Andanar to Filipinos:
Maintain optimism amid challenges vs pandemic
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA) -- Communications Secretary Martin Andanar encouraged fellow Filipinos to maintain optimism as they face the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In today’s episode of the Laging Handa Network Briefing, the
Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) secretary cited the life of
famous silent film actor and comedian Charlie Chaplin and drew inspiration from
his hardships and success, considered by biographer David Robinson as the “most
dramatic of all the rags-to-richest stories ever told.”
Born in a rather dismal childhood, the actor was known to have raised
himself, since both of his parents were inept to take care of him. His father
was an alcoholic while his mother was confined in a mental institution.
Chaplin’s success and stardom were established entirely from his own brilliance
and dedication to produce and create silent comedy films which remained iconic
even today.
Secretary Andanar imparted to his fellow Filipinos to try to live by
Chaplin’s wisdom when dealing with crisis: remember that nothing is forever,
not even one’s problems, and dismiss troubles with gracious forgetfulness.
“Like Chaplin, let us laugh our problems away. These, too, shall pass.
All the problems in this world have their solutions. Have faith, never lose
hope and surely one day, you will achieve what you’ve been yearning for,” the
secretary affirmed.
Today’s episode featured the municipal mayor of San Fransisco town in
Agusan del Sur Solomon Rufila and Rosario town Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
Federation president Kirkja Fuentes. Joining them are the undersecretaries of
the Department of Health (DOH), Usec. Maria Rosario Vergiere and Department of
Education (DepEd), Usec. Diosdado San Antonio, with Alexis Cabardo from PTV
Agusan del Sur as the media co-host. (DMNR/PIACaraga)
DOH exec advises granular lockdown in AgSur town
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA) - “We are having difficulty in finding out the direct contact of those who tested positive. We don't know who tested positive from private hospitals.”
This was the statement of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Mayor Solomon
Rufila, as he raised during the Network Briefing hosted by Presidential
Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, that local transmission
in the municipality is increasing and these cases mostly involved the private
individuals.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire responded that a granular
lockdown should be implemented in the target communities, as it will help
prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with the
implementation of a strict quarantine for those affected individuals.
“When this happens, we need to implement granular lockdowns. When you
have identified that there's clustering or local transmission in a certain
facility, the LGU's local chief executive has the right to investigate and do
very strict contact tracing. If the establishment needs to be closed to contain
the transmission, that needs to be done. If it's a hospital, we can extract the
health care workers who are infected, put them in a temporary treatment and
monitoring facility, and do strict contact tracing,” said Vergeire.
The health official added that as early as possible, the LGU should be
able to contain the transmission in that area. “The granular lockdown, aside
from the coordinated operations to defeat the epidemic, that's CODE strategy.
You need to do a house to house visit, identify those with symptoms, and all
with exposure or close contact. Once you identify them, you must quarantine
them away from their house," she said.
"With the CODE strategy, you can identify who has symptoms, you can
subject them to testing, quarantine and prevent the spread of the virus. You
have to strengthen your barangay health emergency response team so they will
monitor the community, do contact tracing, and will be a direct link of the
local government to the community,” Usec. Vergeire added.
Mayor Rufila emphasized that the LGU is continuously conducting contact
tracing. “Our frontliners are monitoring those that tested positive so they
cannot go out, and the barangay officials provide their needs,” he said.
(JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Army, TESDA aid AgNor
villages toward productivity, resiliency
By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 1 -- The 23rd Infantry
"Masigasig" Battalion (23rd IB) and the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte(TESDA-ADN) conducted a
"Grand Pulong- pulong sa Barangay" in support of the Poverty
Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the National Task Force
to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on September 25, 2020 and was
joined by residents of Barangays Poblacion and Rojales in Carmen, Agusan del
Norte.
The NTF-ELCAC was established through Executive Order No. 70 s. 2018 or
the Whole-of-Nation Approach assembling the different national government
agencies (NGAs) and the private sector to aid communities that are in need of
assistance and social development and to solve the 52-year-old insurgency
problem in the country. The PRLEC is one of the 12 clusters of NTF-ELCAC led by
TESDA with the task of designing new and different strategies to ensure better
services for communities and as part of the state’s efforts to further promote sustainable
and inclusive peace.
Director Rey Cueva of TESDA-ADN presented the overview of PRLEC to the
100 members and supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT)
from Poblacion and Rojales during the activity. He emphasized to the participants
the objectives of the creation of PRLEC, to include the development of self-
reliant, resilient and sustainable communities through harmonized and
culturally responsive development programs. He also stressed that the
harmonious implementation of government programs in local communities is a big
factor to influence the communities to realize their own capabilities. He
further said that the PRLEC must conduct a community needs assessment, not only
on the level of skills needs assessment but also on other factors wherein the
other government instrumentalities can intervene to gain much bigger and wider
impact, output and outcome.
“PRLEC programs are specific and not just a series of activities so that
impact will be felt. There are different kinds of poverty - not only food but
also basic services from the government like health and sanitation. We should
be able to categorize what best suits Livelihood we need, capacitate as many
special clients as possible, as part of our mandate as an agency, as well as in
support to the national endeavor to promote sustainable and inclusive peace,”
Cueva said.
Carmen Municipal Administrator Wilfredo Taglucop, who represented Mayor
Jovette C. Calo, expressed gratitude to the PRLEC members for their efforts of
bringing the plans and programs of TESDA and other line agencies to the
constituents of Carmen.
He said that the LGU of Carmen is always ready to support the PRLEC team
to address the root causes of the insurgency in the area.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Commander of the 23rd IB,
urged the people of Barangays Poblacion and Rojales to unite and support the
government.
“The peace and development efforts of the government to communities
particularly to the identified conflict-affected barangays aim to strengthen
the barangay-based institutions and sectoral organizations to engage in
participatory issue resolutions and the different peace and order
interventions,” Paulo said.
He pointed out that the PRLEC is one of the national government’s
mechanisms in implementing the Whole-of-Nation Approach to peacefully end the
local communist armed conflict as institutionalized by President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte through EO 70.
He added that the PRLEC plays a vital role in the implementation of the
programs and services of EO 70 through entrepreneurship and marketing,
employment, training, financing, institutional development, and food production
to enhance the livelihood and employment of the communities. (CMO Officer,
23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
AgSur town imposes stricter health protocols vs COVID-19
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA) - As there has been an increase in the number of the local transmission cases recorded in the municipality of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Municipal Mayor Solomon Rufila implements strict health protocols for his constituents, while awaiting for the approval on the request of the local government unit for the declaration of a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in the municipality by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
During the Network Briefing on Thursday (Oct. 1) hosted by Secretary
Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),
Mayor Rufila announced that the LGU focuses on the implementation of granular
lockdown to the barangays with high cases of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19). “This is to monitor the health condition of the affected
individuals and provide them the necessary treatment while they are observing
the quarantine,” he said.
The conduct of contact tracing is also ongoing in the targeted barangays
of the municipality. “The barangay officials are monitoring the situations in
their respective areas and take care of the concerns of the affected
individuals,” he said.
It was also learned that the operation in the public market is strictly
monitored and basic health protocols are observed by the vendors and consumers
such as wearing of face mask and face shield, while only essential travel going
to and from San Francisco is allowed so far. This he said, is to control the
movement of the people and avert the spread of infection.
The mayor called on the locals to continue to follow the health
protocols and minimum health standards and help prevent the increasing number
of infected individuals. He added that the LGU does not tolerate violators of
the imposed guidelines and will continue to monitor the movement of its people.
“Let’s all unite and work together as we fight against COVID-19 by
simply following the guidelines imposed by the IATF,” said Mayor Rufila.
(JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Youth leaders provide aid to affected sectors in AgSur villages
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA) - Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the province of Agusan del Sur continue to take part in the government’s effort to address the needs of the locals and keep them safe from the spread of the virus.
This was emphasized by Kirkja Fuentes, SK municipal federated president
of Rosario, Agusan del Sur during the Network Briefing on Thursday (Oct. 1)
hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications
Operations Office (PCOO).
Fuentes revealed that they have distributed relief goods to the affected
sectors in the municipality particularly the senior citizens and the tricycle
drivers.
Also, in preparation for the opening of classes, they have distributed
school supplies to the pupils/students in different schools in their area.
"We are continuously reaching out and helping the different sectors in the
barangays who are greatly affected by this pandemic," he said.
“The youth plays a vital role in our society, hence, we feel and take
responsibility and contribute to the solutions to the pressing issues of our
community especially during this time of the pandemic. We will continue to do
this kind of activity to help more people,” underscored Fuentes.
Fuentes urged the youths to take courage and be of help to other people
who are in need even in their own simple ways. “Let’s remain to be strong and
we could all get through this, and in unity, we will heal as one.”
(JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DBP loan portfolio up 15.6%, reaches P364.4B in 1st half
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 1 -- State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines
(DBP) continued to boost its financial support for strategic growth initiatives
in the second quarter of the year, with P364.4-billion in loans to borrowers
reflecting a notable 15.6% increase from the P315.13-billion recorded during
the same period last year, a top official said.
DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the
provision of sustained development financing to business and industry remains
crucial as the country gradually recovers from the effects of the current
global health crisis.
“As the premier infrastructure bank of the country, DBP will continue to
streamline its lending programs to be more responsive to the funding needs of
priority economic sectors, in support of the government's recovery initiatives
given the adverse impact of the pandemic,” Herbosa added.
Herbosa said that bulk of the loans amounting to P165.3-billion went to
the infrastructure and logistics sector, followed by loans to social services,
P77.1-billion, environment projects, P43.6-billion, and micro, small, and
medium enterprises, P29.6-billion.
He attributed the increase in its loan portfolio to aggressive lending
activities by its 30 lending units nationwide despite the challenges posed by
the pandemic during the second quarter of the year.
“Our Rehabilitation Support Program on Severe Events (DBP RESPONSE) has
helped our clients mitigate the impact of the prevailing health emergency with
four borrowers benefiting from the P429-million loan approval from January to
June this year,” Herbosa said.
Herbosa also reported that the bank’s total deposits grew by more than
37% as of end June this year, to P637.11-billion from the P463.83-billion
reported in the same period in 2019 as a result of the marketing and financial
inclusion initiatives undertaken by DBP's expanded branch network of 129
branches and 11 branch-lite units nationwide.
He said this deposit growth typifies the growing public sentiment that
DBP is a strong and stable financial institution, manned by dedicated public
servants who continued to provide service despite the prevailing health climate.
“During the second quarter of the year, DBP’s total assets also grew by
more than 25%, to P835.81-billion from P667.91-billion during the same period
last year, bringing us closer to our goal of becoming a one trillion-peso bank
by 2022,” Herbosa said.
DBP Executive Vice President for Corporate Services and concurrent DBP
Head of Operations Marietta M. Fondevilla said the bank’s net income for the
first semester reached P2.9-billion, down by 6.45% from the P3.1-billion from
the same period last year, due mainly to higher provisioning for credit losses.
She said gross revenue totaled P16.53-billion, showing a 4% increase
from the P15.91-billion that DBP generated in 2019.
“Notwithstanding the various congressional initiatives to strengthen
DBP’s financial position, the bank will continue to maximize and re-allocate
its resources to fund initiatives with optimal development impact, while
ensuring DBP’s viability during these challenging times,” Fondevilla said.
(DBP/PIA Caraga)
Surigaonons continue to cry for justice, denounce NPA violence
By 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 1 -- Some 80 residents of Brgy.
Ima, Sison, Surigao del Norte staged an indignation rally on September 21, 2020
to denounce all forms of violence and terrorism perpetrated by the Communist
New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs).
The indignation rally was a manifestation of the residents' sincere
desire to support the government in its campaign to put an end to the local
communist armed conflict and to demand justice for the death of PSSg. Restie
Dandan who was ruthlessly murdered by the CNTs of Guerilla Front 16 under
Rolando Leyson Jr. alias Edroy on August 18, 2020.
It can be recalled that Mayor Karissa R. Fetalvero-Paronia of the
municipality of Sison gave her strongest statement of condemnation against the
CNTs who have shown great disrespect for human life.
“It is truly heart-wrenching to lose a fellow who fought with us to
achieve peace. I know that people are anxious to know what happened to our
brother in faith, PSsgt. Dandan,” said Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, commanding
officer of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB),
He added he was surprised that people gained so much courage to conduct
an indignation rally and denounce the evil works of the CNTs. “We feel
reassured and certain of winning the war against violence and terrorism because
we could now feel the unwavering support of the people. Rest assured that we
are here to continue to protect each of you and secure our beloved land against
these heartless terrorists," Lt. Col. Criste said. (CMO Officer,
29IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
US, PH universities forge partnerships
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 1 -- The representatives
from Philippines and United States (U.S.) universities recently met for a virtual
partnerships fair hosted by EducationUSA and the Commission on Higher Education
International Affairs Staff (CHED-IAS).
At the event, university presidents and senior officials from 68
Philippine schools and 45 U.S. institutions heard from the U.S. Embassy and
CHED on the importance of creating and expanding partnerships that sustain
international educational exchange.
After the opening remarks delivered by Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla,
Director of CHED-IAS, U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Matt Keener
welcomed the participants.
“There is no greater way to strengthen the ties between two countries
than through expanding educational linkages, and creating these enduring ties
between our countries is as important as ever,” said Keener.
The U.S. universities also hosted individual breakout rooms to meet with
Philippine universities interested in exploring new partnership opportunities,
including student exchanges, visiting scholars, collaborative research
programs, and lecture series.
The virtual fair was the sixth event under the “Pathways to Opportunity:
EdUSA-CHED Speaker Series on Internationalization” meant to build the
international capacity of Philippine universities and expand linkages between
U.S. and Philippine institutions.
The speaker series is also one of the primary outputs of the
U.S.-Philippine Joint Statement on Higher Education Cooperation signed during
the 2019 U.S.-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue.
Along with promoting internationalization in higher education,
EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international
students in more than 170 countries and offers students resources and tools to
help navigate the five steps to U.S. study: researching schools; identifying
financial aid opportunities; completing applications; obtaining a student visa;
and preparing for departure.
There are more than 4,700 accredited higher education institutions in
the United States, and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their
options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA
does not offer scholarships but can assist students in identifying scholarship
and financial assistance opportunities.
More information about EducationUSA can be accessed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines and on Twitter at @EducationUSA_PH. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA Surigao del Norte)
