Mindanao Daily (March 28-29, 2020) by Mindanao Daily News

MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

Volume IX, No. 251

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Chambers propose mass screening with RST to curb COVID-19 spread By MIKE BAÑOS Editor at Large

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry today endorsed to President Rodrigo Duterte a resolution from its affiliate chambers in Mindanao urging the ramping up of mass screening of possible COVID-19 cases in the country through the adoption of the Rapid Serologic Test (RST) as a surveillance tool. In its letter to the president coursed through Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea dated today, PCCI President Amb. Benedicto V. Yujuico also requested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant Emergency Use Authority to the application for registration of verifiable suppliers of RST kits, and to set up “PCR Sub-National Reference Laboratories” in © RITM Researchers at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine prepare to load reagents into a real-time PCR all regions of Mindanao. machine as they check their testing kits for the Zika virus “We urgently need to check the health of our on Wednesday, February 3.

communities and this is only possible using mass testing in the field. Having statistics of sick patients in the hospital is just too late,” said Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio, PCCI area vice president for Mindanao. “We need to know actual cases in the field even before they become symptomatic or no longer symptomatic (unknowingly healed) to make targeted decisions before they even get to hospitals,” she added. PCCI is advocating the immediate rollout of the mass screening program using RST by local government units in partnership with national agencies, Philippine Red Cross and other NGOs starting with all PUIs awaiting access to PCR testing, all PUMs, vulnerable persons within the vicinity of a cluster of Covid-19 outbreak, and among front liners in the hospital and in the field. See MASS, page 11

152 Stranded foreign Tourists in R-10 take off in a recovery Flight By ERCEL MAANDIG

The US Center for Disease Control & Prevention is distributing 1.1 million PCR test kits in a bid to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. (techcrunch.com)

Cagayan de Oro-Acting on the request of the Department of Tourism (DoT) Undersecretary for Tourism

AFTER one of the world’s largest initial outbreaks outside China, South Korea has managed to bring daily new cases into relative decline without imposing draconian nationwide lockdown measures. Comparing Italy to South Korea shows how dramatic the differences can be. On March 1, Italy had only 1,701 cases and 41 deaths, while South Korea had 3,736 cases and 21

testing, rigorous contact tracing, and mandatory quarantine for anyone near a carrier of the virus. The country, with a population of 51 million, tests more than 20,000 people a day at more than 600 testing sites nationwide, while integrating apps that not only track individuals if they have tested positive, but also warn them if they might have been exposed to a known case.

Regulation, Coordination and Rescue Generation USEC Arturo P.Boncato Jr. through the facilitation of DOT-10 Regional Director, May Salvana - Unchuan, Gov.

How South Korea tamed COVID-19 deaths. Three weeks later, on March 22, Italy’s caseload had exploded to 59,138, with 5,476 deaths, while South Korea’s total caseload had merely doubled to 8,897, with 104 deaths. https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/23/ coronavirus-pandemicsouth-korea-italy-masstesting-covid 19-will-keepspreading/ The key to South Korea’s success has been speed and an early push toward mass

Yevgeny Vincente”Bambi” Emano gave permission last Wednesday for a “Recovery Flight” take off at around 3:30 in the afternoon from the Laguindingan Airport

in Misamis Oriental to carry 152 foreign passengers who have been stranded in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental and other See STRANDED, page 11

From a peak of 909 cases in February 29, South Korea has seen a decline of its COVID-19 cases since March 11 to as low as 74-76 daily. https://www.nbcnews.com/ news/world/how-southkorea-flattened-its-coronavirus-curve-n1167376 South Korea flattened the curve for new cases by ramping up its testing ca- Medical workers in protective gear take samples from a pacity to the current 20,000 driver with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 at a drivepeople a day at 633 sites, thru test facility in Goyang, north of Seoul, on Feb. 29. See TAMED, page 11

JUNG YEON-JE(AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

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DOH-10 preps hospitals amid COVID-19 Cabanlas wants city

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- In responding to coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 threats in the region, Dr. Adriano Suba-an of Department of Health Center for Health Development- Northern Mindanao (DOHCHD-NM) urges all hospitals to create their guidelines in staff management including their workflow, infection control, and health management plan. As to the operations of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Suba-an said in a press conference, “Wala gi-lockdown [ang NMMC] (NMMC was not locked down) but we prepare the hospital for any eventualities.” He said DOH-10 met with the heads of private hospitals here to create a system wherein all patients with other cases aside from COVID-19 will be attended to. Doing so will allow In responding to coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 threats in the region, Dr. Adriano Suba-an of Department of Health health workers of NMMC Center for Health Development- Northern Mindanao (DOHCHD-NM) urges all hospitals to create their guidelines See PREPS, page 9

in staff management including their workflow, infection control, and health management plan, March 27. (PIA10)

Lanao del Norte LGU sends off 2nd batch of volunteer health workers

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- The Incident Management Team of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte held a sending-off ceremony for the 2nd batch of volunteer medical personnel who will provide health care services to persons under quarantine inside the isolation facility at the Old Kapatagan Provincial

Hospital. The volunteers are Dr. Ian Mark S. Reponte, Nurses Jahhzeel Love V. Miquiabas, Sharmaine Verna A. Cayanong and Melba Grace Donio from Kauswagan Provincial Hospital, Nurse Kimverly V. Bautista from Kapatagan Provincial Hospital, and Ben Abaquita, the See SENDS, page 9

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Iligan prepares COVID-19 Quarantine Facility ILIGAN CITY -- The city government here has started refurbishing the third level of E and R Hospital to serve as the Iligan COVID-19 Quarantine Facility (ICQTF) and extension of Gregorio T Lluch Memorial Hospital’s (GTLMH) isolation ward. A revamp of the said area has been taken into abrupt action after a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on

its usage has been signed between the local government unit (LGU) of Iligan and the E and R Hospital on March 21, 2020. Expected to house a maximum of 25 COVID-19 patients, the immediate preparation of the facility is complete with a sanitation tent, triage, donning and doffing areas, and audio-visual CCTV cameras. With this state-of-the-art CCTV cameras, patients and healthcare workers could converse through it, minimizing exposure and viral transmission. “We’re doing our best to See FACILITY, page 9

to purchase COVID-19 testing kits COUNCILOR Edgar Cabanlas on Wednesday said the city should not rely solely on Manila for the much-needed testing kits for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During the special session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy, the councilor stressed that if possible, the city should look for other ways to procure ample supply of the kits from other sources. This, amid reports of lack of testing kits in the city and country. Cabanlas said other measures should also be undertaken to ensure that the city is well-prepared in facing the disease. The legislative body invited Dr. Adrian P. Subaan See WANTS, page 9

SSS temporarily extends filing periods of sickness notifications, sickness benefit claims THE Social Security System (SSS) has temporarily extended the filing periods of sickness notifications and sickness benefit claims for contingencies starting on 1 March until 30 April 2020. SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said the initiative is for its members and employers to avoid the penalties of late filing while there is the occurring threat of COVID-19. For sickness notifications of home confinement, under the temporary extension, employed members may submit their Sickness Notification Forms to their employers within 60 calendar days after the end of their confinement. Their employers, on the other hand, are also given 60 calendar days from the receipt of the said forms to submit them to SSS. Self-employed (SE), voluntary members (VM), and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members are likewise given 60 calendar days after the end of their confinement to submit their applications to SSS. Meanwhile, sickness benefit claims for home

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and hospital confinement with filing deadlines that fall within the said temporary extension period will not be reduced or denied. Employers and SE/VM/ OFW members may still file their sickness benefit claims until 30 June 2020. “We understand the situation that our members are currently experiencing due to this public health crisis. As part of our mandate in providing meaningful social security protection in times of contingencies, we have adopted a flexible schedule to accommodate their sickness benefit claims,” Ignacio said. Before the temporary extension, the filing of sickness notifications for employed members is within five calendar days after the start of their confinement, and another five calendar days is given to the employers to notify the sickness of their employees to SSS. The same applies to SE/VM/OFW members on the submission of their applications to the SSS. OFW members, however, are given a 30-day grace period to submit their respective applications given the nature and location of their employment overseas. The prescriptive filing period for sickness benefit claims, on the other hand, is within one year from the last day of confinement, if in a hospital, or one year from the start of the illness, if at home. Employers are also encouraged to pay in advance the sickness benefits of their respective employees, which is one of their primary obligations under the Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

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GLOBE: Together we raised PHP10M worth of points for the Lung Center of the Philippines! GLOBE wants to extend their thanks once again to all Globe customers who have been part of the move in helping our frontliners during this COVID situation we are at now. Together, we helped raise another P10M worth of points this time which will be turned over to the Lung Center of the Philippines on March 28 to provide personal protective equipment for our health workers and frontliners. Rewards points can still be donated as we raise money for other hospitals too. Kindly note as well that you can still use your points earned in 2019 until June 30. #SafeAtHome You may refer to this link for Globeâ€™s social media post: https://www. facebook.com/GlobeBridgeCom/ posts/1274475159407671 To know more about the updates and ways you can help, you may visit this page as well: https://www.facebook.com/ GlobeBridgeCom/

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Always giving good example WE need to realize that it is a duty of ours, as Christians, to always give good example to others. Not that we have to flaunt whatever good thing we have or do, for Christ clearly said also that we should not show off our good deed before men, to be seen by them, lest we lose our reward in heaven. (cfr. Mt 6, 1) We have to be aware that we always have to give good example to others for the sole purpose of leading others to God. It is to edify others, to encourage them to be holy and to pursue the path of sanctity in an abiding way. This duty, therefore, should be carried out deliberately. It should somehow be planned and aimed at. It should not just be something incidental or something optional. Of course, this duty should not be done out of pride or vanity, but out of obedience to the will of God who wants to save all men. (cfr. 1 Tim 2, 4) Thus, Christ warns us never to scandalize others,

especially the “little ones,” who can be interpreted not only as children but also as any person whose spiritual life is not yet that well established and strong, and therefore can easily be misled. “It is inevitable that temptations will come,” Christ said, “but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Lk 17, 1-2) To avoid scandalizing others or causing them to sin, we should focus more on giving good example. That way, we would be most sensitive to our duty not to scandalize others. We would be aware that we are following Christ’s command and will, and not just pursuing our own agenda in life. Let us hope that we can echo sincerely in our heart what St. Paul once said: “Be imitators of me as I

am of Christ.” (1 Cor 11, 1) This should be the motive and the attitude we have in desiring to give good example to others. It is to imitate Christ, to have his mind, to identify ourselves with his will and ways. Everyday, we have to come out with a concrete detail to fulfill this duty of giving good example to others. It may just be as little as smiling, or reacting calmly when some disappointment comes our way, or saying something nice about somebody whose faults and mistakes are obvious, or showing compassion to those in difficulty and offering mercy to those who may have done wrong, etc. Part of our sense of accountability at the end of the day should be to present to God in our examination of conscience the concrete things we have done to give good example to others. This will surely help us in keeping ourselves in the loop of God’s providence, and away from the erratic dynamics of our wounded

Roy Cimagala

flesh, the sinful world and the wiles of the devil. This will sustain our apostolic concern which is an integral part of Christian life. This duty of giving good example to others should be systematically taught and spread to people as early as when they are still children. Hopefully in time we can have a culture that organically includes this duty that is carried out with the proper motives. At the moment, we all know that what we have are cases of self-indulgence, pride, vanity and narcissism, as when people show off their good looks, their accomplishments, the places they have visited, the food they are eating, etc. Let’s hope that this trend is reversed because it is truly corrupting. It is like a sweet poison.

PHIL-CHINA WATCH

Covid-19 should unify the world AS the Covid-19 virus jumps vast distances and oceans to other continents, we see how other countries are adopting lessons from China’s responses, including mass “lockdowns” and other preemptive moves. The effectiveness of China’s response has resulted in a reduction of the Covid-19 crisis after just three short months, unlike past epidemics that took almost a year before subsiding. In the midst of fears that Covid-19 is jumping across continents to the Middle East and Europe, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyessus has said, that, “... it’s impossible to predict which direction this epidemic will take” but added, “the steps China has taken to contain the outbreak at its source appears to have bought the world time.” Paraphrasing John Donne, the lesson that has been engraved into the minds of all peoples and governments’ minds, is “No one among us, no country in the world, is an island entire of itself, every man and country is ... part of the main... We are involved in mankind, ... ask not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for us all.” Philippines all the wiser As the Covid-19 scare slowly lifts away from China to other countries with whom the Philippines has extensive travel and trade ties, such as, South Korea and Japan, the country faces the same question on

whether to ban travel to these destinations. We are glad to see that overreactions are beginning to be corrected and more measured responses being made. WHO praised the Philippines alongside China. After an initial blanket travel ban on South Korea, the Bureau of Immigration now says: “... the scenario is different from when the Philippines implemented restrictions on travel to and from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This time, the ban is imposed only on selected parts of South Korea.” Now we are seeing a much more intelligent and wiser reaction from Filipinos to the epidemic scare. America’s in fright and profit Previous months of Covid-19 information splurge notwithstanding, America simply was neither listening nor preparing. When the first “community infection” arrived, in early February “the Center for Disease Control (CDC) sent testing kits to labs across the US, but a glitch in the kits made it unusable... There’s so much backlog now...” House Nancy Pelosi lashed out at President Donald Trump for his delayed response and criticized Trump’s anti-Covid-19 emergency budget requests of $ 2.5-billion as “inadequate” and “anemic.” The CDC expressed the same sentiment, fearing the “Community Spread of Covid-19 in the US and warned that disruptions

could be “severe.” Despite these warnings, however, political infighting prevails. When asked about vaccines in a House hearing, Health Secretary Alez Azar said, “We can’t control that price because we need the private sector to invest...” One news report commented, “... the new coronavirus doesn’t care about profit margins... that attitude doesn’t just put the poor at risk... it puts everyone at risk.” In America profit is first, before public welfare. Thank goodness that was and is not the case in China. Will America learn from China? China to help neighbors in Covid-19 fight China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijiang announced that China is ready to “boost cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea in fighting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID 19) and willing to provide support and aid to the two countries...” In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, China-Japan relations have been described as a “honeymoon” period. The same may also be said for Philippines and Chinese relations. A Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which was held on February 20, 2020, and co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, has issued a communique on cooperation on cross-border health security. What is significant is

Herman Tiu Laurel

Wang Yi’s statement that “China and ASEAN are like members of a family with a shared future” (and) hence must work together. The global COVID 19 challenge highlights this call of the “Community of Shared Future for Mankind,” a constant message of China’s government. America and virus of another form While China’s continued positive and constructive approach in cooperating with the World in dealing with the Covid-19 challenge is praised repeatedly by all members of the WHO, the American and the West’s war virus continued to sow intrigue and demonization of China to undermine its international reputation and credibility. Steve Bannon –once President Trump chief White House strategist and peddler of the new Cold War with the twist, “Committee on the Present Danger: China”- continues to tout that “Covid-19 is out of control in China” – despite WHO’s announcement that the COVID 19 new infections in China are already in decline. Even the Wall Street Journal was forced to retract its published article “Sick Man of Asia” on China when See UNIFY, page 9

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Aggie News

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DA-NorMin: 1,483 Foodlane conduct passes issued CAGAYAN de Oro City, March 26 – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) drums up the processing of Foodlane applications with the issuance of 1,483 conduct passes to suppliers and truckers of food and agrifishery products as of 8:00 p.m. on March 25. DA-10 started its receipt of applications on March 19 with the issuance of memo circular from DA Secretary William D. Dar to ensure unhampered movement of agri-fishery commodities within the region and the country, as a whole, in the light of the COVID-19 crisis with the issuances of community quarantine in different areas. “This [initiative] is in response to the agriculture secretary’s directive of ensuring unhampered and unimpeded transit in all quarantine checkpoints, so that Filipino households will have access to safe and affordable food amid the COVID-19 crisis,” Carlene C. Collado, the regional executive director of DA10 said. Of the total, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-10 reported that issuances were

done throughout Northern Mindanao. At the regional office alone which is situated here in the city, 1,200 foodlane passes were released; 83 from the DA-10 research stations in Bukidnon province (57 from Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Malaybalay City and 26 from the Research Center for Upland Development in Dangcagan). For the provincial operations centers (POCs) across the region, Misamis Occidental has also issued 30, Lanao del Norte 8, and Bukidnon with 100 while 48 are still on process. Attached bureaus and agencies in the region, have also contributed to the overall number of issuances – 43 from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at Macabalan, CdeO; and 19 from the National Meat Inspection Service in El Salvador City. “Initially, we have only processed the applications in our main office at Antonio Luna Street and thru online submissions. However, to seamlessly cater to our increasing number of applicants, we have also put in place processing centers across

NorMin through our POCs and research stations, including our Regulatory Division at Macabalan, also here in CdeO,” the DA exec noted. The strategy addresses the clamor of the increasing applicants from the provinces that are posed with challenges in securing the foodlane passes with the declaration of many local governments under community quarantine throughout the region. DA-10 through its regional office and identified processing centers across NorMin, together with its attached bureaus and agencies, is still open in accepting foodlane applications. For information and guidance, one may access the following links - https:/bit.ly/3aYJKBQ and https://bit.ly/38Z71sc while online submissions should be forwarded to this email: amad1northmin@ gmail.com. “With the good turnout of applicants, they too have played a significant role in contributing to DA’s three-pronged objectives of food productivity and availability, food accessibility and mobility, and food price stability,” the directed pointed out.

Applicants have secured their food conduct passes from POC Chief-MisOcc Sansen O. Tejano, in one of the agency’s identified processing centers in the Region located nearby the provincial capitol in Oroquieta City. (Photo supplied)

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BUSINESS 6

DTI, DA, LGUs to ensure Price Freeze during quarantine QUEZON CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar said they are working closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the proper implementation of the price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities. The two officials made this assurance after they found many sellers in violation of the price freeze, as mandated in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-01 issued last 18 March 2020. Secretaries Dar and Lopez went around Farmers Market in Cubao on 26 March 2020 for a price inspection. Following the tripartite release of the JMC by DA, DTI, and the Department of Health, the prices of all agricultural and manufactured basic goods, essential

medicines and medical supplies, were frozen at their prevailing prices for sixty (60) days from the declaration of the State of Calamity on 16 March 2020, unless sooner lifted by the President. Sec. Lopez explained that the marked-up prices were

due to the challenges faced during the first few days of implementation of checkpoints in different LGUs. He assured, however, that this has already been addressed in the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases meetings.

“We are continuously coordinating at the local level, with the help of Interior Secretary Año, to ensure the harmonized implementation of the IATF guidelines on the unhampered movement of cargo. Improvements have been reported since Friday of last week and we

expect the continuation of this for the following days,” said the trade chief. He added, “After talking to sellers and market masters, we have learned that there are suppliers who sell these goods at the current retail price. In effect, sellers are forced

See ENSURE, page 9

PH prioritizes support for Covid19-affected workers, frontliners

Security Bank Advisory for March 27 (Friday) Security Bank’s priority is the protection, security, and welfare of our clients. In light of the Luzon-wide enhanced COVID-19 quarantine, we have made the following adjustments to customer and client services. Branch Banking Services To continuously provide our client services, while giving utmost protection to our employees under skeletal workforce, the following are being done: • Open select branches with shortened branch hours for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao • No Mask, No Entry Policy in ALL branches • Suspension of weekend banking in ALL branches Our Security Bank branches open at 9am daily from Monday to Friday. Closing time varies per branch. For updated list of branch hours, kindly refer to Advisory posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/security-bank/advisory-branchesopen-until-3pm-during-enhanced-quarantine/2976711285725403/ Suspension of Select OTC Transactions Starting March 30, 2020, Monday, the following over-thecounter transactions will be temporarily suspended: • Cash withdrawals of less than P50,000 for ATM cardholders • Bills Payments For continued and ease of ATM withdrawals and bills payment transactions, Security Bank has implemented the following adjustments: • ALL ATM Withdrawal Fees (even from non-Security Bank ATMs) are waived. • Daily ATM Withdrawal limit is increased to P50,000. • Bills payment can be done via ATM or Security Bank Online. For FAQs, kindly refer to the Advisory posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/security-bank/ advisory-suspension-of-select-otc-transactions-starting-mar ch-30-2020/2994153650647833/?__tn__=HH-R Extension of Salary Advance (SALAD) Payment Payment due dates for SALAD Loans are extended for the following: • Payment status is current (with no past due balance) as of March 16, 2020. • Payment due date is from March 26 to April 14, 2020. Due dates are extended for 30 days or equivalent to 2 payroll cut offs. Amortization due will resume after 30 days—depending on your pay out date. Payments can still be made through Security Bank Online Banking, branches, or alternative funding channels. For FAQs, kindly refer to the Advisory posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/security-bank/salaryadvance-payment-extension/2997223357007529/ To practice social distancing, we encourage our clients to utilize our online banking services, namely, Security Bank Online and Digibanker. For immediate cash needs, all our ATMs and CAMs are operational. To find the one nearest to you, you may visit our website at www.securitybank.com For more updates as we monitor the situation, please visit our website or our official Facebook page.

to increase the prices to still gain some profit. This is why we are calling on traders and suppliers to sell goods at a reasonable price in consideration to our local sellers.” Secretary Dar noted that farmgate prices for products

By JOANN VILLANUEVA

DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi

MANILA — The government’s current priority is supporting displaced workers and frontliners, and not extending any immediate stimulus package for businesses. This was stressed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III amid calls for government intervention for businesses that are also affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. In a video conference with journalists Wednesday, Dominguez said they want to “expand our capacity to deal with this (current situgeneration companies to ation) on a physical basis cease operations of gen- and to provide liquidity to See SUPPORT, page 9 erating units unless it is for planned maintenance and forced outages due to technical problems. “I am calling for the utmost cooperation and compliance of our industry participants at this time,” Cusi said. The department has also called on the Market Surveillance Committee and Enforcement and Compliance Office to closely monitor the compliance of WESM trading participants. “These are trying times Finance Secretary Carlos

Power operations continue amid quarantine period: DOE By KRIS CRISMUNDO

MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) has rejected the request of some power generation firms to shut down their generating units as electricity demand significantly declined in Luzon and Visayas during the enhanced community quarantine. “A decline in power demand does not mean that operations could and should be put to rest. In fact, as we battle the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) crisis, now is the time for us to double our efforts to

ensure that we can provide sufficient and continuous electricity services to each and every household, as well as across key industries of our country,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a statement Thursday. In a notice dated March 23, the DOE reiterated that the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) shall continue its normal operations, while all trading participants shall observe their obligations under the WESM Rules and Market Manuals by submitting offers in the WESM. The DOE does not allow

See CONTINUE, page 9

Dominguez III

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1K passes issued for smooth food delivery in Caraga By ALEXANDER LOPEZ

BUTUAN CITY – The food lane accreditation of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) has fast-tracked the issuance of passes to ensure the fast delivery of agriculture-based food products, agri-fishery essential commodities and livestock. This amid the implementation of quarantine measures by local government units (LGUs) to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). In a statement on Thursday, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-13 said the agency has already served 1,097 walk-ins and online clients who requested accreditations and issuance of passes at quarantine checkpoints as of Wednesday. “This is to ensure the unhampered delivery of food supply and other agri-

cultural commodities amid the community quarantine period in the region due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19),” said OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca Atega in the statement. AMAD has also tapped the support of the provincial, municipal and city agricultural offices in fasttracking services to suppliers and farm producers, she added. “The verifying team makes sure that all applicants are complying with the needed requirements. The process of application is easy and it is also accessible online,” Atega said. The intensified operation of AMAD is in response to the issues raised by suppliers and farm producers on the effects of the restrictions imposed at checkpoint quarantines in the region. Atega said DA-13 has coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP)

and the Philippine Army to allow vehicles of suppliers and farm producers with food lane stickers to pass the quarantine checkpoints with ease. “In response to Agriculture Secretary (William) Dar’s directives, DA-Caraga seeks the assistance of the PNP and the Army to give immediate support during the product delivery as we value the importance of the unhampered movement of food supplies is necessary in these trying times,” Atega added. She also asked those who would want to avail of the online registration, particularly the agricultural suppliers, to furnish their office with copies of the official receipt of registration, certificate or registration, and business permits. They will also be required to accomplish the Food Lane Accreditation Application Forms, Food Lane Reference Form, and

FOOD PASS. The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region says a total of 1,097 walk-ins and online clients, particularly suppliers of food products, agri-fishery essential commodities and livestock were already issued with passes. The system aims to hasten the delivery of agriculturebased food supplies in different areas in Caraga amid the coronavirus disease threat. (Photo courtesy of DA-13 Information Office)

Statement of Commitment, which can be downloaded from the DA website. Additional documents are also required to live-

stock, poultry, and by-products suppliers to include a copy of the handler’s license, accreditation of transport carriers from the Bureau

Mindanao guvs adopt food security strategy

of Animal Industry (BAI), and accreditation of meat transport vehicles from the National Meat Inspection See ISSUED, page 9 Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City ELY S. ARO

CASE NO. R10-EV-PUJ 2020-03-978 (2014-10-339)

NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate PUJ SERVICE on the line: MAMBAJAO TO CATARMAN (CAMIGUIN PROVINCE) and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 15, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at this board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 19h day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

DAVAO CITY--Several governors in Mindanao have started the Self-Sustaining Food Security Strategy (SSFSS) recommended by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) by linking up with one another to ensure stable food supply for their constituents. MinDA crafted the SSFSS earlier this week in anticipation that uncoordinated food supply distribution in Mindanao could create artificial shortages.

The SSFSS aims to ensure that the local government units (LGU) are able to quantify their current food supply inventory and identify possible sources. On a Facebook post on Thursday, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol cited, for instance, the case of Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang, who earlier expressed the need for additional rice supply in his province. The MinDA chief said Dayanghirang was provided with information that the

neighboring province of Davao de Oro has excess rice production. On the other hand, North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco is ready to implement the SSFSS in her province which would include the distribution of upland rice seeds to complement the lowland production areas. Under North Cotabato’s SSFSS implementation, the provincial government will also distribute vegetable seeds and backyard chicken breeders to encourage farm-

ers who are confined to their farms to produce more food. She said farmers produce such as chicken, hogs, eggs, and vegetables may also be bought by the LGUs for distribution to residents as food assistance. “We don’t know how long the problem would last that is why we have to be prepared,” Catamco said. In Tawi-Tawi, Piñol said MinDA is helping Gov. Ysmael Sali transport some 2,000 metric tons of rice from Iloilo Province to Bongao.

He said under SSFSS, the LGU chief executives will be asked to undertake the following actions: design and implement a municipal or provincial food security action plan, conduct an inventory and quantify existing supplies of basic food commodities like rice, eggs, poultry, meat and fruits like banana, and identify individuals or groups which could undertake sustained food production. MinDA also encouraged families, especially those

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

MYLA CUBERO CASE NO. R10-EV-TX 2020-03-929 (2015-10-422)

GOLDEN FRIENDHIP ECO FRIENDLY CASE NO. R10-EV-CC-S-PUJ TRANSPORT COOP. (GOFETCO) 2020-03-883 Rep. by : RICARDO N. PAJO (2014-10-2353 et. al)

EMAN KEITH T. VACALARES CASE NO. R10-NC-PA-TH 2020-03-1002

REY L. POJAS CASE NO. R10-EV-PUJ 2020-03-979 (2013-10-1945)

TRANSPECIAL, INC. CASE NO. R10-EV-CC-TH Rep. by: ERWIN BOLLOZOS 2020-10-3022

NOTICE OF HEARING

APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Consolidation of Cases to operate PUJ SERVICE on the line: ROUTE 1 : LOOP SERVICE and vice versa with the use of FIFTEEN (15) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 15, 2020 at 2:15 P.M. at this board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 19th day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate AIRCON TAXI SERVICE on the route: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY TO ANY POINT IN REGION X and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 15, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at this board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 23rd day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Consolidation of Cases to operate PUJ SERVICE on the line: SAN AGUSTIN TO PUEBLO DE ORO and vice versa with the use of SIX (6) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 15, 2020 at 2:15 P.M. at this board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 19th day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER

MDN: Mar 28, 2020

By PREXX MARNIE KATE TROZO

GOLDEN FRIENDHIP ECO FRIENDLY CASE NO. R10-EV-CC-S-PUJ TRANSPORT COOP. (GOFETCO) 2020-03-884 Rep. by : RICARDO N. PAJO (2006-10-1179 et. al)

NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority for the Issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience to operate TH FREIGHT SERVICE on the route: WITHIN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION X ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 16, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at this Board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/its evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ its oral testimony(s). FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/ PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 20th day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. (Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER MDN: Mar 28, 2020

See ADOPT, page 9

NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate PUJ SERVICE on the line: BENONI TO MAMBAJAO (CAMIGUIN PROVINCE) and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 15, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at this board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 19h day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. (Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER MDN: Mar 28, 2020

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER MDN: Mar 28, 2020

NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority for the Extension of Certificate of Public Convenience with Consolidation of Case/s to operate TH FREIGHT SERVICE on the route: WITHIN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN THE PHILIPPINES ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC and vice versa with the use of TWELVE (12 ) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 15, 2020 at 2:15 P.M. at this Board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/its evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ its oral testimony(s). FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/ PETITION. WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 19th day of March 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. (Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER MDN: Mar 28, 2020

Davao 8 Frontliners in Davao need more PPE FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Sat-Sun, March 28-29, 2020

By CHE PALICTE

DAVAO CITY – Health authorities here have expressed the need for additional personal protective equipment (PPE) used by the frontliners in combatting the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Dr. Leopoldo Vega, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) medical center chief, said they are currently looking for suppliers in Manila to purchase the equipment. “Were getting donations, but the problem is sustainability. We are looking for suppliers for PPE’s so that we will have a constant supply,” Vega said in a press briefing on Wednesday. He added that the PPE, which mostly are disposables, can easily be procured by the government and what they are only eying is the right supplier. Vega added that they

are not certain as to when the fight against Covid-19 will be over and they are in dire need to be provided with the desired resources during this time. “By that kind of strategy, the workers are given the support that they need especially the desired kind of protection so that they don’t get contaminated,” he said. He also called on the help of donors who can provide health workers and frontliners with more PPE. Meanwhile, Dr. Maridee Sebumpan, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (ERID) team member of Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), said they still have PPE supplies but also worry in case of an influx of Covid-19 cases. “We have the PPE’s but we don’t know how long we can handle this,” she said. DWINDLING SUPPLIES. Dr. Leopoldo Vega, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) medical center chief, said Apart from PPE, on Wednesday (March 25), that they are currently looking for suppliers in Manila to purchase the personal protective See NEED, page 8

equipment (PPE). He also called for help from donors who can provide PPE. (Photo

courtesy of

DigiHub FabLab Davao produces face shields for frontliners DAVAO C I T Y – T h e DigiHub-Davao Fabrication Laboratory (DigiHub FabLab Davao) is now producing face shields as a response to the shortage of face shields for medical frontliners amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The face shields are made up of filament/acetate, polylactic acid plastic and are produced through the use of 3D printing and laser cutting machines of the fabrication laboratory facility located at USEP-Obrero campus. This initiative is done through the joint efforts of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) and Department of Trade and Industry XI (DTI XI), in collaboration with other fabrication laboratories in the country, medical practitioners and hobbyists. As of March 26, 2020, the DigiHub FabLab Davao has produced a total of 200 pieces of face shields and See PRODUCES, page 11

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DOH warns against co-morbidities as cause of COVID-19 deaths

DAVAO CITY – One of the leading cases of deaths of COVID-19 patients is the incidence of co-morbidities along with being infected by the said virus. The Department of Health (DOH) strongly reminds the public that individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions should observe strict hygienic practices. According to the Assistant Secretary for Health

Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, the public should be aware that individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions are in danger of easily contracting COVID-19 and would be put in life-threatening circumstances due to their compromised immune systems. “Some patients who died has co-morbidities so that is a strong indication, especially for people who has

chronic diseases, that they have to be careful so that they will not be infected by COVID-19 because if you are immuno compromised that virus will easily get in,” Dr. Ferrer said. Recent observations from government health professionals have determined that there is a considerable amount of COVID-19 patient deaths that had See WARNS, page 11

PIA-11)

PUI center in Malagos starts operation DAVAO CITY -- Expecting a surge in Patients under Investigation (PUI) on COVID-19, the Drug Rehabilitation Facility of the Department of Health located in Malagos, Calinan District which is temporarily turned into a PUI center has started operation and is currently attending to 13 PUI with mild symptoms. Department of Health XI Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang announced this in Wednesday’s Virtual Press Conference. Yumang highlighted that this is a strategy of the region to open additional facilities for the isolation of PUI who may not be categorized as moderate, severe, and critical case. Other local government units in Davao Region were said to be preparing in establishing their own PUI centers. Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Chief of Hospital Dr. Leopoldo Vega categorically said that the SPMC is not yet reaching its maximum capacity as it has instituted measures and strategies not to overwhelm its human resources. The SPMC is identified by the DOH as a COVID facility and recognized as one of the five sub national laboratories in the country. “We are seeing an increase in the number of patients coming in who may be affected by the COVID-19. But we have prepared our institution to accommodate patients in case there is a surge. We started to suspend our Out Patient Delivery (OPD) to lessen the people who come and See STARTS, page 11

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Ensure... from page 6

such as chicken are already below the cost of production, so suppliers should not sell them at such high prices. To address this, DA coordinated with market masters to provide them a list of suppliers that are providing reasonable prices. Additionally, Secretary Dar urged city chiefs of public markets to implement the Local Price Coordinating Council mechanism, which allows local enforcement units to strictly ensure the price freeze in their respective areas. During the inspection of nearby supermarkets, such as Wellcome Farmers Plaza and Puregold Araneta, Secretary Lopez was glad to see that these establishments were in compliance with the price freeze. He and Secretary Dar also observed that these supermarkets had sufficient supply on their shelves. “With the improvements in the unimpeded movement of cargo, we can also see the improvements in the grocery stocks of essential food and non-food products. That’s why we reiterate our call for people not to panic buy because we see that supplies are slowly being replenished,” Sec. Lopez said.

Support... from page 6

the economy.” This, he said, is the main focus and not the stimulus package being proposed by some business groups. In a statement issued March 23, several business organizations hailed the immediate attention given by lawmakers on the proposed measures that will allow the government to map out solutions and gather funds to address the impact of the pandemic. Among others, they suggested the institution of a special financing program to help businesses to also “get back on their feet” after the global health issue. “I have told the people who had come out with that proposal to do a stimulus package that is not our priority at the moment,” Dominguez said. Protecting the people from being affected by the virus and providing their needs are the government’s goals right now, he said. “We don’t even know what’s the point of giving tax credits and giving stimulus package now when you have no workers,” he added. (PNA)

Continue... from page 6

so we need to work together in the spirit of Bayanihan to provide the necessary services to our people,” Cusi added. Due to the enhanced community quarantine declared in the entire island of Luzon last March 17, many business establishments, including some factories and malls, shut down their operations. DOE data show that combined electricity consumption of commercial and industrial sectors reached more than 50 percent of total consumption in the country, while the residential sector’s consumption

is around 28 percent. (PNA)

Preps... from page 2

provide quality service to patients with COVID-19 symptoms. “We are doing this to protect them- sila nga makakuha ug SARI (those who are susceptible to Severe Acute Respiratory Infection), critical cases,” Suba-an said. Furthermore, the local government units (LGUs) are enjoined to identify, assess and convert viable public spaces as treatment or isolation areas. Such include auditoriums, gymnasiums, classrooms, vacant hotels, or classrooms. As of March 26, DOHCHD-NM has recorded 252 persons under investigation (PUIs) as of which 24 are admitted and 39 are already tested negative and discharged. About 119 PUIs are on home quarantine, where 64 has already completed the quarantine. Also, the region has 3,993 persons under monitoring (PUMs), of which 2,238 are undergoing the 14-day home quarantine and 1,755 have completed the quarantine period. (RTP/PIA10)

Wants... from page 2

of the Department of HealthCenter for Health Development for Northern Mindanao; Acting City Health Officer Dr. Lorraine Nery, and other concerned offices and agencies to hear, in aid of legislation the status and updates and other concerns and issues regarding the pandemic. (SP)

Sends... from page 2

utility staff of Kapatagan Provincial Hospital. They will replace the 1st batch of volunteers who will now undergo a 14-day quarantine. Provincial Administrator and Deputy Responsible Officer of the Incident Management Team, Sittie Aminah Q. Dimaporo, expressed how grateful the Provincial Government and the people of Lanao del Norte for their decision in choosing to volunteer and submit themselves in a risky situation for the greater good of the people of Lanao del Norte. Meanwhile, Incident Commander Lyndon G. Calica told the medical volunteers that the entire family of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte headed by Governor Imelda QuibranzaDimaporo is rallying behind them. He said the IMT will actively monitor the situations inside the isolation facility, provide necessary provisions, and extend spiritual and moral support at all times. (PLGU Lanao del Norte)

Facility... from page 2

finish this as soon as possible thinking of its urgency,” said city councilor Macky Macapagal, chairperson of the committee of health and sanitation. Macapagal elaborated that before they started the rehabilitation of the location, they invited medical experts from the Department

Sat-Sun, March 28-29, 2020 of Health - Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) for further recommendations, proper planning, and actions to improve the facility, Aside from renovating the physical attributes of ICQTF, boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were already prepared. These PPEs are intended to be used by healthcare workers that will be looking after COVID-19 patients. Glenn Carlos, GTLMH Health Management Coordinator, said more or less 20 nurses, at least 6 doctors, and some maintenance personnel will be deployed in the ICQTF to suffice the need of the facility. “Currently, we already hired 15 nurses and 2 doctors. We are also fortunate enough to have 2 more volunteer doctors from a non-government organization who are all ready to serve here,” Carlos shared. Meanwhile, volunteer doctors Greg Lewis and Jeffrey Larson from International Mission, expressed their insights while making rounds in the area. Larson commended the active response of the city government to fight against the COVID-19 crisis. “I’ve been very impressed by the thoughtfulness of their approach, how their planning to manage patients - being able to keep both patients and staff healthy and safe,” Larson remarked. (CLViajante / PIA ICIC)

Unify... from page 4

53 of its own reporters and editors demanded that the Journal make an apology to China and change the title of the article. (See NYT, Feb. 22, 2020). A Lancet medical journal

letter that described horrible conditions in Wuhan hospitals, which was allegedly informed by two Chinese nurses, was also retracted failing to prove authenticity. In the Philippines we see that same virus taking constant potshots at President Duterte for distancing the Philippines from the warmongering West and taking the non-aligned path with ASEAN. There remains constant sniping at long-dead issues of territorial rivalries despite the presence of ongoing dialogues to shore up the seas and resources that are plain for all to see. World unified in efforts to develop vaccine In a paradigm of global effort to solve a common problem, scientists of many nations are both collaborating and competing to find the vaccine for the Covid-19 disease in the fastest way possible. Within hours of COVID 19 discovery, China was able to release the virus’ genetic code for sharing with the global scientific community. Unlike previous outbreaks where vaccines took years to develop, we have now reports of COVID 19 vaccines that will be offered for human trials within months. Such a mode of openness and cooperation conforms to China’s “Community of Shared Future for Mankind.” This openness is focusing global energies against existential threats, such as pandemics, other very real universal dangers of asteroids crashing into Earth, and tectonic, volcanic and tsunami extinction events. These do not exist only in the movies; they are very real. Going with the ‘Community of Shared Future’ Our World’s experience

with the Covid-19 reminds us of John Donne’s poem which I paraphrase here, “No man or country is an island entire of itself; every man and country is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for us.” Covid-19 may be a mutation of the H1N1 virus that spread in the US in 2009. After all, as reported by the National Centre for Infectious Diseases of the National University of Singapore, “Covid-19: transmission more similar to H1N1”. Given the outbreaks elsewhere, China’s “hero” epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan also thinks the virus could have originated outside of China. The World is truly getting smaller today: no person and no country can escape this connectedness anymore. It is not just epidemiology: We have seen how the global economy now teeters on the brink as the Chinese economy slowed to a crawl and the U.S. stock market suffered its biggest one-day fall ever. These are all signs that as one song says, “We are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day... There’s a choice we’re making... We’re saving our own lives ... let us realize that change can only come when we stand together as one.”

Need...

from page 8 Sebumpan also said that N95 masks, which are also in short supply, are also important for the frontliners. However, she said that they are also given intervention by various institutions in terms of other needed support by the frontliners, such as food, transportation,

and accommodation. “We extend our thanks to everyone who helped us in this fight,” Sebumpan added. SPMC and DRMC are the only two public hospitals in the region which have the capability and expertise to handle Covid-19 patients. (PNA)

Adopt... from page 7

confined to their farms, to undertake simple food production activities like vegetable growing and backyard chicken raising by distributing seeds and breeding materials for chicken and utilize locally produced food commodities i.e. fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, rice, pork, meat for calamity assistance, thus creating a localized market for farmers’ and fishermen’s produce whose distribution is impaired by the existing lockdowns. It also tasked to identify neighboring LGUs that have excess production of any food commodity to forge an alliance with two or more LGUs to establish a symbiotic food supply relationship and establish a marketing and distribution. Piñol said the system would ensure available food supply for the families within the community while at the same time, mindful of the quarantine protocols enforced. “The lockdowns implemented by the different local government units due to the Covid-19 pandemic could also affect food supply distribution,” he added. (PNA)

Issued...

from page 7 Service (NMIS). Atega said the transport of live hogs and pork products should continue to comply with shipping permits in monitoring the African swine fever. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. 10 5F and 6F Trinidad Building, Corner Capistrano-Yacapin Streets, Cagayan de Oro City

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT If you have any information / objection to the above-mentioned application(s), Please communicate with the Regional Director.

March 27, 2020 SGD. ATTY. JOFFREY M. SUYAO, CESO III Regional Director MDN: Mar 28, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Province of Camiguin Municipality of Catarman LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

RA Form No. 10.1 (LCRO) Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Province of Camiguin Municipality of Catarman

Publication Notice R.A. 10172 NOTICE TO PUBLIC

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that KFIR SERGIOS U. ABALORIO has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in Sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the certificate of live birth of KFIR SERGIOS UBA ABALORIO who was born on 28 JULY 1995 at at home, Poblacion, Catarman, Camiguin and whose parents are MARCIALIZA UBA ABALORIO and JOHN REYCAN GUITORILLIAS ABENDAÑO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than APRIL 3, 2020.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that GLICERIO B. MARBAN has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from “GLORNORIE” to “GLICERIO” in the Certificate of Birth of GLORNORIE BETOY MARBAN who was born on April 1, 1961 at Bonbon, Cat. whose parents are LEONARDO MARBAN and JULIETA APUGAN BITOY. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than APRIL 3, 2020.

MDN: Mar 21 & 28, 2020

(Sgd) LUDIVINA T. LIBAGO Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: Mar 21 & 28, 2020

(Sgd) LUDIVINA T. LIBAGO Municipal Civil Registrar

Sat-Sun, March 28-29, 2020

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 â€¢ 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Extends...

from page 12 Remitly (waived fees and higher FX rates from March 25 to June 30, 2020). 5. Corporate citizenship. BPI, together with the Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom, donated PhP 5M to Philippine Red Cross for the procurement and distribution of 50,000 face masks and 2,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical front liners who are in critical need of protection in hospitals, local government units, and airports. As the need for social distancing becomes more critical, BPI is also advocating online banking to minimize the need for branch visits during this time. BPI clients are encouraged to do their everyday banking with BPI Online and Mobile App, conveniently and securely at the comfort of their homes.

Mass...

from page 1 Persons who test positive from RST mass screening should also be required to undergo priority confirmatory testing by PCR. The chambers are also requesting the Food and Drug Administration Philippines (FDA) to grant Emergency Use Authority to approve the applications for registration of verifiable suppliers of RST Kits that already underwent the registration process with their respective FDAs in their country of origin. Not the least, PCCI also supports the call of many LGUs and regional bodies to set up “sub-national reference labs” in all regions of Mindanao in addition to the four already being set up in the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, the Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center in Benguet, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. The Western Visayas Medical Center and the Bicol Public Health Laboratory are also being prepared for testing. https://news.abs-cbn.com/ news/03/21/20/doh-says-tospeed-up-covid-19-testing-withmore-labs-120000-test-kits In addition to the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), five private hospitals are also being assessed by the DOH and the World Health Organization as possible extension laboratories. These are the molecular biology laboratories of St. Luke’s Medical Center - Global City, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center - Quezon City and Chinese General Hospital. Indonesian Experience A week ago, Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered the rollout of rapid tests for COVID-19 across the country in a bid to accelerate detection of the disease. Rapid tests are easier to perform than regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and can detect COVID-19 cases quicker. Since rapid tests like the RST only require blood serum as a sample, these can be conducted by most health laboratories across the country enabling mass testing in COVID-19 hit areas to be performed quickly. It is easier to implement than the regular tests like PCR, which must be performed in level two biosafety laboratories,

since they involved the sampling of nasal fluids or larynx substances which contain the virus as main specimens. Since rapid tests are easier to perform, Indonesia expects more people to be tested and sent to hospitals if found positive. To anticipate a rise in confirmed cases, Jokowi called for hospitals to set up health protocols for handling those who had performed the test. PCR too slow to determine virus spread Although PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a tried and tested method to confirm COVID-19 infection in PUIs and PUMs, it does not give a true picture of the spread of the infection in a community due to the length of time it takes to confirm a test, now worsened by the backlog at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) due to the sheer volume of samples, the shortage of testing kits to meet the demand, and the extended time to send samples to RITM due to the lockdown of the national transport network. RITM is the sole testing facility in the country at present since the four additional regional centers are not yet ready to conduct tests. Indirect Method “RST is an excellent tool to check the presence of antibodies naturally produced by the human body as a defense mechanism to fight the presence of a destructive foreign body, e.g. the SARS-CoV2 /COVID-19 virus,” said Roderico Biaco, PCCI-X Regional Governor. “It is an indirect method of detecting the presence of the virus (the infection), unlike the PCR test which detects the actual virus itself.” “Each has innate limitations, serve different functions, but should be used together to complement each other in combating the global pandemic,” Biaco noted. Biaco said needs a better surveillance tool that is affordable, reasonably accurate and reliable, easily deployable in the field with minimal technical skill (no need special laboratory with HVAC and negative room pressure, etc), and safer (no need to transport live virus samples). It is also important to note that our field operatives and front liners know that they have fair access to the testing themselves to boost their morale, he added. “Furthermore, we can map out (geo tag) the existence of the spread of the virus using GIS (geospatial information system) and updating the GIS database is faster using RST,” Biaco stressed. “This is critical in planning and executing decisions in the field. We need to analyze faster patterns and trends the virus spreading in the community to make proactive policies and timely decisions.” RST vs. PCR explained In the early stage of infec-

Sat-Sun, March 28-29, 2020 tion( first 5-6 days), a true positive person may be tested negative by RST (false negative) because his body may not yet have produced enough antibodies that can be detected by RST. RST is not the proper tool to monitor the ongoing infection, that is the role of PCR, he explained. On the other hand, science journals are saying that the infection starts in the lungs and the virus may not still be present in nasal tracts or sputum 1-5 days after exposure for the PCR test to detect possibly yielding a false negative also. PCR also cannot detect the virus if the person has already completely healed from the disease. How RST buys time The IgM and IgG antibodies that are specific to the COVID-19 virus may take around 5-6 days after exposure for the body to produce enough antibodies detectable by RST. At that point, the infected person may start showing symptoms. Most healthy persons are expected to show mild reaction to the virus and may even be asymptomatic, but his immune system already produces antibodies combating the virus. Upon successfully fighting the virus, the infected person gets rid of the virus in his system, but the antibodies may remain in his body for several days. In this event, PCR test can no longer determine the presence of the virus nor diagnose if the person went through the infection in the first place in the absence of prior testing. However, in this case, RST can determine with a high degree of accuracy a past infection of the person from COVID-19. “This is a critical function of RST not doable by PCR. RST is an excellent tool to diagnose the general health of the community, while PCR for the individual patient,” Bioco said. In the event of intercepting by RST a healthy person that went through the disease undetected, we have the opportunity to conduct contact retracing, isolate, contain and mitigate and stop the cluster from breaking out (that otherwise PCR screening alone cannot do). Reports also claim that most of the transmission of the virus is by asymptomatic persons. Thus, it is important to cast a wider net to catch the virus, and do it fast.

Tamed...

from page 1 including drive-thru centers and even phone booths. Those tested can receive their results in less than 24 hours, and so far over 327,000 of South Korea’s 51-million population have been tested since January 21st. “Acting fast was the most important decision South

Korea made,” said Hwang Seung-Sik, a professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health. By early February, the first test had been approved. Active collaboration among central and regional government officials and medical staff took place before cases began piling up. Early testing meant early detection of infections where a relatively larger proportion of patients showed either no symptoms or very mild ones, according to Hwang. South Korean leaders have amped up efficiency for overwhelmed hospitals by digitally monitoring lower-risk patients under quarantine, as well as keeping close tabs on visiting travelers who are required to enter their symptoms into an app. Sites like Corona Map generate real-time updates about where current patients are located and inform proactive Koreans focused on protecting themselves. According to a survey conducted last month by Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health, 78.5 percent of respondents agreed that they would sacrifice the protection of their privacy rights to help prevent a national epidemic. Now, hand sanitizer bottles are placed in front of nearly every entrance and elevator for public use. And of the 1,000 people who took part in a study by Seoul National University, 97.6 percent responded that they at least sometimes wear a mask when they are outside, 63.6 percent of who said they always wear one. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80 percent of COVID-19 cases can be categorized as mass infections. A call center in southwestern Seoul was at the center of a local outbreak this month that generated more than 156 infections. About 90 cases were traced to a Zumba class. South Korea has already started new testing on all arrivals from Europe, according to local news reports, preparing for a “second wave” of imported clusters. Even those who test negative are required to selfquarantine for 14 days.(with reports from foreignpolicy.com & NBCNews)

Stranded...

from page 1 areas of Northern Mindanao to Manila for them to be connected to their respective flights back to their home countries. Unchuan on a phone interview said that their effort in facilitating this for over 2 weeks now since the cancellation of domestic flights in the country has been almost come to an end,and she thanked Governor Emano in approving the Cebu Pacific Flight 5J386 Cagayan de Oro City to Manila despite the strict regulations of the National Government amid

the pandemic COVID-19. The foreign Tourists has been housed in Duka Bay in Medina town Misamis Oriental and Amaya View in the village of Indahag here for several weeks already they are came from different countries in the world to explore the beauty of Misamis Oriental,Bukidnon,C amiguin,Misamis Occidental and Cagayan de Oro City.

Produces...

from page 8 turned over 25 pieces to the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, 10 pieces to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City. This shall be used by health workers considered as frontliners in the fight against COVID-19. The DigiHub team is targeting to supply face shields to all medical frontliners from government and private hospitals, Doctors to the Barrio (DTTB) and other medical practitioners in Davao region. Apart from the face shields, the team is also fabricating cotton swab cover equipment and isolation/intubation boxes which are used for treating patients infected with COVID-19 and provide additional protection for the medical practitioners. Three intubation boxes were already turned over to SPMC. The DigiHub FabLab Davao is also calling out those who can donate needed materials such as acetate/PVC clear sheets, 3D printer filament, rubberbands/garters (for face shields), acrylic sheet, clear adhesive epoxy, blind rivets and aluminum angle bar (for intubation boxes) so they can produce more of the mentioned protective equipment.(Photos by Jeremiah Bargio – DOST XI, DigiHub FabLab Davao)

Warns...

from page 8 pre-existing medical conditions which developed into cases with comorbidities. For example, a 64 year old patient from Negros Oriental who was tested positive for COVID-19 died last March 15 of a co-morbidity of end-stage renal failure coupled with that of being a kidney transplant patient. Another confirmed case of a 58 year old Filipino male from Lanao Del Sur with a history of travel from Malaysia who died because of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 with pre-existing diabetes melitus. The Chief of hospital for the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega discussed that it is important to have to separate patients in different medical institutions to effectively enable SPMC to secure the well-being of both non-COVID patients and quarantined patients. “Actually what we’re looking at is that we have separate institutions which are actually

operational to serve the nonCOVID [patients] and the main hospital which is the main base for the COVID-19 areas with several of our intensive care units,” Dr. Vega said. (PIA XI/ Kevin L. Caro)

Starts...

from page 8 in turn lessen contamination”, Vega explained. The SPMC also re-assigned some of its front liners from other departments of the hospital towards COVID areas. It has planned out a schedule that would sustain the delivery of services. The SPMC currently accommodates 43 admissions of PUIs; 3 are in critical condition and are being attended to at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU; while another three are considered PUIs with moderate symptoms. The Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, also a COVID hospital, has 26 admissions. All its patients are in stable condition while the first patient in Davao Region diagnosed as positive was recently discharged from DRMC and is considered recovered. “The facility can accommodate to a total of 42 patients. It has 2 ICUs which are fully equipped with ventilators”, said DRMC’s Dr. Maridee Sebumpan. Meanwhile, officials of COVID hospitals such as SPMC and DRMC expressed the common sentiments of the entire human resource. “Our front liners are highly motivated. They know what they are into. This is their career and this is the best time to serve the country”, Dr. Vega relayed the common feeling of the front liners of SPMC. “But on the administration side, we need to provide them protection. This is like going to war with full armaments.” Dr. Vega was referring to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) that the front liners need to protect themselves from risk in contamination. “We just have to ensure the sustainability of these PPEs. Yes, we may be getting so much donation from benefactors. But the question is for how long will we receive these donations? The government really has to procure for our own”, he said. (PIA XI/ Frances Mae Macapagat)

MINDANAOBANKING DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

Sat-Sun, March 28-29, 2020

BDO urges clients to bank from home amidst COVID-19

WHILE banks remain open to service the banking needs of clients amidst the enhanced community quarantine prevailing in Luzon, BDO Unibank encourages the heightened use of online banking service to protect the public from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We urge our online banking users to share and teach their family and friends how to sign up and use BDO Online Banking so they can bank safely from home,” the bank said in a statement. BDO has provided steps to guide its customers on how to sign-up for online banking. These are

found on its official website bdo.com. ph (bit.ly/WebsiteSignUpBDOOnline) official Facebook Page (bit.ly/Facebook-

SignUpBDOOnline) and BDO Youtube channel (bit.ly/YoutubeSignUpBDOOnline). With BDO Online

Banking, customers can perform transactions such as send money, pay bills, reload and more. To find out more about essen-

tial banking services without stepping foot outside your house, check bit.ly/BDOOnlineBankingFeatures. Apart from online

banking, BDO’s network of ATMs and Cash Accept Machines is always available for cash withdrawal, bills payment and deposit.

BPI extends public service, relief in the time of COVID-19 THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has stepped up efforts to provide service and relief to Filipinos to ease difficulties brought by the COVID-19 situation, while at the same time ensuring the safety of clients and its employees. “As a bank, we have to help ensure that the financial system continues to operate efficiently, no matter how trying the circumstances. We have to do our part to minimize the chances that a health crisis becomes an economic crisis. And we have to do this in a way that minimizes the health risks to the people that we have deployed,” said Cezar Consing, BPI President and CEO. Some of the Bank’s initiatives that are currently being rolled out include: 1. Branch network. Select BPI branches as well as those of its subsidiaries BPI Family Savings Bank and BanKo remain open to attend to clients basic banking needs with all Overthe-counter (OTC) fees temporarily waived. For its skeleton staffing, BPI is providing special food and transportation

allowances, and arranging carpooling or transportation to help employees get to their workplace assignments. Soon, all branches will have acrylic screens, which are currently being delivered to the first batch of branches, to help protect clients and employees. 2. 90-day grace period. Front liners--such as those in the medical field including doctors and nurses, as well as policemen and soldiers who are on duty or called on by the government to deliver service during the enhanced community quarantine period-- are given the option to avail of a 90-day deferral in their existing auto and housing loan payments, interest-free. 3. 30-day grace period. BPI clients can avail of a 30-day grace

period payment option applicable to personal loans, home loans, auto loans, SME loans, and microfinance loans. All are subject to certain terms and conditions. Credit card holders also have the option to defer payment for 30 days without incurring late payment charges. 4. Waived fees. Transfer fees to other banks using InstaPay and PESONet are waived, as well as transfer fees to other BPI accounts using its mobile app for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine period. BPI’s remittance partners also either waived fees or offered discounts for overseas Filipinos: Kookmin (discounted fees until December 31, 2020), i-Remit (waived fees from March 21-22, 2020), and See EXTENDS, page 11