SurSur tourist destinations closed anew as COVID-19 cases spike
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, October 15 (PIA) -- The famous Britania group of islets and
other tourist destinations in San Agustin town in Surigao del Sur are now under
temporary closure since October 10, 2020 due to a spike of COVID-19 cases in
the province.
The said town is the remaining municipality in the province to have no
record of confirmed cases.
The Department of Health previously declared local transmission in the
province on September 18, specifically in Bislig City. This prompted the
provincial government to issue the Executive Order No. 27, imposing heightened
health measures in the cities of Bislig and Tandag, effective September 21.
Majority of the province’s confirmed cases are from Bislig City, with
174 confirmed cases, 93 recoveries, and 15 deaths. The city of Tandag seconds
the tally, with 59 cases, 34 recoveries, and 2 deaths.
The provincial government maintained proactiveness in dealing with the
local COVID-19 situation. Head of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Dr. Eric
Montesclaros stated that the provincial government is ‘ready’ in terms of
providing an appropriate response to the health concerns among their citizens,
especially with the notable cooperation among local government units.
“For the few cases that we have, we can say that we are ready. The
cooperation among LGUs also made it possible for us to provide a swift
response. Detection was done immediately which is why we were able to monitor
and isolate identified cases and even imposed perimeter lockdowns. This, in
effect, stabilized the situation,” the health officer elaborated.
However, Dr. Montesclaros notes the cooperation of the public in order
for their initiatives to fully take effect.
"As we speak, the number of cases that tested positive is no longer
on the rise. However, we must not be complacent. The best way to combat this
disease is to instill discipline in oneself and religiously abide by the public
health measures imposed. We urge the public to be adaptable to the changes
imposed under the new normal especially since we are still in the midst of
overcoming the pandemic," he added.
As of October 13, the PHO reports 322 cumulative confirmed cases in
Surigao del Sur province, with 178 recoveries and 19 deaths. (DMNR/PIACaraga)
Army, PRO13 ladies club distribute food packs to 361 households in Butuan
By Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr.
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 15 -- With the aim to contribute in alleviating
the plight of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected communities, the
402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army in partnership with the
Officer’s Ladies Club (OLC) of the Police Regional Office 13 distributed 361
food packs to the needy in Purok 6 and 7 of Barangay Holy Redeemer, this city
on October 10, 2020.
A total of 361 households located in the slum areas of the said barangay
considered as the poorest among the poor in Butuan City, benefited the said
distribution. The distribution of food packs containing five kilos of rice,
five pieces eggs, two pieces of sardines, two noodles (misua and egg noodles)
and one pack biscuit, was facilitated by the personnel of the 402nd Brigade,
Brgy Local Government Unit (BLGU) Officials and Tanods of Brgy Holy Redeemer
led by Hon Efren Acaso and members of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through
our Youth (POINTY) Butuan City chapter led by Harold Sarsale.
With the continuing surge of cases and uncertainty brought about by the
pandemic, the 402nd Brigade headed by BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, Brigade
Commander, and the PRO13 OLC headed by Mrs Manilyn Agustin Caramat, wife of
PRO13 Regional Director, saw it fit and timely to complement the efforts of the
local government units and other stakeholders in giving support to the affected
communities.
“With the current COVID-19 pandemic, your Army has been continuously
collaborating and looking for ways to partner with other stakeholders and take
the initiative to facilitate the delivery of services and contribute in helping
the needy," said BGen. Licudine.
He added that these initiatives are part of the effort of the Community
Support Program of the Philippine Army in support to the fight against COVID-19
amidst the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) threat in the far-flung areas.
“While we are confronted with serious threats coming from the
CPP-NPA-NDF causing misery and sowing terror to the communities and its people,
your Army will always ensure the welfare of the people. At this point in time
especially with this crisis, we need each other to overcome the challenges
brought about by this pandemic,' he added.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the Officer’s Ladies Club of PRO13, Mrs. Caramat expressed her gratitude for the partnership offered to them as they also hold the firm belief that this kind of initiative is needed by the people mostly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. (CMO Officer, 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)
