Over 26K senior
citizens in Caraga receive COVID-19 jabs
By
Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- A total of 26,076 senior citizens (A2) in Caraga Region have already been vaccinated for COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga reported.
As of
May 19, 2021, some 3,071 in Butuan City have been inoculated; 5,080 in the
province of Agusan del Norte; 4,860 in Agusan del Sur; 3,873 in Surigao del Norte;
7,933 in Surigao del Sur; and 1,259 in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
“This
constitutes 12.38% of the 210,616 masterlisted eligible population under the
said priority group in the region,” said Cheryl Mary Plaza from the Family
Health Cluster of the DOH Caraga during the 32nd Caraga Regional Task Force
against COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) Meeting Thursday, May 20.
Around
14,491 or 6.88% were inoculated with the Sinovac’s CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccines
while 11,585 or 5.50% with AstraZeneca.
Meanwhile,
vaccine rollout for the priority groups A1 (healthcare workers) is still
ongoing. The health department reported that 43,554 HCWs have already received
their first dose of the vaccines, making up 80.95% of the 53,802 total
masterlisted vaccine recipients. Of the total number, 51.49% or 27,700
received Sinovac vaccines while 29.47 or 15,854 received AstraZeneca.
The DOH
Caraga also noted that 18,204 HCWs have already received their second dose of
the vaccines and have now completed their vaccination.
At
least 71,441 under the said priority group are expected to receive jabs.
The
region’s vaccination efforts have resulted in the inoculation of a total of
72,842 recipients. Local health authorities are now doubling their efforts in
order to vaccinate a total of 333,859 masterlisted eligible populations from
the three priority groups. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
DOH detects 9 additional COVID-19 variants in Caraga
BUTUAN
CITY, May 21 -- The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH
CHD) Caraga on Thursday announced the detection of another batch of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant cases in the region based on the results
received from the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center. Of
the samples sequenced, nine tested positive for COVID-19 variants of concern:
eight (B.1.351 (variant first detected in South Africa) and one B.1.1.7
(variant first detected in the UK) cases.
The
confirmed B.1.351 cases are locals of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (1), Butuan
City (1), and Province of Dinagat Islands (6). Among the eight (B.1.351 variant
cases, five were close contacts of confirmed positive cases; two had travel
history from NCR+ Areas; and one neither had a travel history nor a close
contact of a confirmed positive case. All of these cases have completed their
prescribed quarantine period and were discharged from their isolation
facilities. Currently, all cases are asymptomatic.
On the
other hand, the B.1.1.7 variant case is a resident of Cabadbaran City, a
101-year old, female, with no travel history and was not a close contact with a
previously confirmed case. She was admitted due to pain at her left side with
general weakness and anorexia. As the health facility’s standard procedure for
admission, the patient was tested for COVID-19. Her result came in positive and
was tagged as a severe case. A day after, the patient died.
“Moreover,
we are closely monitoring and coordinating with the health authorities of the
Local Government Units concerned for implementation of appropriate actions and
national protocols for these identified variant cases,” said DOH-CHD Caraga
Regional Director Cesar C. Cassion.
Based
on current studies, these variants of concern have increased transmissibility.
Meaning, more people will get infected, which poses a risk for those people
with a weak immune response. If left uncontrolled it will create a domino
effect, overwhelming our health care system.
“To prevent
such scenario, we strongly urge the public to consistently and strictly
practice the BIDA Behaviours. The existing minimum public health protocols
remain effective against the new variants of concern. Moreover, our vaccines
against COVID-19 give an added layer of protection, the more people we
vaccinate, the higher chance of halting the transmission across the population.
Let us work together to beat this pandemic,” Dir. Cassion added. (DOH
Caraga/PIA Caraga)
PCG-Surigao Norte
recognized for support in coral reef farm project
SURIGAO
CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 21 -- Commander Elaine R. Pangilinan of the Coast
Guard Station (CGS) Surigao del Norte was given a Certificate of Recognition by
the JCI Surigao Nickel in recognition towards outstanding contribution and
generous support to JCI Surigao Nickel’s Coral Reef Farm Project in Brgy.
Mabua, Surigao City on May 20, 2021.
Said
project was successfully conducted last March 27, 2021 spearheaded by the JCI
Surigao Nickel wherein several artificial coral reefs were laid out at the
seawaters off Brgy. Mabua, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte purposely for the
temporary shelter of marine creatures in the area.
Pangilinan
expressed her sincere gratitude to JCI Surigao Nickel for such a significant
endeavor and stressed that the PCG in Surigao del Norte will continuously
render full support and cooperation for the best interest of the public and for
a safer and cleaner maritime domain. (PCG-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del
Norte)
Coast Guard dons rank
to new auxiliary officer
SIARGAO
ISLAND, Surigao del Norte, May 21 -- Admiral George V. Ursabia, Jr., commandant
of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), led the donning and oath-taking of Surigao
del Norte first district representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II as
the newest Auxiliary Commodore of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron
on May 12, 2021.
In his
speech, Matugas expressed his gratitude for becoming part of the PCG that is in
the first line of defense, especially in the promotion of safety of lives and
properties at sea, as well as in the protection of the country's rich marine
resources.
"Rest
assured that as a member of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, I
will continue to push for measures in support of the programs of the PCG,
especially those that affect our people and our province. May God bless our
plans and actions in the PCG as we together continue to guard lives and
territories, especially now that we are in a world war against the
pandemic," he said.
For his
part, Ursabia thanked Matugas for partnering with the PCG, especially in
lobbying for the expansion of Coast Guard infrastructure and the recruitment of
sufficient number of PCG personnel in various parts of the country to be able
to delivery quality public service to all Filipinos.
"The
PCG is relatively young. We separated from the Navy in 1998 and acquired our
enabling laws in 2010. Technically, we are only 11 years old and with 18,600
personnel to date, we have yet to achieve our initial goal of having one PCG
personnel in every kilometer of our 37,000-kilometer coastline, excluding our
internal waters and exclusive economic zone," Ursabia said.
"That
is why I have been saying that the PCGA is our secret weapon for they are
helping us in addressing such shortage in manpower, especially in this time of
the pandemic. Nevertheless, we need to have permanent solutions to resolve this
gap. I am grateful that first district representative, and now Auxiliary
Commodore Matugas assured that he will continue to rally behind us to achieve
such goal," Ursabia furthered.
Also
present during the ceremonies held in Barangay Libertad, General Luna, Surigao
del Norte were Reverend Father Julian Dayola, Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco
"Lalo" Matugas, and Commodore Luisito Sibayan of the PCG District
North Eastern Mindanao. (PCG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PCG inaugurates
search, rescue base in Siargao
SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte, May 21 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has inaugurated its first-ever search and rescue (SAR) base in the country situated in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on May 12, 2021.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard |
During
the ceremony, PCG commandant Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., shared the
challenges that the PCG encountered in pursuit of the PCG SAR Base located in a
world-class tourist destination in the country.
"It
is not easy to look for an area, more so that for it entails significant amount
of investment. Hence, Siargao Island is truly blessed dahil kayo ang
kauna-unahang nagkaroon nito. If this will be a success story, our lawmakers
will be easily convinced that we should have more of this kind of facility
nationwide," Admiral Ursabia said.
With
such accomplishment, Admiral Ursabia assured that competent and skilled locals
of Siargao Island will be given opportunities to become part of the PCG and
serve their fellow Surigaonons at the PCG Base Siargao.
"We
will certainly be recruiting locals to be members of the PCG not only in
Siargao, but in the entire Caraga region. In order for us to be effective, it
is better for us to get locals and train them to become patriotic,
compassionate, and God-fearing public servants," the Coast Guard
commandant said.
Admiral
Ursabia furthered that two to three units of 40 fast patrol boats that will be
acquired by the PCG will be assigned at the PCG Base Siargao to strengthen
maritime law enforcement and improve disaster management.
More
importantly, the Coast Guard Admiral said that the newly-constructed PCG
infrastructure will also serve as a radar station to safeguard the island and
nearby vicinity waters against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
"We
need to have a radar station here in Siargao Island so we can monitor and
control fishing operations in our maritime domain in this part of the country
remotely. These are high-value government assets and effective tools for us to
protect our waters," Admiral Ursabia said.
Also,
Admiral Ursabia reaffirmed the PCG's commitment to support the tourism industry
by working with the local government in ensuring safety in the conduct of water
sports and other water-related activities in accordance with international
standards.
Also
present during the inauguration were Auxiliary Commodore Congressman Francisco
Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II of the First District of Surigao del Norte, Surigao
del Norte Governor Francisco "Lalo" Matugas, Commodore Luisito
Sibayan of the PCG District North Eastern Mindanao, and Commander Ellaine
Pangilinan of the PCG Station Surigao del Norte. (PCG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PCG, M-NAV Solutions Inc. install buoys in
PH Rise
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 22 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and M-NAV Solutions, Inc. successfully installed three state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys in the Philippine Rise on 14 to 16 May 2021.
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| Photo courtesy of MV-NAV Solutions, Inc. |
The
buoys were transported by vessel, MV Morning Light from the Uni-Orient Pearl
Ventures Inc. Shipyard in Mandaue, Cebu to the Philippine Rise on 12 May 2021.
The vessel arrived in said vicinity waters on 14 May 2021 when the two-day
installation commenced.
According
to PCG commandant Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., the presence of buoys in the
Philippine Rise communicates that said vicinity waters is considered a special
protected zone. Hence, mining and oil exploration are strictly prohibited to
preserve its rich natural resources.
The
buoys are equipped with modern marine aids to navigation lanterns, specialized
mooring systems, and a remote monitoring system that uses satellite technology
to transmit data to the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
The PCG
Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) said seven more state-of-the-art
lighted ocean buoys will arrive in the country this year to mark other vicinity
waters inside Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
The PCG
is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under the
leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade. (PCG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Surigao solon commits
to support PCG programs
SURIGAO
CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 21 -- "Rest assured that as a member of the
House Committee on Public Order and Safety, I will continue to push for
measures in support of the programs of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),
especially those that affect our people and our province," expressed
Congressman Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II of the First District of
Surigao del Norte as he formally became the newest Auxiliary Commodore of the
PCG Auxiliary Executive Squadron during a ceremony held in Barangay Libertad,
General Luna, Surigao del Norte on May 12, 2021.
"May
God bless our plans and actions in the PCG as we together continue to guard
lives and territories, especially now that we are in a war against the
pandemic," he furthered.
For PCG
commandant Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., the PCG Auxiliary is the Coast
Guard's secret weapon, most especially in this unprecedented time when the men
and women of the PCG are seen anywhere and everywhere to assist concerned
agencies and local government units in upholding public health and safety.
These
pandemic-related initiatives need not only assets and resources, but more
importantly the selfless commitment of each and every frontline personnel in
implementing the whole-of-nation approach in curbing the spread of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Despite
the limited budget, manpower, and assets, the PCG continues to provide public
service with utmost humility and genuine compassion - made possible through
sustained assistance from civilian volunteers of the PCGA.
PCGA
members willingly provide necessary equipment and supplies and offer their
time, expertise, and connections to help the Coast Guard in the performance of
its mandates to the Filipino people.
With
congressman and auxiliary commodore Matugas as the recent addition to the pool
of government officials who are actively rallying behind the PCG, the
humanitarian armed service is confident that the Coast Guard presence in
Surigao del Norte, especially in the Siargao Island, will be intensified all
for the promotion of safety of lives and properties at sea, and marine
environmental protection. (PCG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Konstruksyon sa Concepcion Bridge, sugdan na
DAKBAYAN
SA BUTUAN, Mayo 21 -- Gihimo sa pagpanguna nila Gob. Dale Corvera ug Kongw.
Angel Amante-Matba kagahapon, Mayo 20, ang groundbreaking sa Php163-million
Concepcion Bridge ug ang component nga road concreting niini.
Niini,
gipaambit ni Gob. Corvera ang iyang kalipay alang sa mga lumulupyo sa Barangay
Concepcion kansang hangyo gitabangan nila ni Kong. Amante-Matba pagpahiluna nga
mapadangat gyod sa nasudnong panggamhanan.
“Nalipay
gyod ko nga nia na, matuman na gyod ang inyong proyekto,” pahayag ni Gob.
Corvera.
Gipahibalo
usab sa gobernador nga kabahin ang concreting sa 929 metros nga kalsada sa
maong proyekto.
Nagpahayag
usab si Mayor Judy Chin Amante sa katumanan sa maong proyekto.
“Nalipay
ko kay nia na gyod ang tubag sa dugay na gyod natong gidamgo diri sa barangay
Concepcion. Nia na ang tulay kay kada muuwan diri mao gyud ni ang atong problema,”
sumala pa ni Mayor Amante.
Pipila
sa mga lumulupyo sa Barangay nakasinati diha kalisod sa pagtabok sa tulay
ilabina pag abot sa mga kalamidad ug katalagman tungod sa paspas pag-apaw sa
tubig.
Makita
usab sa panagway sa mga residente ang kalipay sa pagpatuman na gyod sa proyekto
sa ilang lugar nga lisud nang matabok tungod kay dali ra kaayong molapaw ang
tubig sa suba sa mga panahon nga kusog ang ulan.
Nanguna
usab sa maong groundbreaking si Pol M. Delos Santos, ang regional director sa
Department of Public Works and Highways sa Caraga, city ug barangay officials,
mga personahe sa PNP ug mga residente sa maong barangay.
Mahimong kaabag sa konstruksyon sa maong tulay ang ARQ Builders. (Sinulat ni Shena Mae Pabia, hulagway kuha ni Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
