NTF-ELCAC StratCom Cluster visits Sibugay

 By Jocelyn P. Alvarez 

Zamboanga Sibugay, Dec. 07 (PIA) The National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Strategic Communication (StratCom) Cluster visited Sibugay Province specifically communities under Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

 

StratCom Cluster Chair Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and team went down Barangays Balagon and Mirangan , Siay town, to show support to the community and let the people feel specially former rebels (FRs) and Also Masa residing in the area, that there is a government  that cares and is working on their favor to provide them better lives , and  bring development to insurgency-cleared areas, not just in Sibugay but the entire Zamboanga Peninsula Region. 

“Masaya akong nakitang bumubuti ang inyong kalagayan. Gumaganda ang inyong mga kalsada at may patubig na rin,” said Usec Badoy before an audience of Former Rebels (FRs) and Alsa Masa in Balagon , Siay town. 

Badoy conveyed the government's sincere apology to the victims of insurgency saying “humihingi kami ng tawad sa inyo dahil sa kapabayaan ay nailagay kayo sa kapahamakan.” Badoy was referring to past administrations that exerted  less focus and efforst on the decade-long problem on insurgency of the country.

 

“Kayo ang tunay puwersa, tulungan n’yo po kaming tapusin ‘tong madugong kabanata sa ating kasaysayan,” she said to the audience. 

 

Badoy appealed to choose leaders that truly care for the poor. “Ang dopat iluklok  natin sa puwesto ay ‘yang totoo at maliwanag na sumusoporta  sa NTF-ELCAC dahil maraming nabago ang buhay at hinaharap sa tulong na dala ng ELCAC. She said ,because of ELCAC, more CPP-NPAs are returning to the folds of law as shown by the overwhelming number of  surrenderees recorded, lives transformed, and taken out from bondage of poverty .

 

The lady Usec thanked the people of Balagon for their continued trust and support to the present admimistration as she promised “hanggat nandito kami at ang Pangulong Duterte, kami ay magsisilbi ng tapat at mayos sa inyo.” 

 

Barangays Balagon and Mirangan are beneficiaries of the Barangay Development Program (BDP) under ELCAC where said communities benefited the following projects: ongoing 103km Road Construction and Concreting in Brgy Balagon from Purok -2 to Purok 7. Other projects under the BDP include  farm to market road concreting; agriculture livelihood; piggery; livelihood (enterprise development);  cash for work for 150 beneficiaries; road concreting along school site; construction of day care center in Purok 7 and water system level II for Purok 7.

The Municipal Local Government of Siay donated Four hectare of land for the ongoing housing project of the National Housing Authority (NHA) for 210 identified Also Masa and IP beneficiaries in Brgy Mirangan and 110 bneficiaries in Brgy Balagon . NHA said the said housing project is 30% accomplished and is expected to be fully completed in March 2022.

 The BDP-area visit was made in partnership with the WesternMindanao Command , 44th IB, Philippine Information Agency, Municipal and Provincial Local Government of Zamboanga Sibugay and local media partners.(jpa/ Zamboanga Sibugay)

 

100 IPs in Mabuhay to benefit from Housing Project

 By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dec. 6 (PIA) - The local government unit (LGU) of Mabuhay is working on a housing project with the National Housing Authority (NHA) that will benefit 100 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) living in the island, said Mayor Edreluisa “Lulu” Caloñge during the Network Briefing News.

“Nag apply kami noong nakaraang buwan for housing projects for IPs. Nagkaroon na ng coordination meeting with NHA para sa finalization ng proyekto na itatalaga sa Barangay San Roque (we have applied last month for a housing project for IPs. We already did our coordination meeting with NHA for the finalization of the project which will be constructed in Barangay San Roque)," Caloñge said.

 

She said her administration is now waiting for the download of the funds for the said housing project.

“Meron tayong 100 IP recipients. Aasahang sisimulan ang proyekto sa  sa susunod na taon, 2022 (we have 100 IP-recipients and we are expecting that the housing project will commence next year, 2022)," mayor Caloñge informed.

She said the IP housing project, when completed, will also serve as tourist destination.

 

Meanwhile, Mayor Caloñge also informed that the MLGU have recently purchased a one-hectare land that will serve as relocation site for affected residents of Brgy. Sawa as the said island barangay is exposed and vulnerable to several hazzards as assessed by its Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

 

Mayor Caloñge said she have already met with the affected residents for the move  being undertaken and have also applied with NHA for another housing project for the benefit of the affected resident. (RVC/EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)

 

Pres. Duterte turns-over P139-M infra projects in Mabuhay town

 By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dec. 6 (PIA)- Mabuhay folks will now enjoy better road access as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte officially turned over the P139,413.924 farm to market road during his Dec. 2, 2021 visit in Zamboanga City .

Mayor Edreluisa “Lulu” Calonge, Mabuhay town chief executive said during the Network Briefing News, the newly tuned over road will pave the way for better life for the people in island municipality and redound to ease of doing business, as local produce of farmers and fisherfolk can now be transported easily and with less travel time and cost effective in transportation.

She thanked President Duterte for including her town as beneficiary to the Build Build Build Program (B3) of the administration. 

“Napakalaking tulong hindi lang sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda para sa pag transport ng kanilang mga produkto, pati na din sa mga guro at mag aaral. Tiyak na maiiwasan na ang napaka putik at lubak lubak na daanan.” (This is huge help not only to our farmers and fishermen but to teachers and students as well. We can now avoid the muddy and impassable road)

The lady mayor also revealed another project under the B3 which is the concrete bridge that will connect the island to the mainland. 

“Ito ay isang katuparan ng pangarap ng lahat ng mga tao sa isla na kami ay napabilang sa Buld Build Build project ng ating mahal na Pangulo’ (This is a dream come true for us, islander, to be included in the Build, Build, Build project of our beloved president), Mayor Calonge said.

“Magiging komportable na ang aming transportasyon patungong mainland.” 

(we will now have ease and comfort in traveling to the mainland). She added. (EDT/JPA/ Zamboanga Sibugay)

PRRD: I will never tolerate terrorism

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte emphasized in his message during the inauguration of 143 Social and Tourism Ports here that terrorism should not be tolerated but instead eliminated in the country.

"I never tolerate terrorism," he said.

As the President’s delivering his speech, he shared that he tried to reach out to the communists terrorists group leaders to talk with sincerity on equal terms but it resulted to regression.

“Even with the objections of the military, I still reached-out pero ayaw nila,” he explained.

President Duterte said for over 53 years now, the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) continue to destroy the lives of the Filipinos and this should be put to an end by institutionalizing campaigns on ending local communist armed conflict which should be sustained even beyond 2022 in order to attain inclusive and lasting peace in the country.

He also stressed that even with the difficulties encountered amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration remained unrelenting in pursuing its commitments to the Filipinos.

“I am always mindful of my promises. Even if I did not totally complete it, I can say with pride, I fulfilled most of them,” said President Duterte.

He assured the Filipino people that the Duterte administration will be persistent in implementing vital infrastructure projects to improve lives and remain steadfast in pursuing sustainable development projects in the country.

He is also hopeful that problems of illegal drugs and terrorism will be prioritized by the next government. (EDT/RVC/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

PRRD inaugurates seaport dev’t project in Zambo

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec 2 (PIA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte together with Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go personally visit Zamboanga City to inaugurate the 143 Social and Tourism Ports in the country and the Zamboanga City Seaport Development Project.

Courtesy of RTVM

President Duterte emphasizes to complete all projects before he steps down from the position and he commended the efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for meeting the expectations and finishing almost all the infrastructure projects in the country. 

“I hope that these newly enhanced projects will support not only Zamboanga City but the entire Mindanao. This administration will continue to implement vital infrastructure projects to improve the life of Filipinos and we remain committed to provide sustainable projects for all kababayans even beyond year 2022,” President Duterte added. 

Courtesy of RTVM

The Seaport Development Project is envisioned to provide better accessibility to coastal and island communities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in displaced areas due to rasping sea conditions and those that are in straitened circumstances.

Moreover, these aim to provide better port infrastructure to enhance maritime mobility and connectivity, and open doors for economic, tourism and income-generating opportunities.

Mayor Beng Climaco expressed her gratitude to President Duterte for the numerous projects and continuous development in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi area, “these projects are more than enough for the city and the neighboring islands, all these projects became possible because of our president,” she added.

The series of events also included the visit of President Duterte, who is accompanied by DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade in Zamboanga International Airport to inspect the development including the Malasakit Hall at the Zamboanga International Airport. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Gains of ELCAC initiatives in ZamPen showcase during PRRD visit

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) - The gains and challenges in the government’s initiative to end local communist armed conflict in the Zamboanga Peninsula region takes center stage today as President Rodrigo Duterte visited Zamboanga City to lead a joint meeting with the national and regional task force.

 

Prior to the President’s arrival, regional line agencies comprising the various clusters of ELCAC presented its accomplishments and spearheaded the turnover of programs and projects to bring development to the insurgency-cleared areas in Region 9.

 

Agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Agrarian Reform turned-over projects and programs to selected local government units in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces. 

 

Provincial Governors and local officials who are also present in the joint NTF-RTF ELCAC meeting received the certificates for the beneficiaries.

Upon his arrival, President Duterte inspected developments in the Zamboanga International Airport which include the new Malasakit Hall that houses breastfeeding area, prayer rooms, PWD lounge and other amenities for the waiting passengers.

 

He also visited the Temporary Passenger Terminal Building (TPTB) of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the inauguration of 143 Social and Tourism Ports and the Zamboanga City Seaport Development Project.

 

A marker of the Port of Busay in Sacol Island, as part of the ceremonial inauguration was also unveiled.

 

The initiative aims to provide better port infrastructure for the fishermen, banca operators and the riding public that shall in turn, enhance maritime mobility and connectivity, and open doors for economic, tourism and income-generating opportunities. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Zambo Norte records highest number of vaccinees for Bayanihan Bakunahan Day 1 in ZamPen

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov 30 (PIA) - The call of the government in ramping-up COVID-19 vaccination was heard and its response was impressive, yet challenging. 

 

Day 1 of the National Vaccination Days may have tallied fewer numbers in some areas as compared to the daily target but it is consistently increasing with the persistent and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

 

Zamboanga del Norte province, in particular have recorded a total of 35,846 individuals who received their COVID-19 vaccine shots in an initial tally posted by the Provincial Task Force COVID-19.

 

The figures in the report is less than some areas that have yet to submit the total tallied vaccinees. Here is the initial tally:

 

Rizal: 446

Piñan: 1,083

Polanco: 1,543

Dapitan: 2,156

Sergio Osmeña: 436

Sibutad: to follow

La Libertad: to follow

Dipolog: 3,725

Katipunan: 3,126

Roxas: 1,336

Manukan: 1,078

Jose Dalman: data not available

Sindangan: 2,759

Siayan: 1,180

Leon Postigo: 771

Salug: 1,309

Liloy: 2,241

Labason: 2,403

Tampilisan: 1,436

Kalawit: 1,306

Godod: 754

Gutalac: 1,698

Baliguian: 994

Siocon: 1,770

Sirawai: data not available

Sibuco: 2,664

 

The province had originally targeted 55,561 vaccinees for day 1, however, this was adjusted as per directive from the national government.

 

In a rough estimate, the provincial DOH office listed around 38,284 vaccinees for all municipalities and cities as of this writing.

 

In Region 9, Zamboanga del Norte recorded the most number of LGUs that have submitted numbers of vaccinated individuals during the first day of vaccination.

 

Day 1 huddle is capped and Day 2 commences. Kudos to all health workers and volunteers who are in the frontlines of the National Vaccination Days. Let’s continue the Bayanihan Bakunahan! (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Zambo officials grateful for vax day volunteers

 By Dominic I. Sanchez 

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, November 30 (PIA) – Volunteerism and bayanihan efforts have been recognized by officials here to be instrumental to the successful and orderly conduct of the National Vaccination Days from November 29 until today (November 30). 

 

According to Sta. Maria Barangay Kagawad and Information Officer Ron Aballe, the local officials are very pleased to have volunteers and residents contributing in the preparations and in the orderly conduct of the mass vaccination days, as thousands of people continue to flock in identified vaccination centers. 

 

“I’m so grateful for having my network of volunteers who are always behind the Barangay Information Officers Network’s (BION) success in all our undertakings. We also appreciate the efforts of civil organizations, Police Station 7 and the tanods for ensuring security,” Aballe said. 

 

“Without these volunteers who provide us with the much needed manpower, it would be very difficult if not impossible to maintain the orderly conduct of the vaccination,” Aballe added. 

 

Other officials from the other barangays have also expressed the same, and that there have been no reported serious concerns regarding the vaccination to date. 

 

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista visited the Sta. Maria vaccination area today and was satisfied with the conduct of the vaccination, particularly since the turn-out of vaccinees have met expectations. 

 

As of yesterday, 33,587 jabs of the vaccine were reported by the City Government. Covered courts, schools, churches, malls and other public places have been utilized as vaccination centers. 

 

On the other hand, COVID-19 cases continue to drop in the city, with latest date reporting 394 active cases. (DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City, photo courtesy of Sta. Maria Barangay Information Officers Network)

 

 

 

Isabeleños flock vaccination sites since Nov 22

 by: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Nov 29 (PIA) - Isabeleños continue to flock in all vaccination sites here to get their COVID-19 jab.

Since November 22, the Isabela City Team Bakuna recorded more than 1,000 individuals catered daily in all vaccination sites.

 

Mr. Jamju Rivera, Assistant CDRRMO said during the interview with PIA over the radio that the local government through the CDRRMO has standby vans to transfer people from crowded sites to other less-crowded sites to facilitate vaccination and cater all individuals who are willing to be vaccinated.

 

Today as the national vaccination campaign starts, Isabela City is already on its 8th day of its localized immunization program dubbed  Vaxx for the Future. 

 

Vaxx for the Future is a month-long campaign that aims to reach 66,056 individuals, which is the target 70% threshold to achieve early immunity.

 

This concerted effort imvolves eight vaccination sites, local hospitals, schools, civic organizations, and private establishments, chipping in to bring Isabela City out of danger as soon as possible. 

 

In an interview, Jane Buenbrazo, Isabela CHO Immunization Coordinator said that they will establish three more vaccination sites to cater to residents from island barangays and augment crowded vaccination sites. (RVC/NDR/PIA-Basilan)

Army foils NPA attacks on remote communities in Zambo Sur, Zambo Norte

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

DIPOLOG, Zamboanga del Norte, Nov 19 (PIA) - The Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (53IB) successfully pre-empted CPP-NPA atrocities targeting innocent civilians residing at the hinterland boundary of Sitio Ditalipon in Barangay Dilud, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and Sitio Kusingan, Barangay Tinago, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte. 

 

The firefight between the government troops and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) lasted for about 30 minutes. 

Successfully recovered from the encounter site were one M16A1 rifle, one short magazine for M16A1 rifle, 18 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, CNT personal belongings, assorted medical paraphernalia, and one portable burner. 

 

In a statement, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said the government troops will be relentless in pursuing the fleeing enemy just to keep the people safe. 

 

"It is our mandate to keep the people from any form of harm. We will continue to uphold our mandate of serving the people we have sworn to protect," he said.

 

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade urged the people to continue helping government authorities by reporting the presence of CNTs in their communities. 

 

"Their numbers are dwindling and they are already on the verge of collapse and with your (public) support, we will be able to safeguard our communities against all forms of threats as our troops continue to pursue these terrorist groups," he said. 

 

He also emphasized "the government's doors are still open for those who wish to return to the folds of law through the Enhanced Comprehensive Program and committed to address the root causes of insurgency through the Barangay Development Program in the affected communities".

 

Under the E-CLIP, former rebels will be receiving PhP15,000 immediate cash assistance and PhP50,000 livelihood assistance. 

 

Meanwhile, BDP beneficiary barangays for 2021 received PhP20Million for a development package that are already being implemented by the local government units. 

 

The government troops are currently conducting pursuit operations as of this posting. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/details and photos from 53rd IB, PA)

Josefina town's local officials laud ‘Project Haven Initiative'

 By Gideon C. Corgue

JOSEFINA, Zamboanga del Sur, Nov. 15 (PIA) - The Project Haven Community Development (PHCD) initiated by the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 will help local government units (LGUs) expedite the vaccination roll out before the end of December this year.

Mayor Catalino Adapon said in the RPHAT’s assessment and recommendation of the LGU’s COVID-19 response efforts, he strongly believes they can intensify the vaccination rollout so that people in the barangays having negative perception of the vaccines will be fully vaccinated.

He reported that of the 12,000 target eligible population, only 2,000 residents have been vaccinated and the remaining 6,000 people will be vaccinated before December 31, the deadline set by President Rodrigo Duterte in his directive.

He also announced they will continue and further strengthen their mobile vaccination in 14 barangays that have been suspended due to security threat, and their initiative called “no vaccine, later to receive social pension” policy for senior citizens and conduct dialogue with local partners.

The mayor added they still have a huge margin to cope in the vaccination rollout considering 45% of the remaining populace in the area needs to be vaccinated to achieve 70% herd immunity.

Moreover, he explained vaccine hesitancy among people living in the hinterlands are added to the reason why their vaccination rate is slow.

“Their refusal to get vaccinated was due to the spread of fake news that poisoned their minds. They are afraid of dying or becoming zombies if they get vaccinated,” he said.

The RPHAT shared best practices in other municipalities that can be emulated by the LGU especially providing small cash assistance and food supplies to people who have completed vaccination to encourage others who have not yet been vaccinated.

In line with this development, local officials and RHU personnel unanimously agreed they will begin implementing their strategies on the COVID-9 vaccination roll out on November 18 to December 2 to achieve 70% herd immunity. The RIATF has identified five LGUs in the province with low vaccination rates as per data from the Department of Health (DOH)-9 such as Dimataling, Dumalinao, Josefina, Mahayag and San Pablo.

The RPHAT, which comprises the regional line agencies include the Office of Civil Defense (COD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) provided technical assistance and catch up plan from November 11 to 23 to LGUs in the Zamboanga Peninsula with low vaccination rates rollout. (RVC/EDT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

Kabasalan refutes report as lagging in vax rollout

 By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Nov 13 (PIA) – Kabasalan town officials refuted the health department’s report tagging the town as one of the municipalities with lagging vaccination rollout, saying that in the past,  allocation of vaccines for the municipality was low compared to the actual demand.

Joyce Aning of Kabasalan rural health unit (RHU) argued that one factor that affects the low turnout of vaccinated qualified individuals in Kabasalan was due to insufficient vaccine allocation for Kabasalan.

 

“Tanan nga nadawat namo na vaccine allocation, among na administer, kulang pa man gani, masuko na man lang gani namo ang mga tawo kay manguli sila nga wala na baksinan pagkahuman nilag linya, kay hurot gyud ang vaccine, (all vaccine allocation we received were administered, we need more! People are complaining that after queuing, they go home unvaccinated because there is not enough supply of the vaccine),” Aning said.

Her comment is in response to Department of Health (DOH) report that identified Kabasalan, along with the three other island municipalities in Sibugay Province to have recorded the lowest vaccination rate.

 

“Mataas ang demand generation namin dito, pero kung wala namang supply, anong magagawa namin,” she quipped.

 

Official data showed that Kabasalan town have administered all vaccine allocation received by the municipality with zero vaccine wastage, this was emphasized by the Kabasalan RHU during the  Regional "Project Haven Community" - COVID19 Vaccination rollout assessment.

 

Kabasalan has a total population of 42,875. To achieve herd immunity, 70 percent or 33,702 individuals need to be vaccinated. Of the target, 10,961 individuals from the adult and pediatric population were already inoculated as of November 10.

 

“Padal-i mi daghang vaccines, kaya namo na hutdon pag administer kay ang mga tao diri very accepting kaayo (send us more vaccines, we can administer all of it, people here are very accepting of the vaccines),” Health Education and Promotions Officer (HEPO)-designate Jonelle Nina Villaflores emphasized. 

She even joked “bisag nearing expiration pa na, mahurot  ra lagi na bag-o mag expire (even if its nearing expiration, we can finished administering it long before it expires).”

 

When asked, the Department of Health (DOH) did not give a direct reply as to why Kabasalan was tagged as such, but assured that more vaccines are now coming in for the entire Region IX. For kabasalan municipality, an additional allocation of 2,400 doses of Astrazenica vaccines recently arrived and received by the Kabasalan RHU and another 1,200 doses of Pfizer are set to arrive here. 

 

Meanwhile Municipal Health Officer Dr. Eric Cabayacruz said the municipality remains aggressive in its COVID-19 vaccination since the start of the rollout on March 24, 2021. 

 

“Halos wala na nga kaming pahinga, we are already exhausted, but we will not stop until we achieve the herd immunity, ” he said. 

 

The joint RIATF-RTF IX against COVID-19 implements "Project Haven Community" to ramp up vaccination rollout in identified areas in the region with low COVID-19 vaccination rate. Three teams, composed of Office of Civil Defense, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Information Agency, and Philippine National Police were deployed all over Region 9, starting November 11 to 22, 2021 to revisit present initiatives of the local government units in terms of vaccination rollout. The team will provide technical assistance, coordinated resource augmentation, and come up with catch-up plan and Gantt chart relative to the ramping up of vaccination rollout. 

 

The teams will visit DOH9-identified municipalities in Sibugay province with recorded low vaccination rate, such as Kabasalan, Alicia, Olutanga, Talusan, and Mabuhay. (RVC/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)

Rizal town chief blames fake news for low COVID jab turnout

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

RIZAL, Zamboanga del Norte, Nov 11 (PIA) - Misinformation and fake news is spreading faster than COVID-19 and it's harder to deal with especially for fifth class municipalities who only have a few personnel working on communications.

 

This makes demand generation of the COVID-19 vaccines a bit more challenging with the lockdowns and higher quarantine classifications imposed in certain areas.

Rizal town along with other municipalities like La Libertad, Mutia, Sergio Osmeña and Leon B. Postigo are identified as areas in Zamboanga del Norte province having difficulty in mobilizing the COVID-19 vaccines due to hesitancy, brand preference, among other reasons listed by the Department of Health (DOH)-9.

 

In response to the growing concern of low turnout rate of the COVID-19 vaccines and fast-track herd immunity against the deadly virus, the Regional Inter-agency Task Force IX against COVID-19 created "Project Haven Initiative".

 

The initiative convened regional line agencies such as DOH, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), as lead agency spearheading the efforts.

 

Project Haven, which will run starting November 11-22, hopes to ramp-up the vaccination rollout in Zamboanga Peninsula region thru assessment and revisiting of current initiatives of the local government units.

Three teams were deployed in the different provinces-Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to provide technical assistance, coordinate resource augmentation, formulate a catch-up plan Gantt chart to beef-up the vaccination rollout.

 

Rizal town, having been visited first among the listed areas, proved to have difficulties on its demand generation of the COVID-19 vaccines due to mistrust to vaccines leading to hesitancy; lack of information; prevalent fake news; lack of proper education among the residents; religion; pain threshold and dwindling community involvement of residents (they claimed to have enough of COVID and is already tired of the long-standing concern).

 

Mayor Fiona Marie Manigsaca of Rizal town, expressed the same concern of widespread misinformation and fake news affecting their COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

"People no longer believed us when we campaign for the vaccines. Some barangays are really apprehensive. They seemed to not believed COVID-19 and they fear the vaccine," she said during the assessment of the Project Haven.

 

Despite this, the mayor expressed they are continuing several efforts and making innovations to increase demand of the COVID-19 vaccines noting "we initiated raffle gifts, hopefully, we can see improvement compared to the previous weeks especially with the entry of Pfizer vaccines. Our residents are very expectant and happy of it," she said.

 

She welcomed the timely visit and intervention of Project Haven, saying "it would be better if other people will help us make our people understand about the COVID-19 vaccines. We are grateful for your visit and the assistance from other stakeholders." 

 

A copy of the assessment result was provided to the LGU of Rizal for reference and monitoring. Project Haven will continue visiting other areas for the duration of the activity. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

RTF COVID-19 maglusad ug Project Haven Community Development sa Zamboanga Peninsula

 

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, November 10 (PIA)— Ilusad sa Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council -IX Regional Task Force COVID-19 (RDRRMC-IX RTF COVID-19) ang Project Haven Community Development Project sa napulo’g upat ka mga lungsod sa Zamboanga Peninsula nga ubos ang rate ang pagbakuna sa COVID-19 vaccines.

Ang Project Haven Community Development mao ang bag-o nga inisyatiba sa RDRRMC-IX RTF COVID-19 nga nagtumong pagpadali sa pagpangbakuna sa mga lungsod sa rehiyon nga naglisod pagpalihok sa pagbakuna tungod sa pagduha-duha, pagpili sa brand sa bakuna ug kakulang sa suporta sa local chief executives.

Ang mga giilia nga munisipyo sa rehiyon mao ning mosunod: Zamboanga del Norte- Leon Postigo, Mutia, La Libertad, Rizal, ug Sergio Osmena; Zamboanga del Sur- Dumalinao, Dimataling, Josefina, San Pablo, ug Mahayag; ug Zamboanga Sibugay- Olutanga, Mabuhay, Talusan ug Kabasalan.

Ilawom sa maong inisyatiba, ipadala sa RTF COVID-19 ang tulo ka mga grupo nga gilangkuban sa mga buhatan sa Department of Health, Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, ug Philippine Information Agency aron magpahigayon ug on-site technical assistance, supervision ug monitoring sa local vaccination center (LVOCs) ug key informant interview nga pagahimoon sa Nobyembre 11-23 ning tuiga. (NBE/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

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5 vax sites now open for kids in Zambo

 By Dominic I. Sanchez 

Photo courtesy City Government of Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, November 8 (PIA) – Five sites in the city started receiving 12-17 years old children for COVID-19 vaccination today (November 8), the city public information office reported. Both children with comorbidities and the rest of the pediatric population (ROPP) will be served, however they must be registered first as these sites do not accept walk-in clients. 

The vaccination sites for children are in SM City Mindpro, Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Center, Zamboanga Chong Hua High School and KCC Mall de Zamboanga. 

Earlier, Mayor Beng Climaco said the city government targets “seventy percent first dose vaccination by November 15 and fifty percent full vaccination by December 25” so the city can “ease restrictions and gradually open the city”. 

Residents who still have not registered for vaccination must do so via zambocovax.com or at the health centers. 

Nevertheless, the mayor emphasized the need for compliance to existing health protocols even after being fully vaccinated to “control and prevent the spread of COVID-19”. (EDT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City, photo courtesy City Government of Zamboanga)

IPs in Leon Postigo town complete TESDA skills training

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) - No one is left behind with the "whole-of-nation" approach of the government under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration, to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

A total of 42 indigenous peoples (IPs) in Barangay Midatag, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte completed their skills training in Carpentry NC II and Raise Organic Chicken (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II) under the USWAG IPs “Unified and Sustainable Welfare AGri program for IPs”.

 

The initiative is a project of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC).

 

The graduation ceremony led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Zamboanga del Norte was held on November 4, attended by IPs of Barangay Midatag who received their Certificates of Training provided by the Provincial Training Center – Sindangan. 

 

Representatives of the PRLEC member agencies were also present including the local government unit of Leon B. Postigo, Department of Agriculture (DA), 44th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

 

As part of the sustainable development interventions, DTl-ZN, under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program will provide grocery items worth 10,000 to the sari-sari stores in the barangay, (CDA)-9 will conduct a Pre-Registration Seminar to established association in the area, BFAR presented their scholarship programs and services to the residents and DA provided possible interventions for the agricultural development of the barangay.

 

Punong Barangay Reynaldo Baldicantos expressed his gratitude for the program led by TESDA. As one of the beneficiaries of the training, he assured they will nurture the skills training provided because it will be their way to change the course of their lives. 

 

Residents in Brgy. Midatag were also provided livelihood skills training in rag-making and tempura-making for added income and make them productive individuals contributing to community development.

 

The USWAG lPs Project aims to specifically integrate and sustain the lPs through capacitating them by providing agriculture-related training programs such as Carpentry NC II and Raise Organic Chicken. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from Shekinah Diosmano-TESDA-ZN)