it-yourself ni Ms. Penalosa, una nang (DIY) face shield nga gama naghimo sa susamang inigamit ang mga materyales syatiba nga gisuportahan sama sa acetate plastic usab sa gobernador.
April 3, 2020, Manila, Philippines -- Grab, the leading everyday app, today launched its GrabExpress delivery services in Iloilo, Davao, Pampanga, and Bacolod. The expansion of GrabExpress aims to help more Filipinos get their essential needs, and allow delivery-partners and small businesses to thrive despite the ongoing enhanced community quarantine in the country. Grab users can avail of two services: 1. GrabExpress Instant, an on-demand delivery service that allows users to send
09354145759 09169249371
200k workers get DOLE aid CLOSE to 200,000 workers had received cash assistance from the government’s assistance programs to mit igate t he imp ac t of the national health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the labor department said on Sunday. In a report, DOLE said about P622 million in assistance funds had been disbursed to beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadv a nt a g e d / D i s p l a c e d Wo r k e r s ( T U PA D ) Barangay ko, Bahay Ko (BKBK) program. As of April 4, some 102,895 formal sector workers had received the P5,000 cash assistance under CAMP while close to 80,000 workers in the informal sector benefit-
ted from TUPAD BKBK program. The accelerated release of assistance came following the directive of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III last week for DOLE officials to ease the requirements in the submission of establishment reports for the processing of the cash assistance. DOLE hopes to aid more than 350,000 formal and informal sector workers by the middle of the month utilizing over P1.5 billion in assistance funds under CAMP and TUPAD. The labor department would need another P5 billion for the remainder of the month to help more workers affected by the COVID 19 crisis which has ballooned to more than 600,000 based on DOLE’s field monitoring reports.
Do-it-yourself face shield, gihingusgan sa kapitolyo
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Recovered... from page 2
What I’m referring to is that as of yesterday, two patients from Amai Pakpak Medical Center have been cured and discharged from the hospital.”] The first patient, identified as PH490, is a 56-year old female from Marawi City with a travel history in Metro Manila. While the second patient, PH419, is a 61-year old male from Marawi City with a travel history in Metro Manila. Their first results were released on March 23 and both tested positive for COVID-19. On March 30, after re-testing, their laboratory results tested negative and they were then discharged on April 1, according to Dipatuan. Dipatuan also said all six positive cases of COVID -19 in the BARMM are from Lanao del Sur. Of the six, three died, two recovered, and one still on strict home quarantine. Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. clarified that Lanao del Sur has no case of local transmissions. “Wala kaming local transmission [sa Lanao del Sur dahil] ang lahat nang nag-positive ay galing sa labas,” he asserted. [“We do not have a local transmission (in Lanao del Sur because) those who were positive came from outside.] While AMPC, a Department of Health retained hospital in the region, has 14 isolation rooms, Adiong said they created additional temporary shelters as a quarantine area in anticipation of more confirmed cases (BPI/PIA ICIC)
Helps... from page 3
you r fe l l ow F i l ipi n o s through the various Charity Programs of PCSO,” GM Garma explained. PCSO is one of the government’s strong partners in the delivery of healthcare services and nationbuilding.
Launched... from page 3
the organization believed. Because of this, IDEALS, Inc. came up with several efforts to reach out to the public and provide a platform where the public can air their concerns and in return, give them attainable and immediate solutions. Since the onset, IDEALS has already catered to over 200 clients mostly consisting of employees, from low to middle income earners, who seek clarification on their rights during the lockdown. Among others, they are taxi drivers, street vendors, construction workers, LGU employees, utility personnel including janitors and guards, and concerned citizens who wish to inquire about the latest government announcements and ordinances. Most of them reside
within the NCR, but there are some who reside outside as in Tarlac, Bacolod, or Cabanatuan. Hotline data analysis also shows that the most Filipinos are affected by illegal dismissal or suspension of employees, salary and hazard pay issues, closure of the employer’s business and slow or lack support from local government units. “Many respondents are distressed over meeting their day to day expenses. Without work and pay, daily wage earners in low-income communities have no money to buy food and other necessities, and must rely on government dole-outs that may or may not be given to them. This proves that the right to quality life is greatly compromised. ” Atty. Bacudio added, emphasizing that the government fails to assure its citizens, especially the marginalized, by securing their primary needs. The hotline receives an average of 10 to 20 questions daily through SMS using the IDEALS Dignidad hotline, the IDEALS Facebook page and Radyo Veritas. Deemed necessary, IDEALS also pushed an online information campaign to equip the public with pressing news, critical information and comprehensive reports in connection to the current events. This campaign drive hopes to compensate for the inefficiencies of the government to provide a transparent and thorough action plan for curbing the spread of the coronavirus. “We want to reinforce our advocacy to empower citizens, most importantly the vulnerable sectors, by providing them with truths, human rights and legal education that will help them cope with their situation,” Project Manager for Media and Communications Mikhaela Dimpas said. The organization published a series of communication materials that tackle rights of workers, FAQs on checkpoints, relief assistance, guidelines for the community quarantine, psychosocial support, gender issues, rights of OFWs and many other pertinent topics. Apart from the heightened information aid, the organization also monitors and documents emerging human rights violations prompted by the government’s procedures. After verifying these cases, the legal team then assists their legal needs to help them access justice. The government’s response, instead of acknowledging the severity of the pandemic, rather tightens grip on human rights, leaning on a fractured and unsupported healthcare system that is buckling under the weight of the pandemic, IDEALS maintained. “Human rights must always be upheld and respected at all times. This crisis is not an excuse to violate the rights of the
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 citizens. The government should ensure that even in trying times, the citizens should continue to live with dignity,” Atty. Bacudio insisted. For any concerns and questions, you may reach the IDEALS Hotline through 0966 760 9397 or chat our IDEALS Facebook Page.
Confirms... from page 3
4), confirming that she was positive of covid-19. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Camiguin told the media that contact tracing is currently done in Camiguin Island to contain the spread of covid-19. This, after Governor Romualdo announced on April 4, 2020 around 10:00PM that a 33-year-old female tested positive of the disease. The patient who went to Manila for a conference did not show symptoms of the disease and was tested once by the DOH, according to Dr Gretchen Cabalang of the Provincial Health Office of Camiguin. Governor Romualdo urges the residents in the island to stay home and limit their activities such as purchasing of commodities if not necessary. The PIA Camiguin told reporters final announcement will be made by the DOH tomorrow during a press conference.
Produce... from page 6
PGH. While there are constraints in the availability of raw materials, as medicalgrade fluid impermeable textiles have to be imported, CONWEP was able to source medical-grade materials including the face hoodie part and garters which has fabric importation certificates from an international accreditation firm. The materials will be air shipped on April 9 and roll out of production at the garment factories will immediately start after the Holy Week. Dr. Regina Berna Head of the PGH Hospital Infection Control Unit (HICU) said that, “locally-made PPEs which meet standards are exactly what we need during this pandemic period which further complicated by limited access to stocks from traditional supplier. We at the PGH HICU have seen and tested a sample of the CONWEP-BOI PPE. Its material and design meet our strict requirements for PPEs to be used by our health force.” PPEs that will be used in hospital settings need to be of medical grade, particularly in the high risk areas. Not all PPEs, even if they have a certain level of waterproofing, are resistant to or can withstand contaminants—adding to the already significant exposure risks of our frontliners. Recognizing the enormous risks that our healthcare frontliners are facing, CONWEP emphasized that the project
focused on medical-grade PPEs from the very beginning. Moreover, Secretary Lopez highlighted that another very important component of the initiative for re-purposing manufacturing is the linking of resources and capabilities across different sectors. In this case, “we have to complement the production capacity of CONWEP with financial resources which lie elsewhere in the private sector” said Lopez. He explained that the export business of CONWEP is based on a very competitive model where margins are literally paper-thin, so while they employ a significant number of workers and are able to export Philippine-made wearables globally, they are not among the biggest Filipino companies in terms of financial resources. This process of linking production capability and financial resources received a boost as San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will procure the initial 10,000 pieces of PPE coveralls and donate these to PGH. “We are grateful to Secretary Mon Lopez and his team for helping us tap local manufacturers through CONWEP who can make PPEs for our medical frontliners. When we announced our P500 million fund to acquire PPEs, our goal was primarily to boost supply of protective gear. But we also felt this is one way we can help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our SMEs. Now more than ever, we need local manufacturers to produce not just food and other necessities, but the very tools we need to fight this pandemic. At this crucial time, we only have each other to lean on. Filipinos helping other Filipinos. That is how we will beat Covid-19,” said Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel Corp. President and COO. Thanking SMC for its contribution, Secretary Lopez expects other business groups’ support to the project—locally-manufacturing medical grade PPEs that will protect those who protect our lives.
Pandemic... from page 6
sources to facilitate testing by public and private health institutions, directing establishments to serve as quarantine areas, relief distribution centers, and providing expanded subsidies to low-income households. ABAC Philippines welcomes the collective response from the government and other stakeholders in addressing the COVID-19 situation in the country. Member Guillermo Luz notes how the private sector responds and complements the current COVID-19 measures. Companies have adopted work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements, and provided financial and relief assistance to their workers. Utility companies and
banking institutions have offered reprieve from late payments while ensuring continued services to their clients. Malls have likewise given rental holiday for their tenants during the mandatory closure period. “While COVID-19 has critically disrupted business operations across the country, this situation has shown that Philippine businesses are ready to step up and find ways to mitigate the impact especially for entrepreneurs and ordinary workers,” Mr. Luz said. He cited the joint initiative of the private-sector led Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and religious organization Caritas Manila called Project Ugnayan, which provides unconditional emergency cash transfers to the poorest of the poor in Greater Metro Manila area. According to Mr. Luz who is also PDRF’s chief resilience officer, “In times of crisis, Filipinos always rise to the occasion to help fellow Filipinos (and non-Filipinos) in need.” Ugnayan aims to feed 1 to 1.5 million families with P1,000 per family in the form of gift certificates or grocery vouchers which are redeemable in supermarkets. For ABAC Philippines Chair Tomas Alcantara, “It is important to have an efficient and concerted strategy by the public and private sector to address urgent health emergencies, on the one hand, and immediate and longer-term social and economic recovery, on the other.” “Our preparations for the worst includes being able to quickly bounce back from the COVID-19 situation, so we can nurture a healthy Filipino population and rebuild a competitive Philippines again,” he added. The APEC Business Advisory Council or ABAC is the private sector arm of APEC. It is composed of business leaders and executives appointed by respective APEC Leaders of the 21 economies, mandated to advise government leaders and officials on issues related to business.
Serve... from page 6
pensions or reactivate their ATM for the duration of the ECQ. To do so, the representative must present his/her own valid IDs, the pensioner’s IDs, the ATM card/passbook and a Letter of Authority signed by the pensioner. For Pensioners who can travel, they simply have to visit the nearest Veterans Bank branch and bring their valid IDs and passbook or ATM card. On the lending side, loan clients of Veterans Bank who are currently affected by the ECQ were also given a respite. With Republic Act 11469, Veterans Bank is implementing a 30-day grace period for loan payments falling due on March 17 to April 12, 2020 for its loan clients who have corporate/LGU loans, housing loans, and salary loans. For AFP/PVAO pension loan
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clients, their amortization for April 2020 will not be deducted, allowing them to receive their monthly pensions without any PVB loan deductions. In these challenging times where the Bank is operating under extraordinary circumstances, Philippine Veterans Bank is thankful for the commitment and dedication of its employees, especially its branch officers and staff. They are the Bank’s frontliners who ensure that business continues and the services to clients are delivered at the utmost notwithstanding the danger posed by the current pandemic. The Bank also gives its thanks to the men and women who work behind the scenes to make sure the Bank’s systems and ATM network, as well as its branches remain open, running and operational. To know more about how Veterans Bank is serving its customers amidst the COVID19 crisis and to find out the operating schedules of our branches, please regularly visit our official Veterans Bank Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ VeteransBank .
Expands... from page 8
delivery-partners go to the location to purchase the items and deliver it straight to their doorsteps. To safeguard communities, GrabExpress delivery-partners will strictly adopt contactless delivery by keeping at least one meter distance when delivering the order. Consumers are encouraged to use cashless transactions for full contactless experience and safer transactions. The GrabExpress services are now available in Iloilo City, Davao City, specific locations in Bacolod including Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, and in Angeles and Mabalacat Pampanga. It is also currently operating in major cities in Metro Manila and Cebu. All GrabExpress services are insured. For more information about its operations, visit: www.grab.com/ph/blog/ grabexpresscities/ EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE That the late DOLORES C. CASIÑO who died on February 29, 2008 at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental respectively without will no debts; the Decedent left the following parcel of land more particularly described as follows, to wit; Original Certificate of Title No. P-30629 situated at Barrio Panampawan, Municipality of Claveria, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWENTY ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY (21,930) Square Meters and Original Certificate of Title No. P-30631 situated at Barrio Panampawan, Municipality of Claveria, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area SIXTEEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (16,992) square meters and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of DOLORES C. CASIÑO in favor of PAUL IGNATIUS C. ARAÑA, per Doc #196; Page #40; Book #LXIII ; series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JOHN REY A. TOMINES. MDN: Mar 31, Apr 7 & 14, 2020
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020
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Masks... from page 4
said in Filipino. Carol is happy about two things though; her husband now works at home and she gets to listen to my program ‘Barangay S’ which is broadcast online over at 105.5 Bay Radio Way Kurat FM Balingasag from Monday and Wednesday to Friday (except Tuesday)at 7 am to 8 am Philippine time and 7 pm to 8 pm Eastern Standard Time. (For questions and comments email me at susanap@yahoo.com)
Wage... from page 1
school), face masks, water supplies, and transportation services for medical front-liners. According to a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday, The MPIC is able to consolidate the efforts made by different units, including Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO); Maynilad Water Services; Light Rail Manila Corporation; Global Business Power (GBP); MPIC Hospital group; Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF, and One Meralco Foundation to provide back up support to municipalities, medical institutions and government agencies all over the country. There is also a nationwide international program being mobilized by MPIC purposely taking care of its thousands of employees doing infra projects nationwide. The group is also paying their employees’ salary continuesly and benefits amid the lockdown period. Their employees are also provided with health kits and hygiene supplies such as masks and also vitamins to ensure a healthy atmosphere in their workplaces. Employees are also ensured with their advance payments of mid-year bonuses during lockdown period. Employees who were given work from home were being supported with allowance for electricity, vitamins and internet needs, while managers also received their cash equivalent. Workers who work 24/7 such as Meralco and Maynilad were also given medical assistance, hygiene kits, and PPE for the lockdown period and especially for mission critical operations. There were also shuttle bus service provided for skeleton workforce, meal allowances including roving company doctors on call. MPIC and MPIF donated virus specimen collection tubes, vitamins and PPEs to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Genome Center and the hospitals within the group. Some 220 barangays along SCTEX, NLEX and Cavitex network was also coordinated by MPTC and donated P4.5 million worth of relief goods, while face masks were also distrib-
uted by Meralco Foundation to the Department of Transportation, Rizal and Philippine Heart Centers. Hundreds of checkpoints of the Philippine National Police, Makati Medical Center, Rizal Medical, San Juan Medical, Cardinal Santos, V. Luna and Pasig Gen hospitals, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Navy, UP-PGH and the Malabon, Parañaque, and Putatan local government units were also supported with water supply by Maynilad. “For now, the mandate from our Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan is to provide and prioritize the well-being and protection of our employees for the continued and efficient services from our utility business including health care workers from the Metro Pacific Hospital Group. We are also trying to help various public hospitals including the Philippine National Police and LGU volunteers,” said MPIF president Melody del Rosario.
Case... from page 1
director, that the elderly patient has recovered and returned home from confinement at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City. “The clinical assessment now is, he is stable as far as physician’s point of view,”,Llacuna said in a live interview with the government broadcast station. The patient has a travel history in Manila, arrived in Butuan last March 12 and immediately went on home quarantine as Person Under Monitoring (PUM). During the period of his home quarantine, he developed fever, cough and colds and referred to Caraga Regional Hospital, this time made him Person Under Investigation (PUI). As this developed, Agusan del Sur Santiago Cane, Jr. has issued Executive Order 18-20 on Monday noon restoring the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) declaration in the entire province. Cane said the measure is important measure to prevent the dreaded virus spread in this landlocked province especially that there is no level III hospital here that can facilitate treatment of COVID-19. Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza of the province’s second district who has been long-time governor said in a live interview with
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said the province cannot afford being infiltrated by COVID-19 with lack of medical facilities. He said the call for a total border lockdown in the province has been widely supported by the residents. “Were’ looking at the worst case scenario, a lockdown that would prolong from three to six months,” Plaza said as he assured the province had enough food supply production to address the long lockdown. The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit initiated the contact tracing of persons who interacted with or were in close proximity with the patient including the patient’s flight details. “I would like to remind the public that this is something that we need to take seriously. Follow the policies set by the government and by DOH. Remember to practice physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, boost your immune system, and avoid sharing unverified news,” Llacuna said. Meanwhile, DOH Caraga has also provided technical assistance to Butuan City government in the conduct of the rapid testing (Immunologic Method) for the PUIs admitted in the city hospital annex or the designated PUI Center. There were reactive samples found. These tests, however, must be confirmed using the COVID-19 RT-PCR or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Test which is administered by the identified sub-national laboratories. Rapid test kits will measure antibodies present but not the viral load which is why a confirmatory RT-PCR based test is still required. The samples from the rapid tests taken will be brought today to SPMC for confirmatory testing. As of April 5, 2020, the regional office has already tallied a total of 12 PUIs where four are currently admitted and eight are on strict home quarantine.
Donations... from page 1
extending its assistance to the Philippines in its collective fight against the COVID-19 disease, by sending a team, composed of 10 medical experts and 2 officials, that can share technical knowledge in dealing with the disease,
as well as donating 300,000 surgical masks, 30,000 medical N95 masks, 5,000 medical protective suits, 5,000 medical face shields, and 30 non-invasive ventilators. Amidst the increasing threat that the contagion poses to our various communities and its dire effects to the country in general, the help given by China, and that of other countries, has strongly shown that the Philippines is not alone in facing this virus and in working to flatten the curve of its spread, it has the help and the support of the global community. With countries working together to address this global health pandemic, we enjoin everyone to express their support and to do their part to help in winning the fight against the COVID-19 disease by adhering to all preventive measures given by the Department of Health (DOH) and the guidelines set by the government under the enhanced community quarantine.
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government, less people to be fed, less quarantine hospitals operated, and less economic problems occurring, Quijano stated” Concurring wit the suggestion of Quijano, EIC Allan Mediante, said “ These will complement a newly discovered serology test which, US doctors and scientists said, can determine just how widespread the disease is, who can safely return to work and possibly how to develop new treatments for those who are ill, according to scientific findings in the U.S,” The US findings, said: “The serology test involves taking a blood sample and determining if it contains the antibodies that fight the virus. A positive result indicates the person had the virus in the past and is currently immune. That kind of test will be far easier to roll out and use than the complex nasal swab tests now being used to detect the active virus that causes COVID-19, she added, saying it’s possible that the antibody tests could be conducted in the confines of one’s own home, much like a pregnancy test.” In a related development, the Chicago Tribune, in its on-line issue the other day, stated that the first so-called serology test, which detects antibodies to the virus rather than the virus itself, was given emergency approval
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A street sweeper opted to work despite the community quarrantine imposed by Iligan City government to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. photo by gerry lee gorit
Thursday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. And several more are nearly ready, said Dr. Elizabeth McNally, director of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Center for Genetic Medicine. “They will come in a variety of shapes and sizes,” McNally said. “The simplest would be one that you do at home, that you would poke your finger and squeeze out a little blood and put it on a little strip, and it’ll be the plus-minus whether you’ve developed antibodies or not.” There are several benefits to having the test, including: Herd Immunity - Determining how much of the population is infected. “The people who are already covered can actually provide protection to the people around them, just because it’s hard for the virus to spread,” McNally said. “The virus can’t spread anymore, so people are less likely to get it.” If a person is positive for antibodies, which likely show up two to six weeks after infection, they’re not going to get sick or spread the virus, because their bodies are killing it off. “Once the antibodies come up in your system, that means your body fought it off, and you don’t have active
virus,” McNally said. It may also be important to test grocery store workers, McNally added, noting that buying food is one of the things that’s still forcing people out of their homes. “That’s one of the major points of contact, so where we can reduce that, especially in the next few weeks, I think that’s going to be really critical,” she said. Getting a sense of how long immunity lasts. Other coronaviruses that have been studied trigger antibodies that typically last one to three years. So the immunity likely isn’t forever. “Are we seeing a sustained response that’s going to help us prepare better for when this happens again, and it will happen again,” McNally said. “That’s what happens with viruses.” Possibly learning more about how to fight the disease, using antibody treatment. “Maybe these people that really did poorly (when they had COVID-19), maybe they were slow to develop antibodies, in which case this concept of giving them antibodies is actually a good concept to help treat people,” McNally said. “So, there’s so many things we will learn from the immune response to this virus.”
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020
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