Lacson Pushes High School for Students, Added Hardship Allowance for Teachers in Pag-Asa Island

24 Nov, 2021, No comments

Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson on Monday batted for additional school facilities and teachers in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, after learning of the plight of learners there when he visited the area last weekend.

Lacson also pushed for added benefits for teachers, as the island has only one elementary school and two teachers catering to 34 students coming from 54 households, with the students having little hope of a high school education.

"I think this is a cause for concern. After Grade 6, wala na, tapos na, wala nang kinabukasan ang bata (After Grade 6, the students won't have any more opportunity to get higher education that will give them a chance at a better future)," he said during the deliberations for the 2022 budget of the Department of Education.

He noted the nearest place for the students to study high school is Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, which will take more than a day to reach.

Lacson proposed that the government put up a high school building or integrate the high school facilities with the existing building; and hire at least one multigrade teacher who can teach kindergarten to high school.

Also, Lacson sought the DepEd's commitment for a Special Hardship Allowance (SHA) for the two teachers in Pagasa Island, noting this can be taken from the budget for the Last Mile Schools program.

He said that since the DepEd's circular does not allow a teacher to receive SHA for two more categories, the two teachers at Pag-asa Island are given only one hardship allowance per year - yet they experience more than one factor of difficulty - difficulties in travel and in teaching, as well as in access to amenities.

They also fall into two categories of eligibility for SHA - located in hardship posts and multi-grade teachers.

Lacson has been pushing for an "Edukasyon Plus" program to break the cycle of poverty that has hounded many Filipino families. The program aims to keep youths in school - and give them a better chance at improving their lot.

"Edukasyon Plus" also provides free tuition and a monthly allowance of P5,000 for the period of internship for qualified senior high school students (Grades 11 and 12) who enter a government internship program.

Earlier, Lacson pushed for an emergency employment program that includes paid internships for youths in the government and private sector. This aims to harness the skills of young Filipinos while giving them a chance to improve their skills. (PR)

Lacson: Easing of Curfew, Transportation Restrictions to Benefit Ailing Economy

5 Nov, 2021, No comments

The easing of curfew and transportation restrictions will benefit the Philippine economy which has received quite a beating from the effects of the pandemic, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said Thursday.

But while Lacson supported the moves that would enhance business activities and strengthen the economy, he reminded authorities to maintain containment strategies to prevent the virus from spreading.

"Sinusuportahan namin ang move na magbukas ng ekonomiya, para sa ganoon medyo sumigla ang ating business activities. Huwag lang kalimutan ang containment strategy na nakasanayan natin (I support the moves leading to the reopening of the economy, to revive our business activities. But our authorities must sustain the containment strategies in place)," he said at the first LACSON-SOTTO media forum.

"As far as I’m concerned, it’s about time mag-open up tayo, pag-lift ng curfew at pagtaas ng capacity ng passenger buses, tama ang move na yan (As far as I'm concerned, it's about time we opened the economy by lifting curfews and increasing the capacities for passenger buses)," he added.

Lacson is running for President under Partido Reporma while Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III is running for Vice President under the Nationalist People's Coalition.

On the other hand, Lacson said it is equally important that the government continue its testing, tracing, treatment and vaccination efforts.

He said it is important that local government officials roll out vaccines soonest as some of them have voiced fears that the vaccines they got may expire in one to three months.

"Importante ang rollout kasi masasayang (It is important to ensure an efficient rollout of the vaccines so we don't waste them)," he said.

Citing data from the National Economic and Development Authority, Lacson said the lockdowns in Metro Manila and elsewhere have caused P20.5 billion in losses per day - with micro, small and medium enterprises hit hardest.

Citing data from a study of the ADB Institute, he said MSMEs accounted for 73 percent of layoffs as of February 2021, while figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed MSMEs - comprising 99.5% of all enterprises and 63.2% of the labor force - took the first blow last year due to widespread community lockdowns. (PR)

Lacson: LGUs Should Have Greater Autonomy, Accountability to Implement Mandanas Ruling

3 Nov, 2021, No comments

With greater tax revenue shares come greater accountability.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson batted Tuesday for greater autonomy alongside greater accountability for local government units as they start getting an increased share of government tax revenues starting in 2022.

Lacson, a champion of empowering LGUs in implementing local development projects, said this is the key to true decentralization in the country while minimizing the chances of corruption in the use of the bigger revenues.

"Sa tingin ko mas makakabuti na bigyan ng laya ang LGUs. Kaya lang, palakasin natin ang reportorial at accountability. Bigyan sila ng responsibility mag-report kung paano sila nag-implement ng pagbaba ng projects (It would be for the best if we give LGUs the proper autonomy. But the LGUs must have additional accountability, including the responsibility to report how they implement their local projects)," he said over a radio interview.

Starting 2022, the country will implement the Mandanas ruling that increases local governments' share of tax revenues.

Under the Supreme Court ruling, Internal Revenue Allotments (IRAs) will increase from P695.5 billion in 2021 to P959 billion in 2022 - a growth rate of 37.9 percent. The ruling is expected to be fully implemented by 2024.

But Lacson said the government also has to make the proper adjustments to make sure decentralization involves not only functions but also funds.

"As we speak, the 2022 budget's compliance to the Mandanas ruling is only on paper. While functions have been devolved, the funds are still with the central offices in Metro Manila," Lacson lamented.

Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, likened the Philippines' economy to being in an Emergency Room, even as he and Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III are offering their brand of leadership to address the situation.

"Ang ino-offer namin Kakayahan, Katapatan, Katapangan sa pagsagupa ng problema ng bansa (We are offering our brand of KKK in solving the problems of the nation)," he said.

One of the programs the Lacson-Sotto tandem plans to implement should they win in 2022 are:

* to fully fund the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act to provide free health care for all Filipinos

* internship programs for the youth and emergency employment programs to help Filipinos who lost their livelihood to the pandemic

* comprehensive targeted fiscal stimulus packages for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), implementation of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, and grant of employee-retention tax credits

* a holistic approach to ending the illegal drug menace, which will include drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation instead of law enforcement alone

Lacson added he wants to leave behind a legacy where Filipinos have regained their dignity and self-respect - and what follows is just as important: restoring trust in the government. "Pinaka-important ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa ating pamahalaan (The trust of our people in government is very important)," he added. (PR)

Rodriguez urges LTO to scrap driver’s education requirement for license renewal

2 Nov, 2021, No comments

DEPUTY House Speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd Dist. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Tuesday, urged the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to scrap the requirement for those renewing their driver's license to go through a comprehensive driver’s education (CDE).

In Resolution No. 2325 filed last Friday, Rodriguez said the CDE “will be an additional expense for the Filipino people during this pandemic.”

He said the requirement “is unnecessary and has no legal basis.”

He said while the LTO is invoking Republic Act No. 10930, “there is no provision in the law which explicitly states that a certification for a CDE is required for renewing a driver’s license.”

“The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the spring cannot rise higher than its source and implementing rules must conform to the language of the law,” he stressed.

To avoid any confusion on the law, Rodriguez also filed on Friday Bill No. 10430 repealing relevant sections of RA 10930 which the LTO is invoking as the legal basis for the CDE requirement.

Quoting the LTO, he said the CDE is free of charge if it is done through the LTO website.

“However, it could also be obtained from LTO-accredited driving schools for P1,000 to P3,000,” he said.

This could be another source of red tape, harassment and corruption, he said.

The Mindanao lawmaker reminded the LTO that its requirements like vehicle emission testing have been the source of corruption and controversy especially if they are outsourced to private contractors.

He also urged the House to look into the CDE requirement.

He advised the LTO “to properly explain the basis for its impositions and to prove that the correct legal processes were complied with.”

Makati court suspends criminal proceedings vs Yanson 4 lawyer

29 Oct, 2021, No comments

A MUNICIPAL trial court (MTC) in Makati City has suspended the criminal proceedings for perjury and falsification charges against one of the legal counsel of the four Yanson siblings, the family that owns the largest bus companies in the country.

This after the Makati MTC on Thursday, October 28, granted the motion filed by lawyer Anna Isabella Galvez to suspend the criminal proceedings and to hold warrants of arrest in abeyance.

Galvez was the lawyer of the Yanson 4 (Roy, Ricardo, Emily, and Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson Lopez) who processed their General Information Sheet (GIS) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after the annual shareholders meeting of Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) in 2020 where the four siblings claim to have the major shares.

The Makati City Prosecutor's Office (CPO), in its resolution dated September 20, 2011, indicted Galvez with falsification and perjury in relation to the said GIS.

But the legal counsel of the Yanson 4 maintained that the Makati CPO has no jurisdiction of the case as there is still pending intra-corporate dispute that has yet to be resolved by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Bacolod City.

In a statement, lawyer Carlo Joaquin Narvasa of the Yanson 4, said Judge Xavier del Castillo of Makati MTC confirmed in its resolution dated October 28, 2021, the existence of a prejudicial question in a separate civil action before the Bacolod RTC, which is determinative of the guilt or innocence of the accused in the criminal cases and must be resolved first before the criminal action can proceed.

"Judge Del Castillo ruled that should the RTC of Bacolod City find that the July 7,2019 Board Meeting of VTI valid, including the resolution and corporate actions adopted by its board of directors at the said meeting and thereafter, it would follow that the statements made by Atty. Galvez in the company's 2020 GIS filed with the SEC are truthful. Thus, there could be no falsification of a public document," the statement said.

"Similarly, if the July 7, 2019 VTI Board Meeting is upheld by the RTC of Bacolod, Atty. Galvez and the Yanson 4 can not be considered to have made a willful assertion of falsehood and for perjury to be committed by them,"it added.

Narvasa also noted the court's resolution which said that both criminal actions for falsification and perjury hinge on the final determination by the Bacolod court of the pending intra-corporate suit between the warring Yanson factions in Commercial Court case No. 19-119.

"To avoid conflicting decisions between two courts, it is proper to suspend the proceedings before him until the intra-corporate issues are resolved pursuant to Section 6 and 7, Rule 111 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure,"it said.

File Photo

Lacson to focus on issues, not bashers

7 Oct, 2021, No comments

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has vowed to ignore bashers and "raise the level of discourse" during election campaigns and speaking engagements by purely focusing on issues the country is facing.

"Hindi kami magko-comment as much as possible sa mga makakatunggali namin. Ipe-presenta namin 'yung sarili namin, kung ano yung pwede naming gawin," Lacson said in an interview.

Lacson explained that they have agreed with his running mate Senator Tito Sotto to disregard bashers and not to resort to mudslinging and badmouthing fellow candidates, especially because most of their rivals are also their colleagues.

"Pag ganoon wag na lang patulan, ipaliwanag kung may dapat ipaliwanag, kung wala deadmahin na lang,"he said.

He also assured that should there be any similar incident in the future, it will be unintentional.

"Kung halimbawang maikumpara kami sa kanila, hindi sinasadya yun," he added.

Lacson said their combined 80 years in public service is enough to speak for what they are capable of doing.

"Pangunahin kasi sa amin, integridad at track record. Makikita naman natin sa ginawa namin sa aming public service ni Senate President," he said.

Supplied Photo

Lacson officially files COC for president

6 Oct, 2021, No comments

SENATOR Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has reiterated his main battle cry "Ang tama ay ipaglaban, ang mali ay labanan" ("Fight for what is right, fight against what is wrong") as he officially filed his certificate of candidacy for president in the 2022 polls today, October 6.

Lacson was joined by his running mate, Senate President Tito Sotto.

The filing of COC proves that the two are not backing out of the national elections contrary to the fake news circulating in provinces.

"Laban kung laban, hindi susuko", Lacson said.

In his speech at a hotel in Manila after the filing, Lacson vowed to restore the trust of the Filipino people in the government with his leadership.

He also vowed to end corruption in government, improve the country's pandemic response and fight for territorial rights on the West Philippine Sea.

"Panahon na upang maipanumbalik ang dignidad at respeto sa sarili ng bawat Pilipino sa loob at labas ng ating bansa. Kapag ang namumuno ay matino at nirerespeto, panalo ang pangkaraniwang Pilipino," Lacson said.

(It is time to restore the dignity and self-respect of Filipinos around the world. When the leader is good and respected, it is a win for the ordinary Filipino).

Supplied Photo

Lacson joins presidential race, wants incentives for fully vaccinated individuals

6 Oct, 2021, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Panfilo Lacson has urged the government to give incentives to those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to convince Filipinos who are still hesitant to get the vaccines.

“Yung bakuna, hindi naman natin mapupuwersa ang mga kababayan natin. So daanin natin sa incentive. Yung fully vaccinated, ika nga, bigyan mo ng konting ginhawa compared sa mga ayaw magpabakuna,” he said.

Lacson, who is set to file his candidacy for presidential post today, has vowed to make vaccines accessible and available to every Filipino once elected in office.

“Matatapos na yung taon at naghahanap tayo ng herd immunity, e nasa 16 % pa lang sa maraming probinsya. Paano tayo makakaahon? Di tayo makakaalis niyan sa pandemya,” he said.

Lacson said most of the Filipinos, especially in the provinces, are willing to be vaccinated but the supply and availability of vaccines are limited.

The lawmaker said the government should stop controlling the supply of vaccines and allow local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to import.

"Lahat ngayon kinokontrol ng government. Kaya medyo o naghahabol. Sa mga probinsya lalo,” he said.

Lacson said putting the right persons to do the job and wise government spending of the allotted budget are the keys to solve the pandemic.

“Unang una, right persons on the job. Dahil kung mali na yung tao na nasa posisyon initially, puro mali na yung susunod. Pangalawa, yung tamang paggamit, kasi nga nasa pandemya tayo, nakakarinig tayo ng misuse at abuse, eh hindi maganda. Kasi maraming namamatay, maraming nagkakasakit, tapos makakarinig tayo ng di magandang paggamit ng budget para sa kalusugan? Talagang masama ang idudulot,” he added.

10-M Filipinos now fully vaccinated

5 Aug, 2021, No comments

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr announced on Thursday, August 5, 2021, that the country reached an important milestone in its national vaccination program with more than ten million fully vaccinated Filipinos.

Secretary Roque likewise expressed confidence that the Philippines would reach its target of population protection.

“(M)ahigit sampung milyon, ang fully vaccinated na po. Nasa 109 million ang official population ng Pilipinas ayon sa 2020 census. Nasa 50 to 70 million ang ating target para sa population protection. Kumpiyansa tayo na maaabot natin ito,” said Roque.

National Task Force Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, on the other hand, reported that the country reached its highest daily inoculation last Tuesday, August 3, with 702, 013 jabs recorded.

Secretary Dizon added that vaccination would be ramped up in the National Capital Region (NCR), Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog during the period of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Also in the same press briefing, Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar allowed essential workers to be fetched by drivers who are not considered authorized persons outside residence, or non-APORs, provided they present a certificate of employment of the worker APOR or a copy of the business permit of the employer and another certification indicating the driver’s name, contact number, vehicle details as well as the contact details of the worker APOR and the employer.

Secretary Roque earlier attended the ceremonial program of the 10M Fully Vaccinated Filipinos event held in SM Megamall, where he underscored the importance of continuous vaccination to the country’s economy and growth, notwithstanding the imposition of ECQ in the NCR tomorrow, August 6.

“Bukas magsisimula na naman po tayo ng ECQ, ngunit hindi ibig sabihin na magsasara ang Pilipinas. Kaya po ngayon nandito tayo ginawa sa Megamall para ipakita na, COVID or no COVID, tuloy po ang pagtakbo ng ating ekonomiya. Hindi rin na nangahulugan hihinto rin ang bakunahan. Sasamantalahin natin ang ECQ para lalo po natin mapabilis po ang pagbabakuna,” said Roque.

In connection with this, SM Senior Vice President for Operations Bien Mateo mentioned that SM will further open its 67 vaccination mall venues during the ECQ. Two million jabs have been conducted in SM malls as of this writing. Essential shops and services, meanwhile, would remain open during the ECQ.

On the other hand, Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos highlighted that Mandaluyong has vaccinated 30,508 of its senior population out of the target 29,749 senior population, or 102.55%. More than 25,000, or 83%, of seniors in Mandaluyong are fully vaccinated while more than 5,000, or 17%, are waiting for their second dose.

Also this morning, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Benhur Abalos stressed that in view of the rising cases of COVID-19, the government had acted promptly based on their projections and assessments on the ground.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque meanwhile added that that everyone must unite saying that the whole government, the whole society, and the whole system must be there to ensure that the COVID-19 response would be successful.

Source: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson

CdeO, Gingoog City retain ECQ status until Aug. 7

29 Jul, 2021, No comments

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to retain the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) classification of Iloilo City and Iloilo Province in Region 6 and Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog City in Region 10 starting August 1 until August 7, 2021.

Under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) classification are Ilocos Norte in Region 1; Bataan in Region 3; and Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City in Region 7 from August 1 until August 15, 2021.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive extended the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions classification of the National Capital Region beginning August 1, 2021 until August 15, 2021.

Also placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions from August 1 to August 15, 2021 are Ilocos Sur in Region 1; Cagayan in Region 2; Bulacan in Region 3; Laguna, Lucena City, Cavite and Rizal in Region 4-A; Naga City in Region 5; Antique, Aklan, Bacolod City and Capiz in Region 6; Negros Oriental in Region 7; Zamboanga del Sur in Region 9; Misamis Oriental in Region 10; Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental in Region 11; and Butuan City in CARAGA.

On the other hand, Baguio City and Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region; City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino in Region 2; Quezon and Batangas in Region 4-A; Puerto Princesa in Region 4-B; Guimaras and Negros Occidental in Region 6; Zamboanga Sibugay, City of Zamboanga and Zamboanga del Norte in Region 9; Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur in Region 11; General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and South Cotabato in Region 12; Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Sur in CARAGA and Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are placed under GCQ classification from August 1 to August 31, 2021.

All other areas are placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) classification from August 1 to August 31, 2021.

The abovementioned classifications are subject to the appeals of the local government units (LGUs).|Spokesperson Harry Roque

TFBM reassures completion of Marawi rehab within PRRD's term

28 Jul, 2021, No comments

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) reassured that the Marawi rehabilitation is on track and will be completed within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte, called on the TFBM to expedite the completion of Marawi rehabilitation so that displaced families can finally return home.

"To Task Force Bangon Marawi, we need to race against time and you have to finish the necessary work to rehabilitate the war-torn city and bring back its families back home," the President said during his State of the Nation Address Monday, July 26.

In response, TFBM chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario guaranteed the completion of public infrastructure within the President's term.

“On behalf of Task Force Bangon Marawi and our 56 implementing agencies, I would like to assure our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and our Maranao brothers and sisters that we will complete the rehabilitation of all major infrastructures in Marawi City within his administration,” he said.

Del Rosario said the Marawi rehabilitation is now about 70% to 75% complete noting that by December, a substantial number of projects will be completed as embodied in the master development plan.

“In fact, we have started awarding permanent housing units — so far we already awarded 279 permanent shelters since February and two mosques inside the most affected area have been inaugurated, and more housing units will be awarded soon while other projects are scheduled to be inaugurated in the coming months,” he said.

These include the completion of more permanent shelters and the road networks inside the city's most-affected area with underground utilities, solar lamps and traffic lights whose completion will signal the return of displaced families from Sectors 4 to 7.

Meanwhile, Duterte cited the Filipino patriotism that was demonstrated in the battle against the ISIS-inspired terrorists in Marawi.

"Our victory in Marawi is also a testament to how Filipino’s patriotism is far stronger than any extremist group. As I have said before, many times, there is no room for lawlessness in this country," he said. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

TFBM assures progressing housing projects in Marawi

28 Jul, 2021, No comments

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) just guaranteed to internally displaced persons (IDPs) that housing projects are currently underway in the city and their resettlement is visibly advancing.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary and TFBM Chairperson Eduardo Del Rosario shared in a press briefing held after the turn-over of 150 housing units in Darussalam Village in Brgy. Dulay Proper Thursday, July 22, the accomplishments of the housing projects and the foreseen inauguration of units in the coming months.

"In our housing [projects], we are progressing. There were 109 units [turned over] a few months ago and now 170 [units]. Next month, we will be turning over 200 permanent housing units from the projects of the National Housing Authority,” he said.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Country Programme Manager Christopher Rollo stressed that resettlement sites under their organization are continuously going forward through their Rebuilding Marawi through Community-Driven Shelter and Livelihood Program.

He detailed that in Barangays Kilala, the UN-Habitat has an ongoing construction of permanent houses with the National Housing Authority (NHA) as the land developer. Likewise, the organization has a project in Brgy. Patani in partnership with the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) wherein 17 units are already completed and some are still being constructed to attain the target of 438 houses.

Rollo further said they have already awarded 109 units in Hadiya Village in Brgy. Dulay West on February 25 this year. Another 120 units in Darussalam Village in Brgy. Dulay Proper and 50 units in Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residences at Dansalan in Brgy. Mipantao Gadongan were also turned over on July 22.

He conveyed that they are still looking forward to additional resettlement sites to cover their maximum target of IDPs.

“Hopefully, we can add more. Negotiations are ongoing for additional sites para maaccommodate iyong [to accommodate the] total of 1,057 houses,” said Rollo.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario said with the progressing housing projects, challenges are also present including the land development concern of the permanent shelter project in Brgy. Patani wherein the government is in the process of resolving such through the acquisition of other hectares of land adjacent to the previous site.

“Mukhang mahirap na ipush through further ang land development. May nakita ng another four hectares si Mayor at iyon na ang gagamitin. Itong nakitang site, adjacent lang, better, malapit pa sa road, hindi na malayo at hindi na kailangan ibulldozer pa. Basically, flat na iyong site and the same ang area, “ he said.

[It is like we are having a hard time pushing through further with the land development. Mayor has already found another four hectares and that is what we will use. This found site is adjacent, better, near the road, not far and we do not need to bulldoze it. Basically, the site is already flat and it is in the same area.]

Apart from the housing projects by the UN-Habitat, separate permanent housing projects are also being carried out by the NHA in Brgy. Kilala to be implemented by the city government of Marawi and in Brgy. Mipantao Gadongan with the provincial government of Lanao del Sur as the lead implementer. (CRG/PIA-10/ICIC Lanao del Sur)

HealthNow enables 1M vaccinations through Ayala Group’s COVIDShield

24 Jul, 2021, No comments

In support of the country’s ongoing vaccination drive, HealthNow houses COVIDShield, the COVID-19 vaccination program of the Ayala Group and its partners, to fully inoculate about 500,000 employees and their loved ones, translating into one million COVID-19 vaccinations.

The all-in-one healthtech app is jointly owned by Globe’s 917 Ventures and AC Health. It offers patients a convenient way to talk to a licensed physician through video teleconsultation, buy medicines online for delivery, and soon, schedule clinic and diagnostic appointments.

“We’re currently rolling-out our COVIDShield vaccination program to support the country’s fight against COVID-19. In the pipeline, we are looking at administering over a million doses in the next couple of months. This is a big opportunity for the Ayala Group to ensure the safety and health of our community,” said Beia Latay, HealthNow Chief Executive Officer.

Through the HealthNow platform, employees and dependents of the Ayala Group and partners can register for COVIDShield, book their vaccinations at their preferred location and schedule, receive pre-vaccination health screening, and post-vaccination medical care.

Likewise, healthcare providers from AC Health’s subsidiaries Healthway and Qualimed, can use HealthNow's electronic medical record (EMR) to safely store vaccination information and provide patient monitoring, both for the individual and the Department of Health’s (DOH) record keeping.

Individuals inoculated through COVIDShield will receive a vaccination passport which may be used for workforce re-entry and travel purposes.

Following the arrival of the initial vaccine doses, AC Health has started conducting vaccinations, using HealthNow as the digital backbone to facilitate the end-to-end process.

HealthNow came in amid the pandemic and has garnered over 400,000 app users and more than 600 healthcare providers nationwide since launching in August 2020.

16-M jabs administered, as PH prepares for Delta variant

22 Jul, 2021, No comments

The Philippines’ total vaccines administered nationwide has reached nearly 16 million or 15,953, 911 as of July 21, 2021, as the national government and local governments continue to ramp up the deployment and administration of vaccines in light of the detection of local cases of the Delta variant.

Citing data from the National COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said that there are now 5,231,469 Filipinos who have completed two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The ramping up of the national vaccination program comes on the heels of the continued arrival of vaccines in the country in the recent weeks. In a press briefing on July 22, 2021, Secretary Roque announced the recent arrival of Pfizer and Sinovac vaccines.

“Dumating po kagabi ang 562,770 doses ng Pfizer. Kasama ito sa 40 million Pfizer doses na binili po natin, ng ating pamahalaan,” said Sec. Roque. The latest delivery makes for a total of 3,038,670 doses of Pfizer vaccines delivered to the country, including the donation from the COVAX Facility that arrived on May 10 and June 10, said Roque.

The Palace official also mentioned that 1.5 million doses of Sinovac vaccines arrived earlier in the day, and another 1 million doses of Sinovac is expected to arrive tomorrow, July 23.

Meanwhile, Sec. Roque, who is the concurrent Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) spokesperson, was in Pasig City earlier in the day to witness the commemoration of the 100 percent first dose vaccination of senior citizens in the city and the administration of the first doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

“Ang 100 percent vaccination ng mga lolo at lola ay patunay na kaya natin magkaroon ng population protection,” said Roque. “Kaya nga po ang pakiusap ko, yung ibang mga lolo at lola baka kayo maiwan, 100 percent na po ng mga kapwa nyo lolo at lola sa Pasig bakunado na. Punta na po kayo sa ating mga Centers, mag register, at magpabakuna na rin po, lalong-lalo na dahil mayroong mas nakakahawa, mas nakakamatay na Delta variant,” Roque remarked.

On the Delta variant, Catholic priest and molecular biologist Dr. Fr. Nicanor Austriaco said that to prepare for a possible surge in cases due to the Delta variant, the national government should prepare hospitals and healthcare workers, including drugs and oxygen supplies, increase contact tracing capacity, and prepare to increase mobility restrictions quickly to contain the surge.

Fr. Austriaco added that for local government units, they should have their contact tracers ready for intense contact tracing, be quick to implement localized lockdowns, and prepare isolation and quarantine facilities, and to strictly avoid home quarantine.

In the same press briefing, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Wee and Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz-Paredes provided updates on the COVID-19 situation in their respective countries of jurisdiction, particularly on the Delta variant and the situation of Filipinos in both countries.

Amb. Wee said that cases in Indonesia are starting to go down partly because of the strict lockdowns imposed by the government and assured that Filipinos in Indonesia are being vaccinated against COVID-19. Amb Wee said he had written to the IATF and the Department of Foreign Affairs to repatriate Filipinos in Indonesia, many of whom have expired work contracts.

For Filipinos in Thailand, Amb. Paredes said they have been appealing to Thai authorities for a wider access to vaccines for the Filipino community, including opening a web portal where Filipinos could register for COVID-19 vaccines. In terms of repatriation, Amb. Paredes said the embassy is currently processing some 90 requests from Filipinos in Thailand asking to be repatriated.

Also in the same press briefing, Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa said that the one case of the Delta variant that was detected in the city is now isolated and that intensified contact tracing was done up to the third generation contacts to detect possible transmission of the virus. Mayor Cañosa said the city currently has 25 active COVID-19 cases after implementing proactive measures to bring down the surge in cases that the city experienced in June. With the current enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) classification of Gingoog, the Mayor assured his constituents that the city government is now coordinating with barangay captains on the distribution of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development for families affected by the ECQ.

Source: Spokesperson Harry Roque

1.5 million doses of gov't procured Sinovac vaccines arrived in PH

22 Jul, 2021, No comments

An additional 1.5 million doses of government-procured CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccines developed by Sinovac Biotech Ltd. arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 on Thursday morning, July 22.

This latest shipment brings to 16 million the total number of Sinovac vaccine doses received by the country, including the 1 million donation from the Chinese government.

These doses are part of the 26 million CoronaVac shots secured by the Philippine government for this year.

The Philippines also expects to receive 1 million doses of Sinovac vaccines tomorrow, July 23.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, together with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and Health Usec. Carolina Vidal Taino, welcomed the arrival of the vaccines.

This latest shipment brings to 29,985,130 the total number of anti-COVID vaccine doses delivered to the Philippines since February.

Source: NIATF

Cayetano to run for higher office if 10K Ayuda Bill, 5-year economic plan not passed

21 Jul, 2021, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

FORMER House Speaker and Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday, July 21, said he would be forced to run for higher office if his 10K Ayuda Bill and his proposed five-year economic recovery plan are not adopted.

Cayetano, who had earlier announced he is "seriously considering" running for president, said the 10K Ayuda Bill which he filed on February 1, together with his allies, seeks to promote household consumption and stimulate the economy.

“Personally, I’ll be more than happy na walang posisyon kung maipapasa yung 10K Ayuda (Bill) at five-year (economic recovery) plan. Without that, I’ll really be tempted to run for higher office because I really feel, now more than ever, kailangan natin ng unity at plano matutupad,” Cayetano told reporters in an interview after attending the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the ABC Taguig Agri-Industrial Hub for Freshwater Aquaculture Urban Farming on July 20.

(Personally, I’ll be more than happy not to have any position if the 10K Ayuda Bill and five-year economic recovery plan are passed. Without that, however, I’ll really be tempted to run for higher office because I really feel, now more than ever, we need to unite and have a feasible plan.)

The expanded cash aid program is one of the key initiatives under his proposed five-year economic recovery plan, which seeks to revive various essential sectors and industries, including health, education, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services and digital infrastructure.

Cayetano said these two programs are necessary in the country's efforts to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he said these initiatives continue to be stalled by politics and "crab mentality."

“If magkakaroon ng five-year economic (recovery) plan and three to five years, kasama rin yung sampung libong ayuda, I think we’ll be in good shape, regardless kung sino manalo,” he said.

(If we have a five-year economic recovery plan and roll out P10,000 in cash aid in the next three to five years, I think we’ll be in good shape, regardless of who will win.)

“But without a plan, nangangamba talaga ako na mauuna yung pulitika at crab mentality at di tayo makakarecover,” he added.

(But without a plan, I fear that politics and crab mentality will prevail and we won’t be able to recover.)

Cayetano had previously appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to endorse both proposals in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), even as he expects the president to focus less on politics and more on his plans for his final year in office. (With PR)

Courtesy: Alan Peter Cayetano Facebook

NAPC posts 87% overall accomplishment rate for 1st half of 2021

19 Jul, 2021, No comments

Even in the face of COVID-19, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has posted an 87 percent overall accomplishment rate for the first quarter of the year based on four key physical areas involved in addressing the cycle of poverty in the Philippines.

The commission has particularly excelled in the training of volunteers for the Ka-isa ng Sambayan Laban sa Kahirapan (Ka-sambayanihan) volunteer program, its partner in implementing and monitoring various anti-poverty initiatives at the grassroots level. Seven hundred eighty-nine people, 20 more than the initial target of 769, rated the training as “good” or “better,” for an achievement rate of 102.6 percent.

Recognizing that public consultations and multi-stakeholder dialogues are necessary to understand further issues affecting poverty alleviation, NAPC has organized 110 out of 132 target consultative and convergent platforms, allowing it to reach 83.3 percent of its goal.

At the same time, it has prepared 24 out of 30 policy, plan, and program recommendations and delivered 2,518 out of 3,063 information pieces and advocacy events for 80 percent and 82.21 percent accomplishment rates, respectively.

“These were all made possible through the efforts of the different units of the agency working together with its partners: the basic sectors, the national government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders, towards the achievement of its goals and objectives,” said Atty. Noel K. Felongco, NAPC Secretary and Lead Convenor.

He added: “I strongly believe that the success of our fight against poverty is tethered not only in the design and implementation of our programs and projects but most importantly in the unity among us and all of our stakeholders.”

The NAPC operates using the Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanihan as a guiding framework. Sambayanihan lays down in detail the agency’s visions and targets for poverty reduction from 2019 to 2023 consistent with “AmBisyon Natin 2040,” the country’s picture of the future, and operationalized by the medium-term Philippine Development Plan,

The NAPC has adopted its thrusts of intensified policy advocacy and people’s participation based on a comprehensive view of poverty, towards the fulfillment of 10 basic needs, namely: Food and Land Reform, Water, Shelter, Work, Health, Education, Social Protection, Healthy Environment, Peace, and Participation.

Although the pandemic has had a significant impact on NAPCs programs, especially in monitoring and coordination, Felongco said that the staff and volunteers are still actively implementing projects for disadvantaged Filipinos.

Among these initiatives are the Kasambayanihan Caravans aimed at bringing basic government services closer to remote provinces and the Paaralang Bayan Online. This weekly live stream provides information to volunteers and all sectors about government programs and initiatives against poverty.

NAPC also coordinates with local governments and other national government agencies for the NAPC-PAGCOR Poverty Reduction through Rural Development (NAPC-PAGCOR PRRD) Projects, including integrated coconut production, the establishment of organic farming and trading posts, and other projects at selected sites in the country.

It has currently signed Memorandum of Agreements with 190 cities and municipalities, 7 provinces and 2 barangays.

To know more about NAPC, visit https://napc.gov.ph/.

2 Top Ranking Caraga CPP-NPA Leaders Captured in Quezon City

16 Jul, 2021, No comments

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City - Two (2) Top Ranking Communist Party of the Philippines - New Peoples Army Terrorist (CNT) Leaders of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in Caraga were arrested in a joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations in Quezon City at early dawn today.

The arrested CNT Leaders of the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC) of the NEMRC were identified as JULIETA GOMEZ y Tawide alias Tina, Secretary of Regional Urban Committee, NEMRC; Deputy Secretary RWAC NEMRC; Member of Reg’l Tax Implementing Group; KASALO Chairman; member RTIG NEMRC; 39, y/o, Filipino, female, single, jobless and a resident of Purok 2, Mahayahay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur; and NIEZEL VELASCO y Duaso alias Mary Jane Velasco, Regional Liaison of NEMRC; 39 y/o, Filipino, female, single, jobless and a resident of Purok Tulay, Brgy. San Agustin Sur, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Joint operatives of the PNP and AFP units served the WOAs in Kaingin 1, Brgy Pasol, Quezon City, Metro Manila against the above-named suspects for the crime of MURDER and two (2) ATTEMPTED MURDERS under Criminal Case Nos. 8113-20, 20-3747 and CR-2021-84 issued by HON. EDWIN M. MALAZARTE, Judge, RTC, 11th Judicial Region, Br 27, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur, HON. LILIBETH O. LADAGA, Presiding Judge, RTC, 11th Judicial Region, Br 28, Lianga, Surigao Del Sur and HON. FERNANDO R. TUDALAN, JR., Presiding Judge, RTC, 10th Judicial Region, Br 34, Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte with NO BAIL, PHP100,000.00 and PHP120,000.00 bail RECOMMENDED, respectively.

Confiscated incidental to their arrest and witnessed by Barangay Chairman, Joseph P. Mahusay and Barangay Tanod Zane M. Cezar of Brgy. Pansol of Quezon City are the following:

4 - M4 5.56 Rifles

1 - 9MM Parabellum pistol with SN OSL123156

1 pc 9MM magazine with 14 pcs live ammo

10 pcs rifle barrels

8 pcs subversive documents (books and booklet)

1 pc New People’s Army (NPA) flag

1000 pcs live ammo of caliber 7.62

1 pc travelling bag color black

1 pc hand grenade smoke riot

1 pc M26 hand grenade (practice)

1 pc hand grenade PRB 423

1 unit cellphone Vivo 11 color black

1 unit cellphone Huawei color blue

In his statement, MGEN ROMEO S BRAWNER JR, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that the fall of the said Top Ranking CNT Leaders was a result of the convergence of efforts of the AFP and PNP and other law enforcement agencies.

"AFP-PNP troops tirelessly tracked down these CPP-NPA Leaders. With the help of information from civilian residents, we were able to neutralize and finally bring them to justice to face their crimes for pestering communities and sabotaging the peace and development that the Caraganons were longing for", MGen Brawner Jr said.

Brawner Jr also underscored the abuse and inequality among the CPP-NPA rank and file as the leaders were comfortably hiding in a cozy place while their ordinary members has been experiencing hunger and some were already captured and died after being always on the run due to 4ID's relentless security operations in the AOR.

"I enjoin everyone to condemn the barbaric killings perpetrated by the CNTs and for instilling fear towards our people. While we offer better opportunities for those who will voluntary return to live in peace, we shall run after the murderers who has no regard on the lives and welfare of our people", MGen Brawner Jr stressed.

Source: 4ID

Reaching the most underserved children in Mindanao amid COVID-19 Crisis

10 Jul, 2021, No comments

Learning opportunities do not come easy in remote towns of Lanao del Sur and other provinces in Mindanao but the European Union’s ReACh 2 TEACH project ensured that the most impacted children in these conflict-affected areas are given the equal learning opportunities and holistic care and protection they deserve despite lack of resources and threats caused by COVID-19.

Those who are lucky enough to go to school are confronted with concerns on lack of educational materials, capacity building for teachers, protection issues in localities, and even access to clean water and hygiene facilities which also puts them at risk of life-threatening diseases.

“As much as we wanted to improve the quality of our education in our school, we lacked resources to take care of the welfare of our students in our madrasah (Islamic learning center),” said ustadz Tarahta Macapandi, a madrasah teacher in Tubaran Lanao del Sur, adding that they cannot provide even a simple toilet accessible for their learners.

Macapandi expressed that many children in madrasah schools in their communities are living in poverty. "Despite their willingness to learn, poverty, our lack of resources, and the negative effects of the pandemic hinder the continuity of their education," she said.

The ReACh 2 TEACH project, funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid in partnership with Save the Children Philippines and Care Philippines, has helped ease the difficulties experienced by many formal and informal schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao regions through interventions hinged on education-in-emergencies, child protection, and WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).

The interventions under the project directly reached 482,753 individuals, 47,058 of which are children.

“The ReACh 2 TEACH project was critical in providing life-saving and life-sustaining interventions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlighted the importance and need for continued learning and protection especially for children who have been equally and most affected by the situation,” said Save the Children Philippines BARMM Team Leader Edwin Horca.

12,575 learners across 96 formal and non-formal schools covered by the project have improved their education-in-emergencies capacity, which directly supports quality learning environment components. These include emotional and psychosocial learning, physical protection, teaching and learning, parents and community, and school management.

“The project is a blessing to us. As a student in madrasah, I learned to further appreciate my education. The simple toilet, new chairs, and hygiene kits you gave us made us feel important.,” expressed Sultan, a 14-year learner from a madrasah in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur.

For child protection, 1,498 children and 233 adults were capacitated through various duty-bearer trainings on case management addressing psychosocial well-being needs of learners affected by conflict and the pandemic.

“One with the global and especially the European community, we create inclusive access to quality education and ensure that the underserved girls and boys, even in the remotest parts of Mindanao, can continue to learn in safe and positive environments amid the ongoing conflict and pandemic," Horca said. (Save the Children Philippines)

Photo 1: “As student in madrasah, I learned to further appreciate my education. The simple toilet, new chairs and hygiene kits you gave us made us feel important.” expressed Sultan, a 14-year-old learner from a madrasah in Lanao del Sur.

Before (left) and after (right) the school refurbishment and repair of the Ma'Ahad Al-Hidaya Al-Ilamiah Ashamilah Madrasah, Tubaran Lanao del Sur