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Caption SAN MARIANO, Isabela, April 30 (PIA) - - - Sixteen formel rebels from this province received their Social Amelioration Program (SAP) assistance at the 95th Infantry Battalion headquarters yesterday. Lieutenant Colonel Gladiuz Calilan, commanding officer said the former rebels are very grateful to the assistance they received from the government especially to the Local Government of San Mariano for including them as SAP beneficiaries. The assistance was turned over by personnel from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD).  The commanding officer also expressed his gratitude to the LGU and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for considering the former rebels as beneficiaries. On the other hand, Calilan said preventive measures such as social distancin g and mandatory wearing of face masks were observed duirng the distribution of assistance. (MDCT with reports from 95th Infantry Battalion/PIA-2)   source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040

PARANAQUE CITY, April 30 (PIA), Taguig City Government opened on Wednesday a second site for drive-thru testing in its business district in Bonifacio Global City, after launching its first at the Lakeshore Hall last week. The testing facility was set up at the Northeast Parking Area in front of Kidzania, beside CitiBank and IBM One World Place. During the first day of testing in BGC, 10 suspect COVID-19 cases were tested, each test took only about 5 minutes to finish. The process which is being implemented in testing is a part of the city's Systematic Mass Approach to Responsible Testing (SMART) program that targets residents who are vehicle owners unable get tested through the other testing sites of Taguig City like hospitals and health centers. Under Taguig City's SMART initiative, residents who need to be tested have the following options for testing: Barangay-based testing - Hatid-sundo program for persons who need to be tested in their communities and barangay health

CEBU, April 30 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Daanbantayan in Cebu led by Mayor Sun J. Shimura is now undertaking the necessary containment measures after recording its first COVID-19 positive case today, April 29. DB Patient 1, a 58-year old male and a resident of Sitio Birhen Sa Enar, Brgy. Lanao, was a kidney dialysis patient who died on his way to Cebu City on April 25. He has been going to Cebu City for dialysis treatments, the latest of which was on April 22, after which he returned to Daanbantayan on the same day. He complained of chest pain in the evening of April 24. He was immediately brought to Daanbantayan District Hospital and was discharged later that evening. The following day, April 25, he had difficulty breathing which prompted the family to transport him to Cebu City to seek medical consultation at Chong Hua Hospital. However, according to his wife, he was declared dead on arrival at the said hospital. His body was subjected to a post-mortem swab test by

Lahat ng pamilya sa bayan ng Torrijos, anuman ang estado sa buhay ay makatatanggap ng food packs mula sa pondong ipinagkaloob ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) na tinatawag na Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities. (Larawan mula sa Torrijos LGU Information Center) TORRIJOS, Marinduque, Abr. 30 (PIA) -- Bagama't nangangamba sa kanilang kalusugan, patuloy ang isinagawang relief operation ng mga kawani ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Torrijos partikular ang Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) sapagkat nakapagtala na ang nasabing bayan ng apat na kumpirmadong kaso ng Coronavirus Disease o COVID-19. Ayon kay Roberto F. Macdon, Head ng MDRRMO kasalukuyang namamahagi ang lokal na pamahalaan ng food packs sa mga barangay. "Pang-apat na wave na po ang isinasagawa naming pamamahagi ng mga pagkain sa lahat ng pamilya dito sa bayan ng Torrijos. Ito po ay mula sa pondong ipinagkaloob ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) na tinatawag na Bayani

Iniutos ni Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano ang temporary lockdown ng San Jose District Hospital matapos mag-positibo sa COVID-19 ang isang 35 taong gulang na babaeng nurse ng nabanggit na pagamutan. (VND/PIA Occ Min) SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, Abr. 30 (PIA) -- Pansamantalang isinara ang San Jose District Hospital, ang pampublikong pagamutan sa bayang ito, upang bigyang daan ang mass testing sa mga health workers dito at decontamination ng buong pagamutan.  Ayon kay Governor Eduardo Gadiano, iniutos niya ang lockdown matapos mag-positibo sa COVID-19 ang isang 35 taong gulang na babaeng nurse sa SJDH. “Isa siya sa nag-alaga sa unang Covid-19 patient natin na na-confine noong Marso 22,” saad ng Gobernador. Aniya, asymptomatic o walang anumang sintomas ng sakit ang naturang nurse na siyang ikaapat na kaso ng COVID-19 sa lalawigan.  Kaugnay ng pansamantalang pagsasara ng SJDH, hinimok ni Dr. Anna Monica Bracamonte, OIC-Chief ng nasabing ospital sa isang virtual presser

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Apr. 30 (PIA)--"DA's ‘Plant, Plant, Plant’ program is an efficient homegrown and livelihood initiative, enough to sustain the basic needs of the people," said Lt Col Jason M. Saldua of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (4ID, PA). To support  one of the region's battlefront against the COVID-19, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Regional Field Office 10, thru OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado supplies the troupe with 150 packets of Pinakbet vegetable seeds. Said intervention is part of DA's program, also known as "Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS)" Laban sa COVID-19. Saldua said the assorted veggie seeds will not only benefit the armies, but also the locals residing nearby the camp. "This is timely since the region is under community quarantine (CQ) due to the threat of the pandemic. Even if the government orders to extend the CQ period in the region, in a few months, the locals will still have suf

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province, Apr. 30 (PIA)--- The provincial government here is doubling efforts to address the issue on residents of the province who are stranded in other places due to the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine. During the COVID-19 Provincial Inter-agency Task Force Meeting held on Tuesday, Governor Nancy A. Catamco approved the proposal to create the Task Force Sagip Stranded North Cotabateños. Catamco said that with this move, the task force will ensure that proper measures will be observed to further prevent entry of the coronavirus disease 2019 to the province. For stranded residents, an official Facebook page, Task Force Sagip Stranded North Cotabateños, was created to cater to their information needs. Also, hotline numbers were provided as follows: 0951 826 6358 for 1st district; 0951 826 6356 for 2nd district; and 0961 578 3048 for the 3rd district. Stranded residents who want to avail of the assistance from the provincial government ar

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Apr. 30 (PIA)--A month-long since the COVID-19-triggered quarantine, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 continues to receive applications for the issuance of foodlane passes, listing releases of 7,678 as of April 20.   This would aid food and production item suppliers, delivery truckers, and other registered logistics/distribution entities to use express lanes in imposed quarantine checkpoints, speeding up the delivery of cargoes from production sites to market outlets.   “We consider them as our food security frontliners,” Carlene C. Collado, officer-in-charge, regional executive director of DA-10 said.   His remark refers to the recent recognition of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) as the government’s partner in fighting the current pandemic.   “For this, they should be accorded with the much needed assistance during this health crisis to ensure continued production and supply of food to every Filipino household,”

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) – Department of Health (DOH)-10 Regional Director Adriano P. Suba-an said in his report during the Northern Mindanao Task Force for COVID-19 full council meeting that a health personnel tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19), the first case of a health worker infected with the disease in the region.   According to Dr. Suba–an, the infected personnel got the COVID-19 from a relative who also tested positive and died of COVID-19 whom the said health staff was taking care of.    While the case seems alarming, the Suba-an assures the public that the DOH personnel are doing all their best to protect all the frontliners from the threat of COVID-19 while they are taking care of the patients suspected or confirmed infected by the said virus.   Meanwhile, Sub-an also announced that another set of deliveries of PPEs had arrived and some were delivered in the warehouse of the Office of Civil Defense and the others in the DOH warehouse. Th

CALOOCAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso announced on Wednesday, April 29, that the entire Tondo 1 district will be placed under hard lockdown this weekend. Domagoso said the city government will conduct mass testing operations during the looming 48-hour lockdown of Tondo 1 amid the continuous rise of positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). "We will try again 48 hours. I think that is good enough to do massive testing," the mayor said. "I'm hoping that it will have a better effect with regard sa infection or contagion of COVID-19," he added. According to Domagoso, the executive order for the lockdown is being finalized today and will be released to the public tomorrow. The mayor said that all wet and dry markets as well as grocery stores inside the Tondo 1 area will be closed during the hard lockdown. Domogos also shared that four public schools are being targeted as sites to conduct the mass testing for To

File Photo: South Cotabato Provincial Capitol KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 30 (PIA) —  South Cotabateños who will come home from being stranded in other places because of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) should immediately subject themselves to mandatory quarantine, officials of the provincial government here announced.  “If you are one of those who will be coming back to South Cotabato, please submit yourself to the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) in your community for monitoring. Again, cooperation is important for us to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Hannah Ebeo, health education and promotion  officer II, appealed during a press conference Wednesday.  This, as the provincial government, through the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Sports (ACTS) Promotion Unit, is gearing up tracing of South Cotabateños who are stranded in different locations since the enforcement of ECQ due to the coronavirus disease pandemic and coordination with the local governments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) – The Northern Mindanao Task Force (NMTF) for COVID-19 agreed to close the boundaries of region 10 while being placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from May 1 – 15, 2020.   To prevent and flatten the curve caused by the COVID-19 threat to the region, it was discussed and agreed upon by the members of the NMTF for COVID-19 that the borders of the entire region shall be temporarily closed starting May 1-15, 2020. Though the borders will be closed from travelers from other regions, movement of basic essentials shall not be hampered. This move is to ensure that the COVID-19 will not have a rebound effect in the region to protect its residents.   National guidelines for the implementation for GCQ will still be followed and that the Technical Working Group of NMTF will also convene to further refine the guidelines. The tw0-week closure of regional borders is said to give the region an ample time to further strengthen its fight against

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) – The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-10 emphasized the need to ensure that the nutritional status of Northern Mindanao should not deteriorate or worsen due to the socio-economic impact of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19).   Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae Fernandez in a recent virtual Regional Nutrition Cluster meeting said that the move now is to make sure especially those local government units (LGUs) with high rates of undernutrition not to suffer from the socio-economic impacts of this pandemic.   “Hunger does not come from unavailability of food (because we are abundant), but resources to access them,” Fernandez said.   Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, NNC Executive Director III and National Nutrition Cluster Chair issued on March 23, 2020 Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 1, s.2020 for local government units’ actions relative to COVID-19.   In the advisory, the NNC emphasized the importance of eating a variety of nutritious food

LUNGSOD NG HENERAL SANTOS, Abr. 30 (PIA) – Nagbukas na ng mga karagdagang community kitchen ang Barangay Lagao sa tulong ng Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Nasa labing tatlong (13) day care centers ang nai-convert ng barangay upang maging community kitchen na nagpapakain sa mga batang nasa sampung gulang pababa na naaapektuhan ng krisis dulot ng banta ng COVID-19. Nagtutulong-tulong dito ang mga parent volunteers sa pagluluto upang maihatid sa mga bata ang libreng pagkain. Libre rin ang panggasolina ng mga traysikel para sa transportasyon ng mga volunteers kapag naghahatid ng mga pagkain sa mga purok. Ang magulang mismo ng bata ang kumukuha ng pagkain upang mapanatili ang social distancing habang nakapila. Ayon kay SK Chairman Kimberly Cancer, mula sa surplus budget ng Sangguniang Kabataan ng Lagao ang ginamit nilang pondo upang masuportahan ang proyektong ito ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Gensan. “Kung sakali mang may kulang, diyan na namin pinupunan,” aniya. Sa kasalukuyan, nasa 123 com

Photos courtesy of PCG.   PASIG CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel distributed hundreds of frozen dressed chickens to residents of some parts of Metro Manila on Monday.  Residents of coastal communities of Pasig, Navotas, Manila, and Cavite received the food donation to aid the families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The frozen dressed chickens were donated by the Jollibee Foods Corporation, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Leadership Development Center. (PCG/PIA-NCR) source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040507

UCT Listahanan beneficiary Vicente Fernandez signs the waiver for the emergency cash subsidy. Fernandez said he understood there are other people who are more deserving to receive the subsidy from the government. (Contributed photo from DSWD-7) CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) released P2,124,378 in cash aid to 354,063 families worth P6,000 for each family as of April 29, 2020. DSWD-7 emphasized that the government wants to help all families affected by the crisis to benefit from the social amelioration program but priority will be given to the poor and those at risk of not earning income during this quarantine period. DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca Geamala explained that under Republic Act (RA) No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, target beneficiaries of the SAP are low-income families or those on subsistence economy or workers in the informal economy including 4Ps household beneficiaries and UCT Listahanan benef

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, April 30 (PIA) -- The government sternly advised the public to stay at home. This is why amid the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the entire Caraga region due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte ensured that the medical consultation need of the residents is met. In partnership with the Surigao del Norte Medical Society, the local government unit of Surigao del Norte launched the “Tawag Konsulta” program where the locals can avail the free medical consultation and advice without going to the hospital or clinic to physically see a doctor. Using a telephone or mobile phone, patients may dial the hotline numbers where a designated “HEALS 911” agent assists and refers the patient’s concern to the doctor who would provide the appropriate medical advice and prescription. The doctor then has to forward the online prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administ

CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon, April 30—The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and Philippine National Police (PNP) worked together with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Cabanglasan town in Bukidnon to secure the distribution of cash aid under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP). Lt Col Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, 8IB commanding officer, said this shows that the Filipino’s Bayanihan spirit is indeed very much alive. “Our barangay folks proved that amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, they can work together to support our government workers to smoothly deliver the SAP cash assistance to their respective villages,” he said. Some 3,593 family beneficiaries in 15 barangays of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon received their share of P6,000 each household on April 23-28, 2020. The beneficiaries are the low-income families affected by the enhanced community quarantine imposed by the authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Army

Photos courtesy of AFP. PASIG CITY, April 30 (PIA) – Serving free hot meals to the less fortunate, the mobile kitchen of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rolled out to Malabon City on Wednesday.  AFP personnel, together with the volunteer chefs of Rotary Club, prepared and served hot meals to disadvantaged individuals and families of Barangay Tañong for its third leg. Culinary trained soldiers onboard two military kitchen trucks tagged as “Vessels of Blessings” prepared the meals while support personnel delivered them to designated drop-off points.   The activity under the AFP’s “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” campaign led by the Civil Relations Service AFP, supports of the overall government effort to assist affected citizens during the enhanced community quarantine in the NCR and Luzon. Previously, the mobile kitchen also served hundreds of hot meals to families and individuals in Quezon City and San Juan City. (AFP/PIA-NCR) source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040506

The Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region lauds its latest Bar passers FO3 Marco O Arpon of BFP Mandaluyong City and FO1 Kim Austine M Padilla of the BFP-NCR Regional Office. (PIA NCR) CALOOCAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- Two Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officers assigned in Metro Manila were among the 2,103 aspiring lawyers who passed the 2019 Bar examinations. "The entire Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region extends its warmest congratulations to its new lawyers who passed the November 2019 Bar Exams: FO3 Marco O Arpon, BFP Mandaluyong City FO1 Kim Austine M Padilla, BFP-NCR Regional Office We are all proud of your achievements!" the BFP-NCR lauded its two bar passers in a Facebook post today. According to 2019 Bar chairperson Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, a total of 2,103 candidates passed the 2019 Bar examinations, representing 27.36% of the 7,685 examinees who completed the licensure test last November. The passing rate

OCD-7 Regional Director Marlou Salazar (left) and Talisay City Police Chief Police Major Gerard Ace Pelare (right) sitting in as guests during the Straight from the Source interview conducted by PIA-7 on April 27, 2020. Both officials discussed how the government is addressing fake news circulating on social media platforms. (PIA7)  CEBU, April 29 (PIA) -- As more and more people turn to social media as a major platform to get the latest information on relevant issues amid the global pandemic, government authorities issued a stern warning against the spread of unverified news as the law exempts no one. Police Major Gerard Ace Pelare of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) revealed that cases have been filed against eight suspects in Cebu for spreading false information causing undue panic in the community as the country grapples to address the health emergency. “Out of the eight, we have arrested two suspects,” said Pelare, adding that majority of the suspects are females. Two of t

CALOOCAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) --The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday reminded foreigners that they are not exempted from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols in the midst of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. The reminder came following a viral video of a foreign national in Makati who reportedly refused to abide by ECQ policies, as well as the recent raid of an online gaming company employing aliens despite the COVID-19 lockdown. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente warned foreigners that disobedience to the existing ECQ laws may lead to their arrest and deportation. He said that these rules are not exclusive to Filipinos. “The ECQ guidelines were placed to promote public health and safety among members of the society. That means everyone, including foreign nationals. Aliens who disregard the law may face deportation,” he said. Morente shared that Section 6 of Bayanihan to Heal as One Act states that alien offenders shall be penalized and deporte

TACLOBAN CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) -- The Stormtroopers, the elements of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army as active members of the Region 8 Task Force ELCAC and the Task Force COVID-19, have their hands full in helping save lives from the dreaded Novel Coronavirus and helping prevent lives from being ruined by insurgency. Take the case of the elements of the 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion who conduct Loudspeaker Operation to intensify efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Leyte and Southern Leyte. The Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Team of 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Roberto B. Obaob conducted loudspeaker operations or “Budjong” to continue awareness drive to the populace in order to frequently remind the latter of their duties and responsibilities during this COVID-19 Crisis. The CMO Team emphasized the practice of staying at home, usage of face mask at all times, frequent washing of hands with soap and water

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-10 together with various mining contractors/permit holders unite to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through its realigned Social Development and Management Program (SDMP). In Talakayan sa PIA media forum, MGB-10 Regional Director Efren Carido said about 11 mining contractors/permit holders had donated for the frontliners of the various local government units (LGUs) as well as families/households in the region. Among the donors are Holcim Resources and Development Corporation, Republic Cement Iligan, Inc., WHK Manufacturing and Trading Corp., Mindanao Rock, Epic Motors & General Merchandise, Gavelden, Inc., BAI Aggregates, Oro NQA Enterprises Corporation, Mr. Caesar R. Casiño, Animas Bros. Construction Corporation and Ricky Crushing Plant. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 shares initiatives to frontliners amid COVID-19. (Rodolfo Mendoza/PIA10) The donations give

CALOOCAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) --- The Port Management Office of NCR-North assisted the first batch of repatriated seafarers who were stranded in Metro Manila to return to their provinces in Visayas and Mindanao under the   ‘Balik-Probinsya’ program. Selected and processed by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), with the guidance of the Department of Transportation - Philippines, in cooperation with the PPA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the seafarers left Manila at dawn on Monday onboard MV St. Michael the Archangel of the 2GO Group. Another batch of seafarers left Monday afternoon, onboard MV St. Leo the Great, also of 2GO, bound for Iloilo-Bacolod-Cagayan de Oro. Prior to boarding, seafarers included in the first batch were subjected to a rapid antibody testing administered by the PCG and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) even if the seafarers completed the mandatory 14-day quarantine, in compliance with stringent safety protocols and in consideration of the well-being of

BORONGAN CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)  granted a livelihood assistance worth P317,000 to Pangudtan Fisheries Aquatic and Resource Management Association of Oras, Eastern Samar. The livelihood assistance is sourced from DOLE regional office 8 through DOLE-Eastern Samar field office with some counterpart from LGU-Oras. The project turnover was held at the Oras Municipal lobby on April 25, 2020. The  26 members of the Pangudtan Fisheries Aquatic and Resource Management Association proposed a project that will provide them with a livelihood through baking and will lead some member to a new field of work, from fishing to baking, said the new Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) Maria Eugene Montallana. "Since two of their members are master bakers and have experience, the association will venture into a Fisherman's Bakery." She added. According to Mayor Viviane Alvarez, "Livelihood is a timely intervention, not relief operatio

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 28 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 had donated a total of 15,933.13 board feet of good lumber throught its field offices in support of various local government units (LGUs) in fight against the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During Talakayan sa PIA, DENR-10 officer-in-charge, Assistant Regional Director Aldrich Resma said they have donated lumbers to help in constructing checkpoints, isolation units and other facilities needed by by local government. As the country faces the COVID-19 pandemic and while the LGUs are working tirelessly to help flatten the curve of the said threat, DENR-10 had shown its support by donating good lumbers to the LGUs of the three provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon. They have given a total of 4,234.67 bd.ft lumber in Bukidnon, 3,611.46 in Misamis Oriental and 8,089 bd.ft in Misamis Occidental; totalling to 15, 933.13 bd.ft was given as donations to

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 28 (PIA) -- There is no need for panic buying.  This was the assurance from the National Food Authority (NFA) through Information Officer Joel Lim and NFA Manager Maria Fe Evasco during the weekly PIA Bohol Kapihan sa PIA over DyTR. "We would like to assure all Boholanos that your NFA is on top of the situation," Lim said. SUSPENDED SALES FOR BIGASANG BAYAN . Due to the extraordinary need to be assured of buffer stocks, Bohol NFA Information Officer Joel Lim said supply to Bigasang Bayan has been supended to focus on the stocking. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)   He explained that NFA does not own the biggest bulk of buffer stocks for Bohol as these are being stockpiled by commercial traders and the households here. Lim assured that their share of stocks, given the normal demand for NFA rice, is sufficient enough until the next shipment of 40,000 bags arrive. “As long as we continue consuming what is our regular consumption, we still have more than

CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 29 (PIA) - Dr. Adriano Suba-an, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) - 10, disclosed  that they plan to fast-track COVID-19 testing capabilities in Northern Mindanao through the acquisition of two public laboratories.  The first one is the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) to serve as a testing center using the Rapid TB Diagnostic Laboratory and the second one is the DOH-CHD-NM TB Reference Center, which will conduct Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction or RT-PCR.  “The importance of having our own testing centers is that we don’t have to send our specimens to Davao or Manila. We can now test it at our regional office so we can speed up the confirmation process of our COVID-19 suspected cases," DOH-10 Health Education and Promotion Officer Aian Rebollido Caridad shared.  As of now, the TB Reference Center is now 90 percent compliant for Stage 2 evaluation and is now undergoing training for their Medical Technologists from NMMC and DOH-C

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, April 29 (PIA)—Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Martin Andanar has lauded youth leader Van Jorain Rufin for initiating the ‘Kapit-Mindanao-Making A Difference (MAD)’ campaign to help those who are severely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In an interview with the Secretary during the ‘Laging Handa Network Briefing’ aired live over Radyo Pilipinas, Rufin, the Youth for Peace Movement (YPM) leader of Davao Oriental said their group has launched the ‘Kapit-Mindanao’ project aimed at raising one million pesos through the “I Am M.A.D (Making A Difference)” advocacy.   The organization uses social media to promote their events, invite volunteers, and fund their activities. “We wanted to convey the value of generosity and the good thing in giving in order to ease someone’s pains. With the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit guiding us through our drive to help, we have raised over P200,000 in cash donations in just three weeks of the social media c

Si League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) National President at Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco, Jr. (Larawan mula sa League of Provinces of the Philippines) BOAC, Marinduque, Abr. 28 (PIA) -- Hiniling ng mga gobernador sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ni League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) National President at Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco, Jr., na bukod sa 'mandatory 14-day quarantine period' ay sumailalim din sa mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction o PCR test ang lahat ng uuwing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Sa liham na pinadala ni Velasco sa tanggapan ni Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary at Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chairman Silvestro Bello III, sinabi nito na bagama't naiintidihan ng LPP ang mga OFW sa pagnanais ng mga itong makauwi sa kanila-kanilang mga tahanan upang makasama ang kanilang mga kapamilya ay kinakailangan munang masiguro na walang sintomas ng Coronavirus Disease ang mga ito para mai

MMCHD RD Corazon Flores (extreme left) and Navotas Re. John Rey Tiangco leads other officials during the inauguration of the Navotas community isolation facility. (Photo courtesy of Navotas PIO) CALOOCAN CITY, Aparil 29 (PIA) -- The City Government of Navotas on Tuesday opened a community isolation facility (CIF) for mild cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Navotas converted the new four-story building of Navotas National High School into a CIF with 100 bed capacity. The first floor is intended for pregnant or lactating mothers who are suspect or probable cases; the second and third floors are for other suspect or probable COVID-19 patients; and the fourth floor is exclusive for positive cases with mild symptoms. Patients with severe symptoms are treated at the Navotas City Hospital. Critical patients, on the other hand, are referred to designated COVID-19 hospitals. “The community isolation facility helps prevent further transmission of the virus. It reduces the risk of CO

QUEZON CITY, April 29 (PIA) --- The Muntinlupa local government unit expanded the scope of personal information disclosure for patients who tested positive of COVID-19 as a mitigation measure to prevent the further spread of the virus in the City. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved Ordinance 2020-094, amending the COVID-19 Public Health Information Ordinance, which provided a new list of personal information to be gathered from COVID-19 patients. Under the local ordinance, the city government requires COVID-19 patients to provide their complete address which include name of purok and subdivision, name of their building in case residents living in condominiums, travel history, frequented locations, time of manifestations of symptoms, start and end of symptoms, and visited hospitals including private and public places. COVID-19 patients are encouraged to cooperate with the local government and disclose accurate details to protect public safety and health. Information gathered from patient

CALOOCAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- Pasay City received a total of 20,000 grocery packs and 24,100 pieces of personal protective equipment from the Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation, Inc., to aid the City’s most vulnerable families and help protect its frontliners during the COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine. With the latest turnover of 10,000 packs to Barangay 183 last April 7, 8 and 15, the Resorts World Philippines Foundation has provided a total of 20,000 grocery packs for the benefit of around 80,000 individuals in Pasay City. Previous donations starting from March 27 provided a total of 10,000 packs to Barangays 184, 178, 186, 48, 201 and 14. Last April 2, the Foundation also turned over 14,000 pieces of PPE suits and medical equipment such as gloves, goggles, shoe covers and N95 face masks, for the healthcare workers of Pasay City General Hospital. They also donated 10,000 medical face masks and 100 infrared thermometers for the frontliners of the City

Inilunsad ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Boac ang Mobile Tiangge sa Barangay kung saan ay binibili ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan ang mga produktong ani ng mga magsasaka.  Larawan mula sa Boac Municipal Information Office BOAC, Marinduque, Abr 28 (PIA) -- Sa hangaring matulungan ang mga magsasaka na maibenta ang kanilang mga produktong gulay at prutas habang nasa ilalim ng Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) ang Luzon, inilunsad ng pamahalaang bayan ng Boac sa pangunguna ni Mayor Armi Carrion ang 'Mobile Tiangge sa Barangay' kamakailan. Binibili ng lokal na pamahalaan ang mga gulay, prutas at iba pang produkto sa mga magsasaka mula sa 'interior barangay' kagaya ng Boi, Bayuti, Canat, Binunga, Hinapulan, Puting Buhangin at Duyay. Pagkatapos, ito ay dadalhin sa bayan upang ibenta naman sa mga wholesalers o retailers ng Boac ABC Market. Dahil dito ay nagiging tuluy-tuloy ang daloy ng kabuhayan ng mga mamamayang nasa sektor ng pagsasaka. Ilan sa mga aning produkto na nabibili

The PCR test kits donated by SM Foundation to Pasig City Government and delivered to The Medical City. (Photos from Mayor Vico Sotto's Facebook) PASIG CITY, April 29 (PIA) – The Pasig City Government received PCR test kits from SM Foundation.  Mayor Vico Sotto expressed his gratitude to SM Foundation for the donation of 2,000 test kits, which costs almost P3 million. Sotto said that the test kits were delivered to The Medical City (TMC). Local health workers will swab the patients and TMC will process the tests. Meanwhile, Mayor Sotto reiterated that the local government does not accept cash donation, only in-kind donations. He also urged the public to immediately report to him if somebody from the local government accepts or asks for money donation. (Pasig City/PIA-NCR) source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040373

Photo courtesy of PNP PASIG CITY, April 29 (PIA) – To help the most vulnerable in this time of public health emergency, the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Alumni Association. Inc. donated funds to the Bayanihan Fund Challenge of the Philippine National Police (PNP).  PNPA Alumni Association. Inc. Chairman, Police Brigadier General William Macavinta (Ret) and President, Police Colonel Roland Vilela turned-over the collection amounting to Php3,485,800.00 to PNP Chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa in a simple turn-over ceremony held in Camp Crame, Quezon City Monday. #TeamPNP Bayanihan Fund Challenge is a project of PNP Chief Gamboa and implemented by the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations which aims to raise P200 million aid to help underprivileged individuals who are most affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and in Luzon. (PNP/PIA-NCR) source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040369

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, April 29(PIA) – The distribution of cash  benefits under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s(DSWD) Social Amelioration Program(SAP) has already reached more than half of the targeted beneficiaries. Paz Ancheta, Policy Planning Division Chief of DSWD-R02 and concurrent Provincial Coordinator of DSWD-SAP Implementation in the province said that as of April 27,  53,096 out of the 80,903 targetted beneficiaries in the province were already given with P5,500.00 SAP aid. Paz Ancheta, DSWD's SAP focal person in Nueva Vizcaya said more than half of their target beneficiaries have been given with March 2020 cash benefits under the SAP. She said  the April 2020 cash aid will be given next month. (PIA Photo) “This represents about 65.63% of the SAP allotment intended for the month of March 2020 which were  already paid. We will be  starting the distribution of the April 2020 allotment next month,” she said. The SAP program for the province carrie

Barangay Captain Sonny Rivero of Alinguigan, City of Ilagan uses his accumulated honoraria to buy rice as additional foods for his constituents during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. (Photo from MyCity PIO) CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, April 29 (PIA) – One of the village chiefs in this city has decided to use his accumulated honoraria from July 2018 to April 2020 to purchase rice for his constituents as aid during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Alinguigan 2nd Barangay Captain Heherson "Sonny" Rivero said at least 100 cavans of rice were purchased out from his honoraria and are already repacked by volunteers from his barangays for distribution to 1,060 families Rivero said although the city government has been continuously supplying enough food packs to all Ilagueños including his barangay, it is still needed to give additional foods especially rice to his constituents as he observed that they are obeying the stay at home order of the city g

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, April 29 (PIA) – The SM Foundation, Incorporated through the Tulong Express has sent food packs to one of the urban barangays in the city affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine(ECQ). The SM Foundation has been continuously helping the community, where its malls are located, not only in times of crisis but even during normal situations. Krystal Gayle Agbulig, SM City Cauayan Public Relations Manager, said at least 200 food packs were turned over by SM City Cauayan Assistant Mall manager Larry Jones Santiago to the frontliners of barangay District 2. Agbulig said the Kalinga packs will then be distributed by barangay officials of district II to the 200 families in the barangay. “The giving of Kalinga food packs is on top of the SM's P170 support for the government, community hospitals in the fight to contain and overcome the COVID – 19 pandemic,” Agbulig said. Recently, the SM Foundation has turned over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to South

SAN JOSE, Antique, April 29 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided help to Antiqueños who are affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DOLE- Antique Provincial Head Melisa Navarra said that the latest release of financial assistance in the province here amounted to P3,475,000 covering 695 workers under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP). Navarra said that as of April 15, there are 423 Antiqueños who will also be benefiting from the agency’s TUPAD #Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko (TUPAD#BKBK) disinfection/sanitation project. She added that the towns of Tibiao, Caluya, Pandan, Hamtic, San Remigio and Anini-y are starting to implement the TUPAD #BKBK program. The project aims to support displaced workers in the informal sector as well as contributes to poverty reduction and inclusive growth by providing temporary wage employment for displaced workers, underemployed and self-employed workers

LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Abril 29 (PIA)—Pagkain, pansamantalang tirahan, transportasyon at iba pang suporta and handog ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Binangonan sa frontliners na nagsisilbi ngayong panahon ng COVID-19 ayon sa opisyal na Facebook Page ng pamayanan.   Marami sa frontliners na naitalaga sa iba’t-ibang brgy. health station at ospital ng Binangonan ay nanggaling sa iba’t-ibang bayan kaya minarapat ng Pamahalaang Bayan na matuluyan ng mga doctor, nurse, midwifes at DSWD staff ang Binangonan Recreation Conference Center Hotel (BRCC) para hindi mahirapan sa pagpasok at paguwi habang pinapatupad ang Enhanced Community Quarantine.   Mayroon ring ayuda sa pagkain (packed meals) araw araw ang frontliners upang makasiguro na hindi sila magugutom sa kabila ng pagkasarado ng ilang mga restaurant at bilihan ng pagkain. Mayroon ring nakalaang supply ng Vitamin C upang makapagpalakas ng kanilang immune system.    Naglaan rin ang munisipyo ng mga sasakyan at driver araw-araw upang mas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 28 (PIA) -- Naghugpong ang mga Fabrication laboratories (FABLAB) sa kinatibuk-an nga Central Visayas alang sa usa  ka hiniusang tumong: tabangan ang pagbuntog sa coronavirus disease (COVID) pinaagi sa paghimog mga panalipod sa katawhan ilabi na niadtong nanguna sa pagpakigbugno sa kagaw. Ang FABLAB usa  ka proyekto nga gipundohan sa Department of trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology ug sa pagpakig-abin sa mga nasud sa Japan, Amerika ug mga kahugpungan gipabarug aron kahatagan ang katawhan sa kahigayonan sa paghimong tinuod sa ilang mga damgo nga imbensyon. NAG-UNANG PANALIPUD SA NAG-UNANG TIGPANALIPOD . Alang sa mas luwas nga pagtrabaho sa mga medical professionals ilabi na sa intubation procedure, gihimo sa FABLAB Bohol ang aerosol boxes aron ikahatag sa mga tambalanan isip nag-unang panalipud sa mga fontliners.  (PIA Bohol/FABLAB Bohol) Dinhi sa Bohol ang Bohol Island State University (BISU) maoy hugpanan sa FABLAB, samtang ma