Saturday, September 18, 2021

Secretary Andanar: Duterte admin upholds tough stance against corruption, open to probe on allegations 

MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday said that the Duterte administration remains tough on its campaign against corruption and is open to investigations, which proves its bid for transparency in government.

Secretary Andanar was referring to the motu propio investigations of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the past week regarding the alleged overpricing of purchased Personal  Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners last year.

“The national government accepted, welcomed the investigation which affected our COVID-19 response in a way that we proved that there is transparency. Because of the Senate and Congressional investigations, we have proven that democracy is working," he said in an interview.

“It has become an avenue for the Duterte administration to show to the legislature and to the people that we have continued to uphold our tough stance against all forms of corruption,” he added.

Commission on Audit (COA) Chairman Michael Aguinaldo reiterated their agency's clarification before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that there was no incident of overpricing on Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.'s transaction worth P8.68-billion of PPE and other medical supplies for the Department of Health (DoH).

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), who facilitated the said purchase, had also previously denied the allegations, stressing their efforts to support transparency rather than join in on the politicking.

Secretary Andanar said that the purchase of the medical supplies was ethical and necessary given that there was an urgent need to protect the medical frontliners who are directly managing patients who are positive with COVID-19.

“We are all aware that cases of COVID-19 was rising during that time and our healthcare workers were in dire need of protection,” he said.

###

Friday, September 17, 2021

Coffee processing center soon to rise in Agusan Norte town

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) - Caraga conducted a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a Coffee Processing Center of the Casiklan Wheel's Farmers Association Incorporated (CAWFAI) with a total amount of P19,022,445.77 in Barangay Casiklan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

DA Usec. Zamzamin Ampatuan Jr. said the processing center will pave the way to an increased income for the farmers. “You can see that this processing center will produce world class quality coffee and can lead to an increased income and improved livelihood,” he said. 

He also urged the members of CAWFAI to also focus on value-adding of their coffee to further the growth of their organization. 

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo posed a challenge to the members of CAWFAI to make their enterprise grow. “The government is here to assist you but you should also help yourselves to achieve your goals, from production to marketing of your products, ” he said.

On the other hand, Las Nieves Municipal Mayor Avelina S. Rosales said she is thankful for the project because it is a realization of the dreams of the farmers in Casiklan. She also urged the farmers to take good care of the machines and make good use of it for the benefit of their coffee enterprise. (DA Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Friday, September 17, 2021

Delta variant cases spike in Caraga Region

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) - Caraga announces on Friday the detection of 39 cases positive for COVID-19 variants of concern in the region: 32 Delta Variants, three Alpha Variants, three Beta Variants, and one P.3 Variant. These results are from samples sent last August 2021 to the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). 

Based on area of distribution, Delta cases were detected in: Agusan del Norte (7) - Las Nieves-3, Carmen-1, Kitcharao-1, Nasipit-1 and Cabadbaran City-1; Agusan del Sur (8) - San Francisco-7 and Bayugan City-1; Surigao del Sur (12) - Carmen-6, Lanuza-2, Tandag City-2, Carrascal-1 and Madrid-1; Surigao del Norte (1) - Tubod-1; and four cases from Butuan City. Three Alpha cases were detected of which two are from Butuan City and one from Rosario, Agusan del Sur. Moreover, three Beta cases were from Cabadbaran City (2) and Bislig City (1). Furthermore, the lone P.3 variant case is from Butuan City. 

As to the case profile, the age range is 1-66 years old with 29 as the median age; 56% (22) are females while 44% (17) are males, and 21% ( 8 ) have known co-morbidities. Majority 56% (22) are close contacts of confirmed RT-PCR COVID-19 cases, 41% (16) have no travel history and 3% (1) is an LSI from NCR. Furthermore, 54% (21) of the cases are unvaccinated individuals. 

At present, most 87% (34) of the cases have recovered, 5% (2) still have mild symptoms, and 8% (3) cases have died. Two of the deaths were Delta variant cases and the other one was an Alpha variant case. Two of them had comorbidities, while all were unvaccinated with no history of travel, and hospitalized due to severe symptoms.

The DOH CHD-Caraga through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) is actively coordinating with the local health authorities to continuously monitor the situation in the region. Rigorous identification and tracking of the close contacts are ongoing with the corresponding quarantine measures. 

“With the detection of more Delta and other variants of concern in the region, we will not falter in reminding everyone to take active participation in helping us end this pandemic. With or without variants, our management, and measures are still the same," DOH-CHD Caraga Regional Director Cesar Cassion said.

"The minimum health protocols may have become a routine to most of us but we still need to remind our family, friends, and everyone to strictly practice these standards such as wearing masks and face shields; washing your hands with soap and water; practicing physical distancing; avoiding crowded, confined, and closed spaces; staying at home and never go out unless necessary; boost your immune system and most importantly, get vaccinated when it’s your turn. These measures are still proven to effectively cut transmission of COVID-19 infection and all its variants,” Dir. Cassion added. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Friday, September 17, 2021

DA turns-over hauling truck to Surigao Norte coop

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) - Caraga has turned over a hauling truck to the Claver Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CLACOFARMCO) on September 14, 2021 in Claver town, this province.

The hauling truck worth P3.7 million is one of the components of the Geonet Production and Marketing Project of the CLACOFARMCO.

During the turn over ceremony, Surigao del Norte Provincial Agriculturist Ruby Ann Lagahit said they are thankful for the project and that hopefully it will help in the expansion of geonet fiber production of the organization as well as in their development of coconut by products.

On his part, Julie S. Presilda, the President of the CLACOFARMCO said that the hauling truck will be a big help to them for easier transportation of coco husk. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Friday, September 17, 2021

DA-PRDP captures data in Dinagat Islands subprojects

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- To continuously monitor its proponent groups (PG), the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) rolled out the Enterprise Operations Monitoring (EOM) forms in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

The EOM tool will capture data from each member and non-member who have transactions with the beneficiary groups.

Likewise, it gathers enterprise information such as, planning and implementation, practices, processes, and procedures that were used in the implementation, deployment, and execution of business plans, strategies, and all associated activities.

Furthermore, the tool will be used to easily track down the enterprise progress and evaluate the project’s impact. This will determine the strengths and weaknesses of the PG that will help PRDP to assess which area it can provide additional assistance.

Data gathered will then be developed into a Web-Based Information System to ease the data navigation of the implementing team.

Included in the Declaration and Certification of Finances rollout were the New Mabuhay Seaweed Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, General Aguinaldo Farmers Association, and A&M Multi-purpose Cooperative.

Proponent groups will be responsible for data gathering both quantitative and qualitative information on specific variables. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Friday, September 17, 2021

Top leaders, members of dismantled CNT Front in Agusan Norte yield to army

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- Two high-value individuals (HVIs), one political instructor, and six regular members of the Former Guerilla Front 4A (FGF 4A) of the CNTs (CPP-NPA Terrorist) in Agusan del Norte abandoned the hopeless cause of the communist movement and surrendered to the Army’s 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB, welcomed the surrender of the three leaders and members of the CNTs. They have been living in misery due to the relentless focused military operations and the loss of their mass bases caused by withdrawal of support of their underground mass supporters.

On Sept. 4, the 23IB troopers encountered around 15 CNTs in the hinterlands of Barangay Jaguimitan, Nasipit town. Likewise, on Sept. 6, another clash against the same group took place in Barangay Guinabsan of Buenavista town. The series of encounters resulted to the recovery of five high-powered firearms, two anti-personnel mines, and assorted war materials. 

Lt Col. Paulo identified the surrenderers as Khim Agad Mapoy @PATRICK, Front Secretary, Loreto Agad Mapoy Jr @ARVIN, commanding officer of Platoon Joker, Rolando Morata @PANG of Platoon Diego, FGF4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) and six regular members, all of FGF 4A, NCMRC.

“Based on their testimonies, life inside the movement nowadays is very difficult. Aside from losing their mass support, the remnants of FGF 4A are hungry and tired as our troops unrelentingly pursue them through focused military operations. There is no other option for them but to lay down their arms and return peacefully to their families and communities,” Lt Col. Paulo said.

He added that through the massive information drive of the 23IB in communities, the remaining FGF 4A members realized the harmonious and prosperous lives being enjoyed by their former comrades through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

Col. Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade said that the series of encounters followed by the surrenders of these leaders and members are the results of the persistent reports from the residents in the area who are being terrorized by the CNTs.

“We will still continue our military operations in the area to fulfill our mandate of protecting the people against the senseless harassments and spates of terrorism that gravely affect the lives of the innocent,” Col. Orio said.

The surrenderees were also presented to Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, together with the four Brigade Commanders of 4ID. During the surrender, they also handed over to the government eight (high-powered firearms and low-powered firearms.

In his statement, @PATRICK, the former Front Secretary of FGF 4A narrated their difficulties as they continue to evade and hide from the pursuing 23IB troopers.

He added that they could no longer hole up in communities as hundreds of their mass supporters have already disconnected from the communist movement and pledged loyalty to the government.

“These remaining members of FGF 4A formally cut-off their ties from the terrorist movement due to suffered casualties, hunger, and hardships that made them incapable to accomplish their planned recovery efforts in the area. Furthermore, they wanted to surrender because of their longings to be with their families,” Lt Col. Paulo said. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Friday, September 17, 2021

SurSur DRRM council lauds Tagbina for achieving 'Beyond Compliance' in Caraga

By: Grace P. Barcena

TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur headed by Governor Alexander Pimentel, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has lauded the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Tagbina for achieving the “Beyond Compliance” in the regional level of Caraga Region.

No less than the chairperson of the MDRRMC of Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso received the plaque of recognition with Tagbina MDRRM officer Crissalen Danao, and MDRRMO Chief for Operation and Executive Assistant Virgilio Balili from the PDRRMC Chair Governor Alexander Pimentel, ably represented by PDRRM Officer Abel de Guzman.

The awarding of recognition was conducted during the City and Municipal DRRM officers and staff regular quarterly conference hosted by the said municipality.

According to PDRRM Officer Abel de Guzman, per assessment conducted by the regional DRRM council led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga, Tagbina is the lone LGU in Surigao del Sur that got the highest award of "Beyond Compliance" in a recent Regional Gawad KALASAG Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance.

Meanwhile, despite the threat brought by the pandemic, of which the entire province was tagged as high-risk due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Provincial DRRM Office revealed the upcoming activities in the last three months of this year that included the series of skills training and formulation/updating of the local DRRM plans. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Friday, September 17, 2021

PCOO dismisses accusations of employing trolls, backs penalizing fake news perpetrators

MANILA - The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Thursday told legislators that they do not employ “trolls” to churn out fake news to the public, contrary to allegations made by critics.

“The PCOO and the Duterte administration have no policy to spread fake news and false information to the public through employing social media trolls and fake accounts or through any other means,” Secretary Andanar said during the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the PCOO’s proposed 2022 budget.

“We will never use it as a tool to discredit our critics in order to consolidate power, as our critics have gravely alleged us of doing without any evidence,” he added.

The Commission on Audit (COA) said that the PCOO spent over ₱70.6 million for the salaries of contractual hires, to which the agency responded that these hires were needed in order to intensify information dissemination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PCOO submitted on June 7, 2021 the justification for the hiring of 375  Contract of Service (COS) personnel for the year 2020.

Secretary Andanar said that the majority of these COS personnel are occupying highly technical positions in the creative and production field such as producers, photographers, videographers, video editors, drone operators, animators, graphic artists, multimedia artists, sound design editor, streaming operator, and radio production assistant, among others.

“Due to the lack of plantilla positions and the fact that the current personnel complement is not capable of performing said duties and responsibilities, the PCOO hired contractual personnel to execute the needed tasks,” he added.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, the PCOO initiated various communications campaigns which focused on producing multimedia materials about the national government's COVID-19 response, the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19, and many other priority programs and achievements of the Executive Branch.

Special projects have also been undertaken by the agency by virtue of Memorandum Of Agreements with other government agencies which require the hiring of COS personnel, such as the Philippine Statistics Authority for the Philippine Identification System, and the National Housing Authority for the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program.

During the Senate hearing, Secretary Martin Andanar expressed his support for a policy seeking to penalize individuals who are found to engage in spreading malicious information.

“It's a good idea to enact something like that or go beyond it by penalizing those who spread fake news,” Secretary Andanar said as he agreed to submit a draft of the bill.

This signifies the PCOO's full commitment to providing accurate and timely information to the public even though it has been at the receiving end of accusations of being a breeding ground for social media trolls.

PCOO also agreed to submit to the Senate finance subcommittee regarding the 1,479 COS workers that it has engaged, including that of its attached agencies. The PCOO proper currently has reduced its COS personnel to 330 personnel, after filling up recently-opened plantilla positions granted by the Department of Budget and Management. ###

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Bed occupancy rate sa COVID-19 ward ng pinakamalaking pampublikong pagamutan sa SurSur nasa 120% na

LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur -- Nasa 120% na ang bed occupancy rate sa COVID-Ward ng Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) dito sa lungsod ng Tandag, Surigao del Sur ayon sa pinakahuling COVID-19 Situational Report ng nasabing pagamutan.

 

Batay sa COVID-19 Situational Report No. 512 as of September 13, 2021, alas singko ng hapon ng ASTMMC, may 36 na pasyenteng nakaadmit sa COVID-Ward nito.

 

Ayon din dito, 104% ang bed occupancy rate sa COVID Critical Care Unit (CCU) ng nasabing pampublikong pagamutan sa ilalim ng Department of Health na may 24 na admitted patients.

 

Ipinaalam naman nito sa publiko ang mga aksyon ng ASTMMC kaugnay ng sitwasyon sa COVID-19 sa ospital kung saan isa nito ang sustained activation ng ASTMMC Operation Center. (DXJS RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Red tide still up in Surigao Sur bay

By: Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The Lianga Bay in the province of Surigao del Sur was included in the list of the areas with the presence of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide.

The report was based on the latest Shellfish Bulletin No. 26 dated September 10, 2021, released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Other coastal waters which shellfishes collected were found out still positive of toxic red tide are: Milagros in Masbate; Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol; Carigara Bay in Leyte; Dumanguillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Murcielagos in Zamboanga del Norte.

The report warned the public that all types of shellfishes and aceted sp. or alamang gathered from the coastal areas declared with the positive toxic red tide are not safe for human consumption.

Fish, squids, shrimp, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided, that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and the internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Meanwhile, BFAR confirmed that other coastal waters are declared free from the toxic red tide that included the coastal waters of Hinatuan, Cortes, Lingig, and Bislig City bay, all in Surigao del Sur. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

 

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Secretary Andanar: No overpricing, no corruption in DOH procurement

MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday reiterated that there was no fraudulent conduct in the government's purchase of medical supplies in the most expeditious manner, as he cited the Commission on Audit’s clarification on flagging the Department of Health.

During a hearing by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo said that there was no incident of overpricing, but instead the flagging was due to inventory management through the transfer of funds, as it did not have a memorandum of agreement and supporting document such as the liquidation of pending procurement.

DOH transferred PHP42.4 billion worth of funds to PS-DBM for the procurement of COVID-19 supplies. Initially looking into the figures of the purchases, the opposition called out the transaction as an overpriced procurement.

Secretary Andanar said that this is just another game of the critics to undermine the efforts of the administration.

“Ang mga kririko natin talagang inuupakan tayo para na lang eh kahit papaano mawala tayo sa timing, mawala tayo sa vision natin. Kumbaga sinisira yung ating momentum [Our critics are really persistent in attacking us just so we lose our track, our timing, and our vision. They are sabotaging our momentum],” he said.

He noted that the transaction was compliant with existing laws such as Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, Government Procurement Policy Board issuances (GPPB), and RA 11469 of Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.

“There was no overpriced procurement because during the onset of the pandemic the prices of the PPEs such as facemask have risen following the law of supply and demand,” Secretary Andanar said.

“Time was of the essence at kung hindi natin ginawa itong procurement ng medical supplies para sa ating mga medical frontliners, ay talagang magsu-suffer sila [Time was of the essence and had we not done this procurement of medical supplies for our medical frontliners, we know inevitably that they would suffer],” he added.

The PCOO chief noted that this malicious scheme of critics is no different from the accusation of fake news thrown against the legacy campaign of the PCOO.

“The government is ready to answer allegations by the critics. When they say that the Duterte Legacy is fake news, all they need to do is check on those bridges and roads that were completed, talk to students who are enjoying free tertiary education, or talk to those former rebels we have assisted,” he said.

“The critics should be able to see that these are not just pulled out of thin air. These have empirical evidence,” he added.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Secretary Andanar: Simplified availment of govt services saving Filipinos from much stress

MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said that simplifying processes to avail government services is making the lives of Filipinos much easier.

In an interview, Secretary Martin Andanar cited policies of the Duterte administration which led to more accessible services. These include the expansion of the validity of local driver’s license and passports.

“Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga kababayan nabawasan po yung sakit ng ulo, yung perwisyo ng mahabang pila doon sa LTO [This is really a big help to our fellow men because they will no longer be inconvenienced by long lines at the LTO],” he said.

“Sa pag-apply ng pasaporte ng  OFWs may one stop-shop. Hindi niyo na kailangan umikot po ng POEA at kung saan saan pa. Hindi na po binibigyan ng pasakit pa ang ating mga kababayan dahil wala naman silang ibang hangad kundi magtrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya [In terms of renewing passports for our OFWs, we have a one-stop-shop for that. They no longer need to go somewhere else other than the POEA. We are no longer giving them that inconvenience because we all know that their intention is to provide and work for their families],” he added.

Secretary Martin Andanar is referring to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) one-stop-shop for OFWs wherein all government frontline services are made accessible to Filipinos who are currently working or planning to work overseas.

He also mentioned the passage of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, amending the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

In a recent report, the 2020 World Bank – Doing Business Report showed the Philippines ranked 95th out of 190 economies, as delivery of public services were significantly improved.

“Pasalamat tayo si Pangulong Duterte ang naging presidente dahil siya ay may political will at may karanasan sa pamumuno for more than 20 years. Dahil na rin sa kanyang tapang at malasakit ay na manage ng husto itong pandemya at na-minimize ang casualties ng COVID-19 [We are thankful that it is Presidente Duterte, who won for the presidency because he has political will and experience in leadership for more than 20 years. And also because of his courage and genuine concern for all, we are able to manage the pandemic and minimize the casualties of COVID-19],” Secretary Andanar said.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

RIAC-FF Caraga lines up activities for 29^th Filipino Family Week celeb

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) Caraga chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will spearhead this year's 29th Filipino Family Week celebration thru the conduct of lined-up activities from September 20-30, 2021. 

According to DSWD-Caraga regional director Ramel Jamen, the virtual kick-off of this celebration on September 20 will be broadcasted via MaCaragaBata Stream Channel in partnership with the Regional Committee on the Welfare of Children (RCWC).

“The committee will conduct the "Adopt-a-Family" activity on September 22, wherein the committee members will select families who will be given 'gift items' such as food packs, grocery items, clothes, and the like,” said Jamen.

On September 24, 2021, a webinar dubbed "Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition in COVID-19" will be held with resource speaker from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) while this will be participated by the representatives from various local government units (LGUs), parent leaders, and other stakeholders.

Jamen also said that the RIAC-FF is also accepting entries for the Family Tiktok and Spoken Poetry (Child/Youth and Adult Edition) until September 27, 2021. Each contest is open to all who wish to showcase their talents on family Tiktok and Spoken Poetry. Participants should follow the mechanics and criteria for judging. “Winners will be determined by the overall score gained from the judges who are members of the committee. E-Scorecard will be sent via e-mail, and judging of entries will be on September 28. Winners will also be announced during the culmination program,” he said.

A webinar dubbed "Mental Health among Filipino Family Amidst Pandemic" is scheduled on September 28, 2021 with invited resource speaker from the Department of Health (DOH). This will be participated by various organizations.

Meanwhile, a virtual "Salo-Salo" will culminate the said celebration. The program will begin in the morning of September 30 with a video presentation of two select families sharing lives in overcoming the challenges, especially this COVID-19 pandemic. Winners of the contests will also be announced during the culmination. 

The Filipino Family Week is an annual observance every last week of September, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6, series of 1992. This aims to promote the family as the foundation of the nation by emphasizing the importance of strengthening and promoting unity, solidarity and stability and advocating for stronger and protected Filipino families.

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme "Pamilya at Teknolohiya: Magkabalikat Mapagtagumpayan ang Hamon ng Pandemya," which aims to cite the need for all concerned stakeholders to provide Filipino families with compassionate response on economic shocks and protection from violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Records ug cards sa mga benepisyaryo sa PhilHealth program giturn-over sa AgNor

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Gi-turn over sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation [PHIC] sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan ang Member Data Records [MDRs] ug PhilHealth Identification Cards [PICs], alang sa mga indigents sa Agusan del Norte kagahapon, Septyembre 14, sa Provincial Capitol, ning dakbayan.

Gidawat ang maong mga records ug cards ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Jerry Laurito isip representante ni Governor Dale B. Corvera ug Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Silver Joy Tejano.

Ubos sa programa, gipundohan og P26,886,600.00 sa PHIC Group Enrollment Program C.Y. 2021 ang probinsya nga gi implementar sa PSWD Office. Mokabat sa 8,503 enrolled families sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang maka benepisyo niini.

Sa 8,503 ka pamilya anaay 6,434 families niini ang maka avail sa premium nga P3,600.00 diin 100% o full payment na sa tibuok tuig sa 2021 ang i-shoulder sa probinsya.

Ang 2,069 families sa Las Nieves ug Santiago 50% niini ang i-shoulder sa province ug 50% usab sa nasangpit nga mga munisipyo.

Kini mahimong isip dakong kapanukaran o tabang ngadto sa mga most vulnerable families nga dili maka afford sa pag bayad sa maong health insurance.

Ang mga identified o enrolled families gi-endorso mismo sa matag local nga panggamhanan ning probinsya.

Ug ipang-apod apod ang maong mga MDRs ug hulagway sa matag LGUs. (Agusan Up/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Pagbansay alang sa mga Pre-Marriage Counselors sa LGUs gihimo

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Gipahigayon sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob Dale. B. Covera niadtong Septyembre 14, ang tulo ka adlaw nga Roll-Out Training kalabot sa “Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) Manual for Pre-Marriage Counselors of the Local Government Units.” 

Ang kalihukan gihimo sa Watergate Hotel sa Butuan City og gipasiugdahan sa buhatan sa Provincial Social and Welfare and Development Office (PSWD) kaabag ang buhatan sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.

Ang pagbansay nga giapilan sa mga Pre-Marriage Counselors sa nagkadaiyang Local Government Units sa Agusan del Norte ug mga personahe sa matag Municipal/City Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipal Population Officer, Local Civil Registrar ug Rural Health Units gitambungan usab ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, mga personahe sa PSWD, DSWD-Caraga.

Gipaningkamotan sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan nga mahimo ang maong seminar alang sa mga counselors aron ma-enhance pa ilang kaalam ilabina sa pagpadayag sa hustong impormasyon ug mapasabot ngadto sa mga future couples sa matag lungsod kung unsa ka mahinungdanon ang preparasyon ayha musulod sa kaminyoon.

“That’s why the province naghimo dayun ta og activity for this kind of training para ma capacitate ang atong mga PMOC team members sa lgu level,” sumala ni Alfie Semonette Pabillore, focal person sa Population and Nutrition Division sa PSWD.

“Isa gyud na nga rason nga ang foundation sa isa ka marriage nga i-prepare gyod nato ang would-be-couples pinaagi sa pag conduct sa Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling [PMOC]. Daku gyud kaayo siya nga makatabang,” padayon ni Pabillore.

Gihisgotan sa unang session sa pagbansay ang kabahin sa Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RPRH Act) o ang Republic Act No. 10354.

Sa ika duhang session, mao na ang Pre-Marriage Counseling nga mandatory alang sa naay pangidaron nga 18-25 anyos years old nga magminyo.

“Mao ng gihimo nga duha ka session para mas mahatagan pa og importansya, mas mapasabot pa gyod, specially kadtong mga young couple, nga palawoman ang ilang (pagsabot) sudlan (nila) nga kaminyoon,” matud ni Emelyn L. Mintal sa DSWD-Caraga, ang isip speaker sa maong hisgutanan.

“(Ang) atong overall goal is for a successful marriage or ma lessen nato ang broken family in the future kay ensakto ang impormasyon about sa kaminyoon nga nga ilang pagasudlan,” padayon ni Mintal. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

76 barangays sa Butuan City at probinsya ng Agusan del Sur, muling naka MECQ

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Dineklarang General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status with heightened restrictions ang Butuan City simula September 8 hanggang September 30, 2021, subalit sa kabuuang 86 barangays nito sasailalim ang 76 barangays ng nasabing lungsod sa Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine mula September 7 hanggang September 22, 2021 dahil na rin sa patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Base sa Executive Order No. 41 series of 2021 na nilagdaan ni Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, nakasaad dito na nitong September 5, 2021 ang Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga ay may naitalang kabuuang 8,490 na nagpositibo sa COVID-19 sa lungsod kung saan 881 nito ay active cases, 7,382 nito ay nakarecover na, at 227 ang pumanaw dahil sa nasabing virus.

Mariing pinaalalahanan ng lokal na pamahalaan ang mga residente sa palagiang pagsunod sa health protocols upang maiwasang tumaas pa ang kompirmadong kaso sa lungsod ng butuan lalu na at puno na ang public at private hospitals dito. 

Kinumpirma rin ng DOH-Caraga nitong September 6 na may isang kumpirmadong kaso ng Delta variant na rin sa rehiyon kaya naman mas lalo pang hinigpitan ng lokal na pamahalaan kasama ng iba’t-ibang ahensiya ang ano mang public gatherings upang maiwasan ang hawaan. At mahigpit ring minomonitor ang mga papasok at palabas ng Butuan City.

Samantala, problema rin sa Agusan del Sur ang pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 kaya naka-MECQ din ito hanggang sa katapusan ng Setyembre. Puno na rin ang mga health facilities maging ang isolation facilities, bagamat tinutugunan na ito ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa probinsya.

Sa limang probinsya ng Caraga, ang Agusan del Sur ang may pinakamataas na kumpirmadong kaso. Nitong September 12, may panibagong kaso na naman na umabot sa 150. Sinundan ito ng Butuan City na may 74; Agusan del Norte na may 37; Bislig City na may 34; Surigao del Sur na may 31; Bayugan City na may 22; Surigao del Norte na may 7; 6 sa Surigao City; at dalawa naman sa Dinagat Islands. 

Patuloy ding isinasagawa ang vaccination sa mga eligible priority groups sa iba’t-ibang probinsya sa Caraga region. Nitong September 6, 2021, may kabuuang 352,067 vaccinated individuals na sa rehiyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 

 

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

MGB leads assessment of Caraga mining firms

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) spearheaded the Virtual and Offsite Safety and Health, Environmental and Social Development (SHES) and Management Systems Audit of Caraga mining firms on August 2 to 10, 2021 via Microsoft Teams.

The audit started with an entry meeting wherein the MGB Central Office technical personnel headed by Engr. Marcial H. Mateo and the MGB 13 personnel headed by Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante were introduced, and it was then followed by the opening message imparted by OIC Regional Director Larry M. Heradez.

The said activity which was conducted in a period of seven working days, comprised of the audit comprised team and three comprehensive assessment Caraga mining companies, namely Sinosteel Philippines H.Y. Mining Corporation, Adnama Mining Resources, Inc., and SR Metals Incorporated.

 

The days 2 and 3 of the audit focused on the review and evaluation of submitted documents and records. Verifications with Contractors/Permit Holders/Permittees were carried out on Days 4 and 5.

 

The preliminary audit reports preparation and discussion of SHES Audit Team with MGB 13 focal persons took place on Day 6, and the exit meeting officially concluded the audit on Day 7.

 

As a whole, the MGB 13 personnel performed their duties and functions to ensure that the Safety and Health, Environmental Management and Social Development Programs of mining firms in exploration and operating stages are substantially implemented and mandatory compliances are strictly observed for CY 2020.

 

Meanwhile, the MGB aims for continual improvement in its efforts to comply with the findings and recommendations of the auditors as it advances the efficient delivery of services.

 

The SHES Audit team of the MGB Central Office and the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD) of MGB 13 took part in the said audit. (Engr. Queenibeth L. Plaza, MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Nat’l gov’t's full support to Sulu improves its pandemic response, peace and order situation

MANILA – The national government’s support for the Province of Sulu is one of the factors that allowed the provincial and local government there to maintain its low COVID-19 cases and much improved peace and order situation over the past five years.  

In an interview during the Network Briefing News today, September 14 hosted by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar, Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan expressed his thanks to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the assistance of the national government during this pandemic and the seamless implementation of the vaccination rollout in the province.

“Maganda ang pagbabakuna rito sa Sulu. In fact, dito sa Sulu nakapagpadala na rito ang pamahalaan na pinamumunuan ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, mabilis at pinadalhan kami ng 166,000 doses ng bakuna. [Vaccination is good here in Sulu. In fact, the government led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already sent us 166,000 doses of vaccines],” Gov. Tan shared.

In the latest data of the provincial government, around 100,000 people are now vaccinated against COVID-19. They are also eyeing to vaccinate teachers and school staff as soon as possible.

“Ngayon, siguro pupuntahan na namin yung mga [nasa] eskwelahan na puwede nang bakunahan ay babakunahan na natin. Wala po tayong problema sa pagbabakuna at ang mga tao ay receptive, di mo sila kailangang pilitin. [“Now, maybe we will go to those [in] schools, that can already be vaccinated and we will vaccinate them. We don't have any problems with vaccinations and people are receptive, you don't have to force them],” he added.

Low COVID-19 cases

The Sulu governor shared that as of now, there are 11 COVID-19 active cases in the province, he cited a total of 684 cases since the start of the pandemic, while 24 of them died due to complications from the deadly virus.

“Ang cases natin ngayon ay 11 ang active cases natin dito. At 24 lamang ang namatay simula noong umpisa pa ng pandemya. Sa total cases naman, mayroong 684 na confirmed cases dito sa ating lalawigan. [We currently have 11 active cases here. And 24 have died since the pandemic began. In total, there are 684 confirmed cases here in our province],” he pointed out.

The vaccination program in the province is continuing with the help of the Ministry of Health and the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (B-IATF) as there are remaining 66,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

The provincial government of Sulu is also eyeing to buy a COVID-19 testing machine to fast-track swab test results while waiting for the machines that will be given by the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

“Sabi ni Secretary Galvez na padadalhan tayo rito ng testing machine for COVID-19 para di na natin kailangang ipadala pa sa Zamboanga City para sa swab test. [Secretary Galvez said that a testing machine for COVID-19 will be sent here so that we do not have to send our swab tests to Zamboanga City to know the results],” he said.

Improved Peace and Order Situation, other Projects

Governor Tan also thanked the national government for its proactive and decisive developments in improving the peace and order situation in the province under the watch of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte since July 2016.

“Kaya tayo nagpapasalamat kay President Rodrigo Roa Duterte na itinayo nya rito ang 11th Division Infantry Battalion ay mga Tausug ang nirecruit, malaking bagay iyan. [We are grateful to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that he ordered the establishment of the 11th Division Infantry Battalion here. Tausugs were recruited, that's a big thing],” he said.

He also recognized the efforts of the police force there as the Philippine National Police established the Sulu Training Center, Camp Kasim, Jolo, Sulu to train a new breed of young police officers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Aside from that, the national government also extended medical assistance to the province through the establishment of two (2) Malasakit Centers in the Sulu Provincial Hospital and in the recently opened Sulu Sanitarium.

Other projects and programs to be implemented in Sulu are the Php 200-M project of the national government for a new water system there and free-wifi access in the central hubs through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“Pasalamat tayo kay President Duterte dahil sa situation natin ngayon. At masusustain natin ito. [We thank President Duterte for our current situation. And we can sustain it],” Gov. Tan said.

He also thanked the Presidential Communications Operations Office, headed by Sec. Andanar, for giving the opportunity to explain to the public the beauty and current situation of Sulu Province.

“Sa inyo [Sec.] Martin na binigyan nyo kami ng pagkakataon na masabi namin sa buong bansa at sa buong mundo na mali ang perception nila about Sulu - ang ganda ng Sulu. [To you [Sec.] Martin for giving us the opportunity to tell the whole country and the whole world that their perception of Sulu is wrong - Sulu is in fact very beautiful],” he concluded.