Saturday, April 11, 2020

National Task Force on COVID-19 augments measures vs pandemic, activates local response unit

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 11 (PIA) -- The National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 continues to formulate better interventions to the health crisis as the highly fatal virus continues to plague the country.

For donations intended to address the crisis situation on COVID-19, Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force COVID-19, says donors can coordinate with the nearest Office of Civil Defense regional office in their area. (File photo)

Chief implementer Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., stated during his interview on the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar that the government is now focusing on creating better and efficient interventions as they anticipate a second wave of the attack of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

Over the observance of the Holy Week, the task force concentrated on furnishing their logistics and resource management. As hospitals are being capacitated by the Department of Health (DOH), they were able to conduct an assessment on the capabilities of the hospitals in Luzon to cater to the necessities for COVID-19.

The Philippine General Hospital in Manila and the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital were observed to have excellent facilities and well-trained staff to handle patients of the disease while the Lung Center of the Philippines, East Avenue Medical Center, and the Quezon Institute, all located at Quezon City, is ready to render medical services.

Major stadiums and coliseums are also currently being refurbished to quarantine areas, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, World Trade Center, and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The Rizal Memorial Coliseum is scheduled to take in patients on Monday.

The task force is also on the works in mass sourcing personal protective equipment (PPEs) from China. Sec. Galvez, Jr., bared that apart from suppliers in China, certain national government agencies are continuously looking for suppliers elsewhere. Albeit the shortage, private sectors continue to donate needed equipment for hospitals.

As the occurrence of the novel coronavirus creates a worldwide frenzy due to its understudied properties, several studies have concluded the possibility of a relapse on the disease, wherein a patient cured of COVID-19 may contract it again.

To prevent an even wider spread of the disease in the archipelago, Sec. Galvez Jr. urges local government units to heighten its surveillance on residents who has a travel history in Manila which is the virus epicenter in the country. He emphasized the need for a more ‘aggressive’ approach towards eliminating threats through conducting repeated tests.

“Once a person is observed to be a potential carrier of the disease, they should be tested and isolated right away,” he added.

The task force is currently looking for a model for efficient response to the current health crisis, particularly in preventing relapses on patients from occurring.

They aim to conduct approximately 10,000 tests a day to enable the much-demanded mass testing. Testing centers that are yet to improve their facilities to conduct the appropriate tests for SARS-CoV-2 are currently under the process of acquiring an accreditation.

Localizing the approach to the pandemic

The NTF’s organizations, particularly the strategic communication and response operations, are now being systematized in order to create a national action plan encompassing the regional and provincial levels hence the activation of the Local Incident Command.

But while provincial governments are requesting for additional assistance to continue their operations against COVID-19, Sec. Galvez, Jr. strongly recommends local governments to localize their problems concerning the pandemic.

He underscored that in addition to conscientiously following health protocols set by the national government, a harmonized approach among the regional and local government units to the issues arising from the health crisis enables a swift and efficient response.

“A localized response to this crisis is the most effective way to reap the success of our interventions,” he affirmed.

The Local Incident Command in Eastern Mindanao is supervised by MGen. Jose Faustino Jr. while Caraga region is being handled by MGen. Franco Nemencio M. Gacal of the 4th Infantry Division.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is looking into the needs of the different local governments in Caraga. Sec. Galvez, Jr., further emphasized the role of the local government units (LGUs) in flattening the curve.

“While the provincial government oversees, the LGUs and their barangays serve as the catalysts in the situation,” he said. (PIA-Caraga)

SurSur town ensures distribution of basic goods to all households despite limited resources

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- With the recent declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine in the Caraga region brought by coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a regional lockdown of entry and exit points was also implemented. Hence, people even from nearby municipalities and cities were discouraged to travel to any parts of the region unless necessary. Despite having limited establishments within the municipality to cater to the basic commodities of the affected local residents, the local government unit of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur has ensured the provision of basic needs to the households.

Bayabas Mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro bared that the local government unit is doing its best to ensure that rice is available for every household. She emphasized that the main concern of the municipality, just like in any other LGUs, is the distribution of food/basic commodities to the households affected by the situation.

"Livelihood assistance is underway for those who were unemployed due to this crisis," added Limbaro.

The lady mayor also revealed that they have realigned funds to be able to give families one sack of rice. This is to lessen the burden of every affected family.

“The additional assistance of P2-million from the provincial government of Surigao del Sur is a great help for our operations for COVID-19. This enabled the production of additional basic commodities and financial assistance to be given to the families of Bayabas,” said Limbaro.

She further asked the National Task Force COVID-19 through chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez for the provision of more personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the frontliners and testing kits to fast track results of the swab samples of the patients under investigation (PUIs).

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that despite inconvenience for the locals in Caraga region under the Enhanced Community Quarantine, the people should still observe the preventive measures and stay at home policy to really contain the spread of COVID-19.

Malaya stressed that the subsidy from the national government was already downloaded to the LGUs for the distribution of assistance to affected households.

He also urged all the Filipino people to continue to cooperate with the government to flatten the curve against COVID-19 cases in the country and reiterated that the frontliners are doing their best to contain the disease, hence, they are recognized for their commitment and sacrifices. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

National Task Force COVID-19 assists LGUs in addressing issues, concerns in crisis situation

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- With the recent crisis situation on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country, the National Task Force (NTF) COVID-19 also provides assistance to the different local government units not just in the Caraga region but all the regions in the country.

Knowing that the region has declared lockdown of all its entry and exit points to individuals from outside who wish to enter the region, Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force COVID-19, said that the NTF respects the decision of the One Caraga Shield as it only wanted to protect the lives of the people from the dreadful virus.

“We will respect that (lockdown in the region). What the President wants to reiterate is that we don’t discriminate those who are not from our places or regions. For OFWs coming in, we let them undergo proper sanitization and quarantine. Before they are being allowed to go back to their respective regions, we make sure that they have already undergone the necessary quarantine,” said Galvez.

The official added that the task force is closely coordinating with the concerned government agencies to continuously provide assistance to the stranded individuals in Luzon who are from Visayas and Mindanao.

When asked on how the national task force could help address the different concerns in the regions, Sec. Galvez bared that the NTF helps capacitate the personnel of the health facilities through the Department of Health (DOH) and helps them address their logistical needs.

“All the COVID-19 task forces at the regional level in the country are also intensifying their strategic communications and initiatives to address and execute appropriate actions and response to all pressing issues in the regions,” Galvez added.

For donations intended to address the crisis situation on COVID-19, Sec. Galvez emphasized that donors could coordinate with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) offices in the different regions for proper accounting/recording and intended hospitals for their donations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could also help facilitate in delivering the goods and donations to the different regions.

“Let’s just trust our President and the government on whatever it is doing for our country. The government only wants to save our lives from the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to follow all the health protocols. We are here to help especially our local government units. Stay at home. Keep safe. Practice proper hygiene and social distancing,” underscored Galvez. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur guv urges locals to help curb COVID-19 spread in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) - “We could stop COVID-19 from spreading once we all unite, cooperate and do what needs to be done. We should protect each other and help also our frontliners who are exposed in the field just to keep our locals safe.”

This was the statement of Governor Alexander Pimentel of Surigao del Sur as he urged all local residents not only in the province but in the entire Caraga region to fight as one against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gov. Pimentel, in his interview over Laging Handa Network Briefing, acknowledged the concerted efforts of all the local chief executives in the province who continuously give their best to provide the basic needs of the locals affected by the crisis situation on COVID-19. He said some LGUs might have difficulty in budgeting, but it did not stop them from providing services to its constituents as other concerned agencies are also providing assistance and augmentation.

“There have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases so far of the patients under investigation (PUIs) confined at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City. As far as Surigao del Sur is concerned, all the local officials of the province and concerned government agencies are closely coordinating and are now conducting contact tracing on those Surigaonons who had exposure to the cockpit derby in Davao City last March," Pimentel underscored.

Meanwhile, the good governor also asked the national government for additional aid for district hospitals, saying they are also in need of additional Personal Protective Equipment for their frontliners and health workers who continue to operate and work in the field.

It was also learned that the provincial government has allotted P42-million wherein each municipality was given P2-million while each city (Bislig and Tandag) was given P4-million. To ensure that the interventions of the barangays in each LGU will remain continuous, the P2-million budget will be divided. The LGU will be given P1-million while the other half will be divided among the barangays, Gov. Pimentel said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

LGU-SurSur humiling ng dagdag IRA para tugunan ang krisis sa COVID-19

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Abril 11 (PIA) -- Sa patuloy na pagtugon ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Surigao del Sur sa krisis sa coronavirus disease (COVID-19), hiniling ni provincial governor Alexander Pimentel ang dagdag na budget o Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) sa nasabing probinsya.

“Sana mabigyan kami ng additional IRA kasi marami kaming pinapadalhan ng pera, yung mga na-trap at nastranded sa mga borders, yung mga nag-aaral sa amin na ibang lugar na hindi muna namin papapasukin dito sa Caraga lalo na sa Surigao del Sur kasi gusto naming mapanatiling negatibo sa COVID-19 ang buong rehiyon,” ani ni Pimentel.

Binanggit din ng gobernador ang pangangailangan ng mga frontliners ng personal protective equipment, sanitizers/alcohol lalo na at mas pinaigting na ngayon ang hakbang na ginagawa sa mga checkpoints kung saan sumasabak sa operasyon ang mga frontliners mula sa ibat-ibang ahensiya.

Pinasalamatan din ni Gov. Pimentel and ibat-ibang sektor sa kanilang pakikipagtutlungan sa gobyerno.

“Salamat sa patuloy na kooperasyon ng mga mayors, barangays, frontliners, Philippine National Police, Army at iba pang kinauukulang ahensiya dito sa probinsya at sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga. Medyo nag-istrikto tayo, pasensya na,” sabi niya. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, April 10, 2020

Entire Caraga region now placed under ECQ after confirming first COVID-19 case

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA) - The Caraga Regional Task Force on COVID-19 or One Caraga Shield placed the entire Caraga region under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on April 6 after the confirmation of its first case of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to the task force chairperson and Agusan del Norte provincial governor Hon. Dale Corvera, there will now be limitations to the movement of the different stakeholders in the region, particularly in disallowing the entry of non-residents of the different cities in the region.

Curbing the transmission of the disease is their priority hence their continued cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in order to come up with appropriate interventions on the issues surrounding ECQ.

“We view the implementation of ECQ as not only as necessary but the only appropriate measure to prevent the disease from being transmitted further,” he added.

This prompted the police force in the region to heighten its surveillance in the region. Apart from permitting entry to select individuals in the region, quarantine passes will now be given to each household.

In Butuan City, one quarantine pass shall be given to each family in the city. The city government has also issued a directive to suspend the operations of public utility vehicles.

Meanwhile, local authorities are ready to provide assistance to individuals who will be greatly affected with the implementation of ECQ, such as the indigent, the elderly, and those who became unemployed.

The local government urged Caraganons to avail the programs of the government that are intended to provide assistance such as the Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers – Barangay Ko, Buhay Ko (TUPAD – BKBK) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

PNP Caraga regional director PBGen. Joselito Esquivel, Jr. also bared that the delivery of primary commodities sourced within the region will continue. However, goods coming from areas outside Caraga will be subjected to closer inspection.

He also clarified that the guidelines that the police force in Caraga will be following are those issued by the Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) on the exercise of police force under ECQ.

In addition, he reminded the local police units that they do not allow abiding protocols that are not in line with the said guidelines.

They also warned against the spread of false information pertaining COVID-19 among the public. Those who will be found guilty shall face liabilities that may result in imprisonment. (PIA-Caraga)

Proteksyon laban sa COVID-19 mas binigyang pansin sa Caraga, libreng sakay para sa health workers inilunsad

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Abril 10 (PIA) -- Upang mas lalo pang maprotektahan ang mga Caraganons laban sa COVID-19, naglagay ng mahigit 30 decontamination at sanitation tents at pati na rin gantry facilities ang Department of Public Works and Highways o DPWH Caraga sa iba’t ibang lugar ng rehiyon.

Ayon kay Engr. Pol M. Delos santos, regional director ng DPWH Caraga, ito ay isa lamang sa mga iniyatibo ng ahensya upang matulongan ang pamahalaang sugpuin ang paglaganap ng nasabing virus.

Maliban sa mga contamination at sanitation tents at gantry facilities nagtalaga din ang DPWH pati na rin ang Land Transportation Office o LTO ng mga libreng sasakyan para sa mga health workers upang makaabot sila sa kani-kanilang mga trabaho sa tamang oras ang makauwi din ng ligtas sa kanilang mga tahanan.

Laking pasasalamat ni Sarah Jing Varron, isang nursing attendant ng Butuan Medical Center, sa DPWH dahil hindi na siya mahirapan pang humanap ng kanyang masasakyan.

Ayon din kay LTO operations chief Urbano Maglines, Jr. bago paman idineklarang isailalim na ang buong rehiyon sa enhanced community quarantine, at bilang paghahanda kung sakaling kakailangin ng mga health workers ang mga sasakyan, naglunsad na rin ang LTO ng kanilang libreng sakayan upang mas matugonan ang pangangailan sa panahon na wala ng pampublikong sakayan.

Dagdag pa ni Maglines, nagpalabas na rin ng kautosan si LTO regional director Nordy Plaza sa mga district offices na bigyan ng kaukulang pansin ang mga pangangailan sa transportasyon ng kanilang mga sinasakupan. Ayon din kay Maglines  nagkaroon na ng pag-uusap ang LTO at bus company kung sakaling kakailanganin ang kanilang serbisyo hinggil sa sakayan. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)

Thursday, April 9, 2020

3 more PUIs test negative for COVID-19 in Caraga 

BUTUAN CITY, April 9 -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga on Thursday announces three additional coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lab results released from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). All three results received tested negative.

The negative results were from the admitted 39-year-old, male at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City and two patients (51-year-old, male from Agusan del Sur and 37-year-old, female from Butuan City) who both completed the home quarantine period following physician’s assessment and management.

“There are still pending lab results and we have high hopes that it would be in our favor,” said DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr.

As per Department Memorandum (DM) No. 2020-0108-B or the Further Amendment to DM No. 2020-0108 entitled, “Guidelines for Management of Patients with Possible and Confirmed COVID-19,” respiratory specimens for the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing may be collected from Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) that have recovered from severe and critical condition, elderlies (regardless of clinical manifestations), presence of existing medical conditions that may exacerbate COVID-19 clinical course, and healthcare workers in facilities with PUIs and confirmed cases of COVID-19 that have manifested signs and symptoms of the disease.

“We are closely coordinating with our partner sub-national laboratory in the release of the test results. Meanwhile, we would like to reiterate to the public to continue following our health advisories,” said Dr. Llacuna, Jr. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga) 

Over 5K Caraga workers receive financial aid from DOLE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- Some 321 establishments with more than 5,000 workers in Caraga region have applied and submitted the requirements for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Said program provides cash assistance amounting to P5,000.00 for each of the qualified workers in the private sector, who have been affected by the temporary closure of the respective establishments where they work with, as a preventive measure against the harmful COVID-19.

This has started since the implementation of the Community Quarantine in most areas of the Caraga region and with the recent declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, wherein the workers are among the vulnerable sectors affected by this crisis.

As part of the government efforts to help cushion the impact of the ECQ on Caraganons, different government agencies have also provided assistance that would ease workers from worries and peril in this trying time.

“This benefit for the workers in the formal sector are directly given to them in the amount of P5,000. We really need to unite and work together in providing the needed assistance to the vulnerable sector and help them cope with life while undergoing the community quarantine,” said Mantilla.  

The official added that though said program is open for all affected workers in the private sector, it follows the “first come, first serve” basis in the release of the cash assistance. All applications also are evaluated and validated by the DOLE-Caraga.

As one of the beneficiaries, Christian James Alfon thanked the DOLE for reaching out to them and upholding their rights and welfare. “We are thankful to DOLE because without this assistance, our family would suffer hunger while we are jobless,” he said.

“It’s been hard without a job for now, but I’m thankful knowing that the government does not leave us behind on this crisis situation,” bared Ervie Jane Cachuela, a co-worker.

Sean Christian Cabardo, who also worked at the same restaurant with the two others, also expressed his gratitude to his employer for taking the initiative and have them included in the first batch among the beneficiaries.

Director Mantilla also appreciated all the employers who expressed concern for their workers and immediately responded and coordinated with the department and complied with the necessary requirements for the cash assistance.

Meanwhile, Director Mantilla revealed that under the “Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko” (BKBK) Disinfection and Sanitation Project, there were 1,700 enlisted from the informal sector while 1,500 beneficiaries have already started working.

With this project, the qualified beneficiaries will receive the P3,000.00 cash assistance after they completed the 10-day work with 4-hours a day, through the supervision of their respective barangay officials. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

GSIS grants 3-month moratorium on loan payments

BUTUAN CITY, April 9 -- President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet announced yesterday that the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) approved Resolution No. 42-2020 granting a moratorium on loan payments of GSIS members and pensioners, including housing loan amortization of borrowers.

“The GSIS Board of Trustees, in compliance with the “Bayanihan Heal as One” law, decided to grant a moratorium to our borrowers,” Macasaet said.

Section 4 (aa) of Republic Act 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan Heal as One Law,” instructs all lending institutions to grant a 30-day grace period or extension on loan payments during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period without imposing interest or penalties on borrowers.

Under the said GSIS Board Resolution, collection of loan payments due for the months of March, April and May 2020 shall be deferred. GSIS will resume collection of loan payments on 01 June 2020 without penalty or additional interest. All loan terms, as a result of the moratorium, shall be effectively extended by three months.

“We hope that this 90-day grace period will give our members some financial relief in these trying times,” the GSIS chief stated.

Aside from regular government employees, pensioners with GSIS pension loans will also get a moratorium. “We are halting loan deductions in their next month’s pension (in May),” Macasaet said.

GSIS housing loan borrowers will likewise not be required to pay their monthly amortizations during the said 3-month period.

All GSIS borrowers are automatically covered by the moratorium, except those whose loan accounts are in default as of 29 February 2020. GSIS considers a loan in default when the account has incurred more than six (6) months of unpaid amortizations.

Macasaet said that GSIS already issued a memorandum circular (MC) instructing all heads of government agencies to stop loan deductions for the months of March, April and May 2020. He however emphasized that premium contributions of government employees will continue to be deducted and remitted to GSIS.

GSIS shall resume collection of loan payments on 01 June 2020. (GSIS/PIA-Caraga)

Mahigit 5,000 manggagawa sa Caraga, nagsimula nang makatanggap ng ayuda mula sa DOLE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Abril 9 (PIA) -- Matapos isailalim sa Enhanced Community Quarantine ang rehiyon ng Caraga, isa sa mga pinakaapektadong sektor ay ang mga manggagawa.

Kaya naman iba’t-ibang tulong ang ipinamamahagi ng gobyerno para sila ay matulungan.

Kabilang na dito ang coronavirus disease o COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), kung saan makakatanggap ng P5,000.00 ang mga kwalipikadong manggagawa sa pribadong sektor.

Ayon kay DOLE-Caraga regional director Chona Mantilla, may 321 establishimento sa rehiyon na may mahigit 5,000 manggagawa ang nag-sumiti na ng requirements sa ilalim ng programang CAMP at may mga nakatanggap na rin ng ayuda.

“Ang benepisyong ito ay direktang ibibigay sa mga kwalipikadong manggagawa sa halagang 5,000.00 sa bawat isa sa kanila. Kailangan nating magtulungan dahil lahat ay apektado ng COVID-19,” ani ni Mantilla.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, ito ay “First Come, First Serve” at lahat ay dumaan sa evaluation at validation ng dole.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa DOLE dahil kung wala ang tulong na ito, magugutom rin ang aming mga pamilya,” sabi ni Christian James Alfon na empleyado ng isang restaurant.

“Malaking tulong na rin po ito para sa amin na ngayon ay walang trabaho dahil sa enhanced community quarantine kontra COVID-19,” dagdag ni Ervie Jane Cachuela na kasamahan rin sa trabaho.

“Salamat din sa aming employer dahil sa kanyang inisyatibo at kami ay naisali sa first batch ng mga benepisyaryo,” pahayag din ni Sean Christian Cabardo.

Pinasalamatan din ni Director Mantilla ang lahat ng employers na agad namang nakipag-ugnayan sa kanilang ahensiya at nag-sumite ng requirements para sa benepisyong direktang ipamamahagi sa kanilang mga manggagawa.

Samantala, sinabi rin ni Director Mantilla na sa ilalim ng “Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko” (BKBK) Disinfection and Sanitation Project, may 1,700 na ang na-enlist mula sa informal sector, habang 1,500 na nito ang nakapagsimula ng magtrabaho.

Ang mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo ay maaring magtrabaho ng apat na oras kada araw sa loob ng sampung araw at tatanggap sila ng P3,000.00.

Nanawagan naman ang DOLE sa mga barangay officials na ipaabot ang programang ito sa mga residente at tulungan silang maka-avail. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)  

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

DBP offers payment holiday on salary loans

BUTUAN CITY, April 8 -- State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is implementing a 60-day moratorium on the payment of amortizations under its EC Credit Salary Loan program to assist its borrowers in managing their expenses during the State of Public Health Emergency.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the payment holiday covers all salary loan amortizations with due dates covering March 15 to April 12, 2020.

“This moratorium on DBP’s EC Credit Salary Loan Program is the Bank’s firm response to the national government’s call to ease the burden of our countrymen during this period of the State of Public Health Emergency,” Herbosa said.

The EC Credit Salary Loan program is a credit program with government agencies including local government units for their respective employees. The program offers a maximum loanable amount of P1 million, with flexible payment terms of up to 48 months.

Under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, all banks, quasi-banks, financing and lending companies as well other financial institutions whether government or private are directed to implement a minimum 30-day grace period for the payment of all loans falling due within the Enhanced Community Quarantine period.

Herbosa said the moratorium would allow participating government agencies to defer amortization payments without incurring interest, penalties, fees and other charges.

He said the payment holiday will be automatically applied to all salary loan accounts while auto-debit arrangements will be put on hold and will resume after the moratorium period.

"For further details, agencies may coordinate with their respective servicing DBP branch," Herbosa added. (DBB/PIA-Caraga)

DA cash assistance reaches SurSur rice farmers

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 8 (PIA) -- The Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to release cash assistance worth ₱975,000 to 195 rice farmers in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Rice farmers who are tilling 0.5 hectares to two hectares of land and registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) are the priority of the program and will receive ₱5,000 cash aid. Farmers need not worry because the assistance is an unconditional cash transfer intended to help farmers affected by the implementation of the rice tarrification law.

                                          

It is a nationwide response of the national government to rice farmers particularly the marginal ones.

RFFA Program Regional Focal Person Hazel M. Colinares headed the releasing of the cash support in coordination with the local government unit of the municipality of Cagwait.

"For the province of Surigao del Sur, 426 rice farmers have received the cash aid. Amidst the threat of COVID-19 the Department will continue to reach more farmers for them to use the assistance for their daily subsistence," Colinares said.

In the region, a total of 1,405 have been served by the program with total cash released worth ₱7 Million. Another 18,375 eligible rice farmers for the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur will receive the financial assistance not later this month, Colinares added. (DA-Caraga, FOD-Technical Staff/PIA-SUrigao del Sur)