Caraga LGUs’ good practices significant in fast, successful SAP
implementation
The Local Government Units (LGUs) of Caraga Region have used different
initiatives and strategies in the implementation of the Social Amelioration
Programs (SAP), specifically for the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP)
implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field
Office Caraga.
These strategies purposely aim to hasten the cash aid distribution of
P5,000 to low income-households who are heavily affected by the enhanced
community quarantine brought about by the coronavirus disease or known as the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as this is also the directive of the
current administration – to address immediately the needs of the people.
Due to the limited capacity of the department to implement the said
program given a very short period of time, the LGUs played a vital role since
they were deputized to implement the programs. This includes the identification
of the eligible recipients of the said program, since they know their
constituents better, and they can identify families who belongs to the informal
sector, or the poorest of the poor.
The strategies crafted and used by the LGU is not just to hasten the
distribution of the cash subsidy but also in the process of identifying the
qualified recipients of the program. This includes strategies in addressing
complaints and queries from the community.
For Placer, Surigao del Norte, the Municipal Social Welfare and
Development (MSWDO) conducted revalidation tapping the Barangay Health Workers
(BHWs), Barangay Nutritionist Scholars (BNS), and Day Care Workers after
several unqualified families were able to receive the assistance. They also
created a task force headed by the mayor and the vice mayor who acted as the
chairperson and vice chair in order to correct the erroneous payout.
While, in Bislig City, the BHW, BNS, Day Care Workers, and CSWDO staff
were primarily responsible for the validation of potential list from DSWD
(Listahanan Data). The validating teams were assisted by the Barangay and Purok
Officials since they are the ones who know the people on the ground better. The
validated list was then consolidated by the CSWDO cluster in-charge for the
consolidation of the qualified list of beneficiaries.
Prior the actual payout, potential beneficiaries were given “coupons”
which serves as an invitation to participate on the final validation. The
coupon holder then went through three levels of validation/verification/cross
matching by the validating staff. The three levels of validation were conducted
to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries will receive the ESP.
Other than that, during the actual distribution of SAP assistance, the
LGU designated grievance personnel who were in-charge in addressing complaints
and clarifications from the public.
However, even if the LGU was able to put up a good system for the
validation process, it still earned a lot of criticism from the public –
especially from those who believe they were qualified from the program. This is
why, the LGU will set-up a post-payout validation task force to act on grievances
and to verify those families who have received but are subject to complaints.
Once proven ineligible, the recipients were asked to refund the said
subsidy.
For Lingig, Surigao del Sur, after receiving the potential list from the
Department, the LGU created a team who conducted the table and house-to-house
validation. The LSWDO immediately proceeded in meeting the BHWs and Day Care
Workers, who were then tasked to do the validation of beneficiaries.
“The LGU and BLGU don’t have participation in the identification of the
eligible beneficiaries. I don’t want the program to be politicized by anyone,
that is why I let the MSWDO do the identification. My order is to use the list
from DSWD and use it to conduct validation immediately,’’ said Mayor Roberto of
Lingig.
However, on the actual payout, the LGU provided assistance by ensuring
the safety of the front liners. This includes the augmentation of the
Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, additional manpower to speed up the
payout, and ensure the observance of social distancing and wearing of masks.
The payout only lasted for four hours in each barangay, as a result of the
well-coordinated plan.
The LGU was able to release 100 percent of the fund allocation to the
1977 beneficiaries for the municipality of Lingig. They completed the payout is
a span of 10-day, way ahead of the deadline.
Another LGU who have done well in the ESP implementation is the
municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, headed by Mayor Shem G. Garay. After
receiving instructions from the DSWD Field Office, Mayor Garay instructed the
BLGU to conduct the validation and finalization from the list of potential
beneficiaries from the DSWD Listahanan database.
Again, all BHW were deployed in the different barangays. Also, they
hosted radio programs to inform the public about the criteria of the
beneficiaries for the program, as well as the guidelines for the SAP
implementation. Instant queries and clarifications from the listeners were answered
on-the-spot. Eventually, this good practice led to 100 percent disbursement of
funds following the allotted timeline.
Aside from the well-organized implementation of the SAP/ESP, several
LGUs have also ensured that they addressed the needs of those who were not
covered by the program. Several LGUs have provided relief goods to their
constituents. Field Office Caraga was able to document good practices related
to this in the municipalities of Carmen, Surigao del Sur, and Malimono, Surigao
del Norte (stories posted on the DSWD Caraga account).
Whatever the strategies made by the 73 LGUs, these all led to the timely
distribution of the financial assistance to the eligible beneficiaries in the
region. Although the Department together with the LGUs are already used in
providing aid to its constituents specially those who are in crisis or
emergency situations, but this is the first time that such a program, with its
guidelines, have been implemented. There were challenges met by the
implementers along the way, but with coordination and good communication
strategies, DSWD and the LGUs were able to achieve its goals and targets. The
government was able to provide social interventions to the people during this
time of pandemic.
The role of LGU and DSWD have been critical in the implementation of the
program. But also worthy of praise and admiration is the gallant act of the
PNP, the AFP, and the DILG, who have given their 100% support in the
implementation of the program.
Caraga Region has been lauded as the Top Performing Region in the SAP
aid distribution all over the Philippines. And this is because all players, all
stakeholders made sure they played their part in providing maagap at
mapagkalingang serbisyo to the people of Caraga. (Social Marketing Section, DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
SAP aids crippled tourism communities in country’s surfing capital
The island of Siargao is considered as one of the preferred destinations
and one of the most coveted tourist hotspots in the country. Every year,
specifically during the summertime, the local government units (LGUs) in the
province are preparing for foreign and local tourists to flock the breathtaking
spots in the island, to enjoy sand, sea and surf, in what surfing aficionados
consider as the best surfing spot in the country.
The 5th class municipality of General Luna (GL), Surigao del Norte, one
of the nine municipalities in the island, is considered the busiest and most
sought-after tourism destination in Siargao. It is home to one of the
well-loved surfing spots, not just in the island, but in the world – the Cloud
9 surfing area. It is one of the few places in the country where surfing can be
done throughout the year.
GL also offers tourists a run for their money with their tri-island
(Daku, Guyam, Naked island) hopping tours, if they are not into the extreme
activity of surfing. Aside from these activities, the island’s nights light up
with its superb parties and events.
And if people had their fill of General Luna’s spots, the entire island
has a lot more to offer. One could always have a side-trip to the Tidal Pools
of Magpupungko in Pilar; go swimming with stingless jellyfishes in the
crystal-clear waters of Sohoton Cove in Socorro; enjoy the calm waters of Sugba
Lagoon in Del Carmen; and enjoy cliff jumping and explore the top of Taktak
Falls in Sta. Monica, all of Surigao del Norte.
Indeed, the island is a dream destination for a lot of tourists,
especially those who love the beach. The Local/Municipal Tourism Office has
recorded a total of 274,547 (86,144 international/188,403 local) tourists
visiting the island, in 2019 alone. This had a major impact in the lives of the
communities in the municipality, giving jobs to thousands of families.
HOPING FOR A
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR
With the influx of tourists coming in and out of GL in 2019, the LGU had
high hopes for 2020. Arceli Gallentes, Local/Municipal Tourism Officer of GL
shared that they were expecting a record-breaking year for 2020. “We had quite
a number of reservations already for 2020, some had their reservations as early
as late last year. We were hoping that more tourists would come in, and boost
livelihood in the island, especially that a lot of local shops have opened,”
Gallentes said.
Though there were already reports of a deadly virus ready to spread
havoc in Asia as early as December 2019, thousands still flocked the island in
the 1st quarter of 2020. It was only mid-March that people began seeing the
seriousness of the threat when local transmission was recorded in the country.
“We gave tourists some time to leave the island before we had our
lockdown. Once we closed our borders, we never let anyone in, to ensure the
safety of everyone,” Gallentes said.
General Luna was placed on lockdown, as the provincial LGU tried
preventive measures to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic spared the island
communities in Siargao. No tourists were allowed to travel to Siargao. And with
no tourists, and with no definite end to the pandemic in sight, their dream of
a record-breaking year was now fading. There was a total shutdown of the municipality’s
tourism industry by the end of March.
INDUSTRY DOWN –
FAMILIES FEELING DOWN
With the lockdown in place, everyone in the island whose livelihood is
connected to the tourism industry was now in peril. Hotels/bed and
breakfast/home stays, restaurants/cafΓ©/bars, souvenir shops, beach resorts,
were now being closed. Only a few shops selling the necessities were allowed to
operate. This meant loss of jobs to workers, artists, and loss of income to
entrepreneurs’/business owners.
Most affected were those who belonged to the informal economy – workers
who did not have security of tenure, those who were earning on a day-to-day
basis. Hospitality industry workers, surf instructors, boatmen (island
hopping), tricycle/habal-habal drivers, tattoo artists, tourist guides – these
were the most affected during the community quarantine period.
Mark Anthony Ayuda, a 32-year-old surf instructor, was among those who
were affected by the lockdown. “Sa pagsarado sa mga resort, naundang pud akong
pag-tudlo. Lisod kay duna koy tulo ka anak, singko, tres, ug uno anyos. Ang
gamay kailangan pa palitan ug gatas (When the resorts closed, I also stopped
having surfing sessions. It was hard for me since I am raising 3 kids – five,
three, and 1 year-old. The youngest is still consuming formula milk),” Mark
shared.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark said that he was able to provide
for the needs of his family since he was an “on-call” instructor in several
resorts in GL. He would earn P300 for a 1-hour session. In a week, he would be
able to have at least four sessions, and during peak seasons (April/May and
August-September), he would be able to have sessions daily.
“Dako gyud nga kawalan kay sa wala pa ang virus, makakuha man ko ug
hantod upat ka kliyente kada semana. Sa peak season, kada-adlaw duna koy
matudluan. Karon, wala na, wala na koy income (It is a big loss for us, since
prior to the virus hitting us, I could have at least 4 clients a week – even
having daily clients during the peak seasons. Now, I do not have any more income),”
Mark said.
The lockdown started on March 18, and all surfing activities were banned
starting April 1. So this forced Mark to try fishing, just to provide for the
needs of his family. He also started some gardening in a vacant lot beside
their house.
“Buhi-buhi sa gyud karong panahuna kay unsaon man, wala naman koy
income. Maayo nalang maka-uban ko panagat sa akong mga kauban. Naa pud ko
gisugdan tanom-tanom sa among kilid kay wa man ta kahibalo hantod kanus-a ning
lockdown (I needed to find ways to provide for my family since I no longer have
a source of income. I would tag along with my neighbors when they go fishing. I
have also started some gardening since we all do not know how long this
lockdown will last),” he said.
Aside from the surf instructors who were living off the opportunities
brought about by the tourism trade, island hopping guides and boatmen were
among the most affected also. When tourists were banned from the island, the
boatmen, who used to have daily trips in the summer, now lost their jobs.
Tomasito M. Crisologo, 64, head of a family composed of nine members, is
among those affected by the lockdown in General Luna. He works as a boatman,
catering to boat rentals of those who would avail of the island hopping
activities in GL. What made their situation worse was that his son, Tomasito
Crisologo, Jr., who is married and lives with him, is also a boatman, and
equally affected by the pandemic.
“Lisod among kahimtang sugod nagka COVID, kay nawala ang mga turista.
Pagkawala sa turista, nawala pud among trabaho kay bawal na man mag island
hopping. Ang lisod pa gayud sa among sitwasyon kay akong anak nga pamilyado, si
Junior, nga kauban nako ug puyo sa among balay, lakip pud walay trabaho kay
boatman man pud siya (We have a problematic situation since COVID hit us since
it affected tourism in the island. When the tourists stopped coming, we lost
our jobs since island hopping was banned in the municipality. What made the
situation worse was that my son who’s married, Junior, who lives with me, was
also affected, since he also works as a boatman),” Tomasito Sr., said.
Since both father and son lost their jobs, it was hard for them to
provide for their families.
“Okay ra unta ug usa sa amo naa pay trabaho kay makapakaon pa mi sa
pamilya, ug makahatag pa mi sa panginahanglanon sa among pamilya. Pero pareho
man mi apektado ni Papa mao nga lisod gyud sa amo (It would have been okay if
one of us still had a job, we would still be able to provide for the needs of
the family. But sadly, Papa and I had the same job, so we were both affected),”
Tomasito Jr., said.
Tomasito Sr. and Jr. looked for ways to provide food on the table.
Junior, who was the better fisherman, borrowed a small bangka (boat) so that he
could fish. He would go out to sea twice or thrice a week to fish for liplipan
(black marlin).
“Nanagat ko aron naa mi makaon. Maayo nalang makakuha ko ug usa or duha
ka liplipan kada semana. Mga 20 kilos, okay na kay makatabang na sa mga
panginahanglanon namo. Ako na ibaligya sa mga taga merkado dayon (I went on to
fish so that we would have something to eat. It was of great help when I get to
catch one or two 20-kilo black marlins in a week. I would sell my catch to
those selling in the market, so that I would be able to buy stuff that we
need),” Junior said.
It was hard for the Crisologo family, but they tried their best to earn
a living despite the limitations due to the community quarantine. Fishing
provided for their needs. But they would still prefer the island-hopping job
they had since fishing was not Junior’s bread and butter.
For Junior, catching at least one or two black marlins was a good week
for him and his family. But for Clementino Cabadonga, a 33-year-old fisherman
who is expecting his second child, the lockdown affected his livelihood differently.
There was no problem with the catch. His problem was more on the buyers of his
catch.
Clementino used to directly sell his catch to the restaurant and hotel
owners. Compared to those who sell their catch at the market, those who
directly sold the fresh catch to private resorts, earned bigger. Clementino
used to have a 'suki' or a patron, who would always get his catch. But with the
restaurants closing, he no longer has a regular customer.
“Akong mga kuha diretso na sa akong suki. Mas taas man sila mo presyo
kay sigurado man sila nga presko unya pilian gyud pud nako sila ug nindot nga
kalidad sa isda. Pero karon nga nanirado na sila, maglisod nako ug baligya kay
naa man pud lain mamaligya sa merkado (I sold my catch directly to my patrons.
They bought my catch on a much higher price since they were sure I only gave
them the freshest catch, and they were sure I gave them the best quality of
fish that I caught. But since they no longer are open for business, I now have
a hard time selling my catch since there are also those who are selling fish in
the market),” Clementino shared.
With the growing needs of his family, especially that his wife is 4
months pregnant, Clementino is worried of what the future holds for them.
“Kinahanglan ko makatigum kay buros akong asawa sa among ikaduha. Wala
ta kahibalo hangtod kanus-a ning COVID. Mao nga nabalaka ko kay ang among kita
karon panahuna igo ra sa among konsumo. Wala nay sobra nga akong ma tago para
sa pagpanganak sa akong asawa (I need to save up for my wife’s delivery of our
second child. What worries me is that nobody knows how long the COVID problem
would affect us. This is why I am very worried since the income I get for
fishing could only cover our daily needs. There is no extra that I could save
for my wife’s impending delivery), Clementino exclaimed.
With the effects of the pandemic affecting the lives of all three
families, the first thing that they wanted to do was to call out the government
for aid. With government implementing strict quarantine protocol, they thought
that it was just right that government would address their needs since it was
impossible for them to have a decent income.
SAP TO THE RESCUE
The government needed to step up its provision of emergency subsidy to
the most affected families due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine. President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was given special powers to realign P200 billio to aid 18
million low-income earning households who are most affected by the economic
standstill due to the pandemic.
General Luna was allocated 1,368 slots to aid the affected families.
Tomasito Sr., was among those identified to receive P5,000 emergency subsidy
under the Social Amelioration Programs implemented under the Department of
Social Welfare and Development. Through the program, the LGU is deputized to
identify low-income earning families belonging to the informal sector, most
affected by the community quarantine.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat nga naapil mi sa programa kay naglisod na
gyud mi sa among kahimtang. Pagkadawat namo sa ayuda, nagpalit gyud mi diretso
ug is aka sako nga bugas para sa among tanan. Salamat kayo kang Presidente
Duterte kay nahuna-hunaan mi niya mga pobre (I am really thankful that we were
considered for the program because we were really affected by the situation. I
immediately bought a sack of rice for all of us when I received the aid. I am
really grateful to President Duterte for thinking of the poor’s welfare),
Tomasito Sr. said.
Mark and Clementino’s families also qualified for the program. But they
almost did not make the final list of beneficiaries since the validating teams
had a hard time locating their addresses.
“Halos walay makatuod sa ilang mga panimalay. Naa man sila sa lista
gikan sa DSWD, so amo gayud sila gipangita aron ma validate. Apan mismo mga
barangay officials dili makatuod ug asa gyud sila nagpuyo (No one really knew
where their houses were. Their names are in the DSWD list of probable qualified
families, so we really tried locating them for the validation. But even the
barangay officials could not pinpoint where they exactly live), Marilou P.
Gonzaga, Municipal Nutritionist Action Officer, and one of the lead of the
validation team shared.
With the economic boom spreading all over GL like a brushfire in the
past few years, several new buildings (houses, homestays, shops) would pop up
from time to time, changing the landscape of communities drastically. Small
houses visible from the road are now covered with huge buildings, making it
difficult for people to locate homes of the locals, especially those whose
houses have been moved further back after their lots where rented out by
business establishments.
Naglisod ug pangita sila ni Ma’am sa among balay kay natabunan naman sa
sementado nga building among atubang. Mao niadto gyud ko sa opisina nila aron
magpavalidate ko kay wala man ko naapil. Maayo nalang ila ko giadtoan unya
nalakip ko sa programa. Dakong tabang ang P5,000 nga among nadawat. Gipalit
gyud nako dayon ug bugas, vitamins, ug gatas para sa akong mga anak (The
validating team had a hard time locating us since a new cemented building was
built in front of our house. So I really went to their office and demanded that
I be validated. Good thing they really went out of their way and visited us, so
we qualified. The P5,000 we received really helped us. I immediately bought a
sack of rice, vitamins, and milk for my children), Mark said.
Clementino also had the same fate. He was also excluded from the initial
list because his house was located just behind a big, cemented house. So the
barangay officials thought he was not qualified. But again, the validating team
from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office made sure to really locate
the possible beneficiaries, so they found Clementino’s house.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay natud-an gyud nila among panimalay. Kay
kung wala pa mi na validate, sigurado ko dili gyud mi maapil ug hantod karon
maglisod gyud unta gihapon mi. Salamat sa DSWD ug kang Pres, Duterte sa ayuda.
Dako kaayo ni ug tabang sa amo. Nakapalit gyud ko ug vitamins sa akong asawa ug
gatas sa akong anak. Naa pud ko gitago para sa pagpanganak (We are really
thankful that they were able to locate our house. Because if we were not
located properly, we would have been left out of the program – we would still
be suffering right now. We thank the DSWD and Pres. Duterte for the aid. This
has really helped us in this time of crisis. After receiving the money, I
bought some vitamins for my wife and milk for my son. I also made sure to save
some of the money for my wife’s delivery)," Clementino emotionally shared.
Marilou, who was tasked to lead the validation teams, admitted that they
had a hard time locating the families who were on the initial list from DSWD’s
Listahanan Database.
“Naglisod gajud kami kay dili na matuod ang mga balay nila, ang uban
natabunan na sa mga dagko nga balay ug building. Apan ako mismo naniguro nga
makita sila kay luoy pud ug dili sila makadawat labi na nga apektado sila sa
(We really had a hard time locating their houses, especially that some houses
were hidden in plain view due to the newly built buildings and houses. But I
made sure that they be located and identified since it would be unfair on their
part since they are qualified for the program because they are affected by the
pandemic),” Marilou said.
But amidst the challenges, the LGU of General Luna made sure that they
did all the necessary preparations, especially in the validation of qualified
families. “Wala kami nagpa pressure sa timeline, wala kami nagdali-dali. Kay
mas importante sa amo nga mavalidate ang mga pamilya aron ang mahatagan kadtong
qualified gajud (We did not rush the process. We did not succumb to the
pressure of meeting the timeline. What we did was we ensured the calidation
process to ensure that we identify those qualified families),” Marilou added.
DSWD – LGU PARTNERSHIP
The implementation of the SAP was a challenge not just for DSWD, but
also to the LGUs. This has been the first time that such a critical program was
implemented in a short period of time. This includes the orientation,
preparation of documents, fund transfer, validation, the payout, and eventually
the liquidation. The partnership of DSWD, the LGUs, the Philippine National
Police, The Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Interior and
Local Government made the SAP implementation successful, especially in Caraga
region.
Everyone understood how important the program was to the most affected
families, so the cooperation and coordination between DSWD, the LGU, and the
other partners was kept tight.
For a 5th class municipality which is basically dependent on its tourism
industry, the pandemic was more than a challenge – it was a crippling force
that brought the economy, the life in the island to a standstill. It was a big
problem to the families who were dependent on the influx of tourist in the
island, especially that majority of the job opportunities in the tourism
industry is informal. But with the Social Amelioration Programs, the affected
families were given a lifeline. It was a breath of fresh air for them, a chance
to at least provide for the needs of their families.
DSWD and the LGUs are continuously working to provide a more sustainable
service to the communities affected by the pandemic. No one knows how long the
COVID-19 virus would post as a threat, so no one is backing down, or relaxing.
Continued efforts are being done to address the needs of the communities, even
those who have yet to receive any aid from the government. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga ARBOs continue
to earn amid COVID-19 crisis
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- Amid the coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) crisis in Caraga region, the livelihood of the Agrarian Reform
Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) is still up and earning with the help of
the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
While the ARBOs ensure continuous production of rice, vegetables, and
organic eggs, among others, DAR also helps in providing the potential
market centers for the farmer sector in the region.
DAR-Caraga regional director Leomides Villareal bared that the ARBOs in
the entire Caraga have earned more than P51-million.
Villareal added that DAR-Caraga has constantly been providing assistance
to the ARBOs in order to help them cope with their daily needs during this
crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, apart from the government’s Social Amelioration, DAR-Caraga
has also extended food packs to the ARBs and continues to facilitate lending
mechanism programs through the department of agriculture and other concerned
government agencies.
Director Villareal also revealed that the ARBs have also been reaching
out to the different local government units where they could sell their
produce, hence, they were able to earn higher income and profit.
DAR-Caraga chief is also grateful to the LGUs for properly managing the
COVID-19 crisis in the region, including the frontliners for their commitment
and sacrifices. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Over a thousand
stranded tourists in Caraga successfully sent home during lock down
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- Over a thousand foreign and local tourists
stranded in Caraga were successfully sent home during lock down.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga facilitated the sweeper flights
of 1,201 tourists during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period in the
region. Eight hundred forty-one (841) of these were foreign tourists while 360
were domestic tourists.
According to DOT Caraga regional director Mary Jean Camarin, the
department was able to facilitate 18 international flights, two domestic
flights, 13 land transfers, and two boat transfers to ferry the tourists.
During quarantine period, they also provided kits containing food packs and
hygiene products for the tourists’ use.
Since foreign tourists had to be sent home first, a P2, 000 cash
allowance was given to the local tourists who were scheduled under the
succeeding batches of sweeper flights.
Director Camarin bared that they had to ensure that every tourist could
go home despite border restrictions as part of their Quick Response Kontra
Pandemic.
She stated that gathering the tourists was definitely challenging. While
it was easier to gather the tourists who were from the Siargao Islands,
additional transportation had to be provided to others who were stranded in
far-flung areas municipalities in other provinces.
“There were times that we had to scout for tourists who happen to be
near the airport just to replace the slots that were initially allotted to
tourists who did not show up on their flight schedule. We also took the time to
urge tourists to avail of the sweeper flights since we also do not want to
waste our resources,” she added.
The department also had to work their way around strict provincial
border protocols.
The DOT Caraga is yet to schedule the flights of the remaining 101
foreign tourists and 107 domestic tourists.
The regional director hinted that DOT is yet to come up with
interventions to assist stakeholders in the tourism sector that will also be
congruent to the regulations set under the “new normal.” (DMNR/PIACaraga)
DOH Caraga confirms
5th COVID-19 case
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga
confirms the fifth case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in
Caraga region.
The patient is a 65-year-old male and a resident in the province of
Agusan del Norte. The patient has a travel history in Manila on late February.
The patient is also asthmatic and hypertensive.
DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. bared that the
patient is currently asymptomatic and is under strict home quarantine.
“Since his arrival, the patient has been under strict home quarantine
and isolation. He will be subjected to close monitoring and further
evaluation,” he said.
Dr. Llacuna added that the department and other concerned agencies are
now conducting contact tracing.
Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte provincial governor Dale B. Corvera
appealed to Caraganons, especially those residing in Agusan del Norte, to
continue to abide protocols and lend their cooperation to the authorities if
needed be.
The patient’s sample was among the 47 samples sent to the Southern
Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). The remaining 46 samples tested negative in
the confirmatory test. (DMNR/PIACaraga)
Ika-5 kaso ng
COVID-19, kinumpirma ng DOH Caraga
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- Kinumpirma ng Department of Health (DOH)
Caraga ang ika-limang kaso ng Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa Caraga
region.
Ang pasyente ay isang 65-year-old na lalake at residente ng probinsya ng
Agusan del Norte. May travel history ito sa Manila noong Pebrero. Ang pasyente
ay may asthma at hypertension.
Ayon kay DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr.,
kasalukuyang asymptomatic ang pasyente at naka strict home quarantine.
“Simula nang makarating ang pasyente ay in-isolate na siya at naka
strict home quarantine. Isasailalim din siya sa close monitoring at
kinakailangang evaluation,” aniya.
Giit pa ni Dr. Llacuna, patuloy ang kanilang koordinasyon sa iba pang
mga kinauukulang otoridad para sa pagsasagawa ng contact tracing.
Panawagan naman ni Agusan del Norte Gobernador Dale Corvera sa mga
Caraganons, lalo na sa mga residente ng Agusan del Norte, na maging agresibo pa
sa pagsunod sa mga protocols at ilaan ang kanilang kooperasyon sa mga otoridad
kung kinakailangan.
Ang sample ng pasyente ay kabilang sa 47 samples na ipinadala sa
Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). Nag negatibo sa confirmatory test
ang natirang 46 samples. (DMNR/PIACaraga)
Caraga mining firms
spend P73.5M for COVID-19 response
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 25 -- Member-companies of the
Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region Incorporated (CMCRI) have already spent a
total of P73.567 million in their respective mining communities and surrounding
areas to help the government ease the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) crisis.
CMCRI is composed of large-scale mining firms and mineral processing
companies that either have active operations in Caraga region or are in ‘care
and maintenance’ status.
Based on the consolidated reports received by the Mines and Geosciences
Bureau-Region 13 (MGB-13), a total of 14 mining and mineral processing
companies under CMCRI have readily responded to the call of the national
government to help affected communities that are struggling following the
imposition of lockdowns or quarantine measures.
These containment measures restrict the movement of people and
temporarily shuttered businesses, prompting the government to ration food and
other essential services to residents, even as it called on the private sector
to help.
CMCRI member-companies spread in the region's five provinces immediately
heeded to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has earlier signed the
Bayanihan to Heal as One Act [Republic Act No. 11469] to boost the government's
response to the pandemic.
Of the total cash aid as of May 13, CMCRI member-companies released the
following amount per province: Agusan Sur - P5.19M; Agusan Norte- P4.001M;
Surigao Sur - P9.043M; Surigao Norte - P52.388M; Dinagat Islands - P2.945M.
CMRI emphasized that the running figures are still subject for auditing
and validation of MGB-13.
Further, the region's premier mining organization has also committed to
spend some P105.903 million based on the realigned budgets mandated by MGB for
COVID-19 assistance and other relevant purposes. (CMCRI)
DSWD-Caraga completes
SAP distribution for non-4Ps families
BUTUAN CITY, May 25 — The Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) Field Office Caraga has completed the distribution of the emergency
cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Programs (SAP) first tranche. All 73
cities and municipalities in the region have accomplished
100 percent of their total targets for the Emergency Subsidy Program
(ESP).
Caraga Region served a total of 305,096 low-income families who are
Non-Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Non-4Ps) beneficiaries, amounting to
P1,525,480,000.00. This was divided to the five provinces namely: Agusan del
Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Province of
Dinagat Islands. Agusan del Norte was allotted 96,055 slots, and has the
largest number of beneficiaries among the provinces.
The Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP) through SAP of DSWD, is a cash
subsidy granted under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11469, to the families qualified
as “low-income-households” that are most affected by the virtual economic
standstill and most vulnerable to the economic slowdown resulting from the
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis and are now unable to earn for their
daily sustenance under the stay-at-home or community quarantine conditions.
The subsidy in Caraga Region was pegged at P5,000.00 based on the
prevailing regional minimum wage rate. This addressed the basic needs of a
family like food, medicine, toiletries, and other basic necessities.
DSWD has earlier commended the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Caraga
for their prompt and efficient implementation of SAP. As early as April 08,
2020, several LGUs have already started delivering the financial aid to Non-4Ps
beneficiaries, the municipality of Malimono, and Surigao City are among them.
Among all the regions in the Philippines, Caraga is one of the few that
was able to finish the distribution within the period allotted. This was made
possible by the strong partnership between DSWD Field Office Caraga, the local
government units, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines,
Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the different agencies
that took part of the implementation of the Social Amelioration
Programs. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
Mahigit isang daang
turistang stranded sa Caraga nakauwi na sa kabila ng lock down
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- Mahigit 100 turista na nastranded sa Caraga
ang napauwi sa gitna ng pagpapatupad ng lock down.
Pinangasiwaan ng Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga ang sweeper flights
ng 1,201 turista habang napasailalim pa sa Enhanced Community Quarantine
(ECQ) ang rehiyon. Walong daan at apat naput isa dito ay foreign tourists
habang 360 dito ay domestic tourists.
Ayon kay DOT Caraga regional director Mary Jean Camarin, pinangasiwaan
ng departamento ang 18 international flights, dalawang domestic flights, 13
land transfers, at dalawang boat transfers sa pagpapauwi ng mga turista.
Namahagi din sila ng mga kits na naglalaman ng food packs at hygiene products
sa kasagsagan ng lock down.
Dahil inuna na muna ang pagpapauwi sa mga foreign tourists, nagbigay din
ang DOT ng P2, 000 cash allowance sa mga local tourists na nakatakdang bumyahe
sa susunod na mga sweeper flights.
Ibinahagi din ni Director Camarin na bilang parte ng kanilang Quick
Response Kontra Pandemic, siniguro nilang makauwi ang mga ito kahit na may mga
restrictions sa local at international borders.
Naging hamon din ang pagtipon ng mga turista. Bagamat naging madali ang
tipunin ang mga turistang galing Siargao Islands, may iba na nastranded sa mga
munisipyo sa ibang probinsya kung kaya’t kinailangan pang maglaan ng dagdag
transportasyon.
“May mga pagkakataon din na pinostpone ng ilang minutos ang ilang
flights dahil kinailangan naming maghanap ng mga turistang papalit sa mga slots
ng mg turistang hindi makakarating sa kanilang flight schedule. Hinimok din
naming ang iba pang mga turistang hindi pa nakapag apply sa libreng sweeper
flights nang makauwi na sila,” dagdag niya.
Inaasikaso pa ng departamento ang pagpapauwi ng natitirang 101 foreign
tourists at 107 domestic tourists.
Pahiwatig din ng regional director na nasa proseso pa ang DOT sa
pagpaplano ng mga susunod na hakbang upang matulungan ang mga stakeholders sa
tourism sector na sasangayon din sa mga regulasyon ng “new normal.”
(DMNR/PIACaraga)
Hulyo gitakdang
‘Blood Donors Month’ sa Carmen
MUNISIPYO SA CARMEN, Agusan del Norte, Mayo 25 -- Gitakdang magpahigayon
na ang lungsod sa Carmen ning probinsya isip Blood Donors Month matag Hulyo
kada tuig human gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Municipal
Ordinance No.03-2020 nga nagmugna niini pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No.
206-2020.
Basi sa rekomendasyon sa Committee on Health and Nutrition nga gipangunahan
ni Bokal Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, ang nasangpit nga ordinansa nga gi-aprobahan
bag-ohay pa lamang nahiuyon sa Provincial Ordinance No. 449-2017 nga giilang
Sandugo Ordinance of Agusan del Norte.
Isip pakig-operar niini, ang Sangguniang Bayan sa Carmen magpahigayon og
Blood Donors kada buwan sa Hulyo aron mapauswag ug madasig ang mga katawhan sa
pagboluntaryo nga pagdonar ug aron maila nga ang pag donar og dugo usa ka
makatawhanong lihok.
Ang nag-unang tahas sab niini mao ang paghatag og igo, luwas ug barato
nga suplay sa dugo ug ipahibalo sa publiko ang kahinungdanon sa boluntaryong
pagdonar aron mapugngan ang mga peligro tungod sa pagbaligya sa dugo.
Ang maong programa naglangkob sa pag-apil sa tanang establisamento, mga
institusyon, non-governmental organizations, people’s oraganizations ug mga
indibidwal uban ang suporta sa Municipality’s Blood Donation Program nga
pangunahan sa Rural Health Unit sa Carmen sa koordinasyon usab sa concerned
national government agencies ug uban pang partner stakeholders.
Sa laing bahin gitakdang magpahigayon usab ang lungsod sa Carmen og Eye
Examination Month matag bulan sa Agosto diin kini ubos sa Municipal Ordinance
No.02-2020 nga naaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian
Resolution No. 207-2020 sa pagpanginahan ni Bokal Calo.
Ang maong programa nahisubay sa Department of Health No.40 ug Philippine
Academy Opthalmology kun PAO isip “Sight-Saving Month.”
Kini aron madugangan ang kahibalo sa katawhan sa kalidad sa pag-atiman
sa mata ug aron makunhuran ang pagkaylap sa pagkabuta. (SVD, LGU Agusan del
Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Implementasyon ng
'Balik Probinsya Program,' pinaigting pa sa Caraga
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
Sa tulong ng PHILTRANCO, nagagamit ang kanilang bus sa pagsundo ng mga
na-stranded na indibidwal pabalik sa kani-kanilang bayan. Ang mga bus na ito ay
mahigpit ding sumusunod sa health protocol at social distancing sa mga
pasahero.
Tinututukan naman ng LGU-La Paz ng nasabing probinsya ang
pagsundo ng may mahigit 600 indibidwal na na-stranded sa iilang high risk
areas ng bansa. Patuloy din ang kanilang pagsasaayos ng mga quarantine
facilities para sa mga nagbalik probinsya.
Sa bayan ng Trento, Agusan del Sur, may mahigit 100 indibidwal na rin
ang nakabalik sa kanilang lugar at lahat ay dumaan sa rapid testing upang
masuri ang kanilang kondisyon.
Mahigpit ding pinaalalahanan ni Allen Joe Lumanta, ang information
officer ng nasabing bayan sa lahat ng gustong umuwi na huwag kaligtaang
makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang barangay bago ito bumiyahe.
“Sa lahat ng ating mga Trentohanon, huwag pong kalimutang
makigpag-ugnayan sa inyong mga barangay official upang maging maayos at
organisado po ang inyong pag-uwi. Ang ating LGU naman ay patutuloy na
magbibigay serbisyo sa inyo at tutulong sa inyong ligtas na pagbalik sa
probinsya,” ani ni Lumanta.
Samantala, patuloy din ang implementasyon ng “Hatid Estudyante
Program” ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB),
kung saan nauna nang humiling ng tulong ang mga studyanteng mula sa Mindanao
State University (MSU) na nastranded sa Iligan at Marawi City. Nakauwi na ang
may mahigit 500 studyante sa kani-kanilang lugar sa Caraga region.
Binigyang-diin ni LTFRB-Caraga regional director Ma. Kristina Cassion na
malaki ang naitutulong ng programang ito sa mga studyante na nastranded mula pa
noong Marso. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Mga guro at tricycle
drivers, nakabenepisyo sa ayudang hatid ng LGU-Trento
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 25 (PIA) - Sa harap ng coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) crisis, patuloy ang pamimigay ng ayuda ng lokal na pamahalaan
sa ibat-ibang sektor. Kabilang sa nakabenepisyo ang dalawang magkaibang
displaced workers sa bayan ng Trento, Agusan del Sur.
Mahigit 800 guro mula sa ibat-ibang pribado at pampublikong paaralan ng
nasabing bayan ang tumanggap ng isang sakong bigas mula sa lokal na pamahalaan.
Paglilinaw ng LGU-Trento, na ang mga benepisyaryong guro ay yung
napabilang sa "No work, No pay status", special education fund at
Parents-Teachers Asociation (PTA)-paid, at mga volunteer teachers na hindi
nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa eskwelahang kanilang pinagtatrabahoan.
Samantala, tumanggap din ng tig-P2,000.00 ang bawat isa ng may mahigit
300 tricycle drivers bilang ayuda sa nasabing sektor mula sa lokal na
pamahalaan.
Base sa tala ng Business Permit and Licensing Office ng Trento, naging
batayan ng pamamahagi ng ayuda ang pagkakaroon ng driver's license at bagong
permit to operate ng bawat benepisyaryo.
Tiniyak din ng LGU-Trento na ang mga guro at tricycle drivers na binigyan
ng ayuda ay hindi benepisyaryo ng social amelioration at hindi kabilang sa
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Indigenous Peoples (IPs) o
anumang grupo na tumatanggap ng social pension.
Sa kabuuan, umabot sa halos P2.5-million ang dagdag na ginastos ng
nasabing LGU mula sa kanilang Gender and Development (GAD) fund para sa
magkaibang ayudang kanilang ipinamahagi sa grupo ng mga guro at tricycle
drivers.
Ayon naman kay Trento Municipal Mayor William Calvez, sadyang ipinatupad
ng kanyang administrasyon ang pamamahagi ng nasabing mga ayuda sa layuning
maibsan ang hirap na dinaranas ng mga sektor na lubhang naapektuhan sa krisis
na dulot ng COVID-19.
“Nang dahil sa kinakaharap natin na krisis sa COVID-19 kung saan
apektado ang kabuhayan ng ating mga guro at tricycle drivers, pinaabot din
natin sa kanila ang tulong mula sa gobyerno. Umaasa tayo na malalampasan din
natin ang lahat ng ito,” ani ni Calvez. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
