PCOO Chief: It’s government’s duty to report accomplishments to 109M Filipinos

 By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) - It is the Filipinos’ right to know where taxpayer’s money is being spent and it is government’s prime duty to report their accomplishment to the 109 Million Filipino-stakeholders, said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Chief Secretary Martin M. Andanar. 

 

“Duterte Legacy is a reporting campaign to the people, sa mga saad ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) atong 2016 na iyang natuman sa atong katawhan, (Duterte Legacy is reporting campaign to the people of his promises in 2016 that were delivered to the people),” Andanar said during his regional rounds over RPN dxKD Dipolog.

(photo credit: PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar Facebook)

PCOO Chief said the Duterte Legacy Campaign is a whole of government campaign that will last until June 2022. 

 

“Tanang mga ahensya na nakatabang sa legasiya ni PRRD atong gireport (accomplishments of all agencies of government that have contributed to PRRD’s legacy are included in the report),” he said.

 

Past administrations have no clear-cut legacy campaign, only in this administration that a legacy campaign was formally launched through the PCOO and is carried out every day using traditional media and social media platforms through Sec. Andanar’s regional rounds in partnership with PIA and the LGUs of the county. 

 

“Kato niadto musalig raman ang administrasyon sa State of the Nation Address (SONA) sa ilang presidente, labi na sa last year nga SONA, paghuman wala na, kay transition na dayun to the next government (in the past, the administration would only rely on the president’s SONA especially the last SONA, after that no one cares anymore because it’s already transition time for the next government),” Andanar compared.

“Kinahanglan ning Duterte Legacy Communications Campaign because we need to report to the people kung gi-unsa pag gastos ang hinaguan nga taxpayers’ money. (Duterte Legacy Campaign is essential to let the people know where the taxpayers’ money is spent).” 

 

The government needs to report its accomplishments to the 109M Filipino-stakeholders. Accomplishments on peace, law and order, poverty alleviation and anti-corruption drive, among many others. 

 

Andanar took pride of the major accomplishment of the PCCO, which is the establishment of the first ever state-of-the art Media facility in Mindanao that was turned over in 2020 in Davao. Andanar also said that Visayas will soon have its own Media Hub in 2022 as PRRD have already given his approval on this project. (RVC/EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

PCOO naglusad sa Duterte Legacy Barangayanihan sa tibuok nasud

 

By Gideon C. Corgue

 PAGADIAN CITY, September 30 (PIA)— Gipahibalo ni Secretary Martin Andanar sa Presidential Communication Operations’ Office (PCCO) nga gilusad sa karon sa kagamhanan ang Duterte Legacy Barangayanihan Towards National Recovery sa tibuok nasud.

Sa interview kang Andanar sa DXKD Radio Station, Dipolog City iyang gipahibalo nga ang ‘Barangayanihan’, usa ka nationwide simultaneous ground communications program diin ipahibalo ngadto sa mga katawhan ang mga kalampusan sa administrasyon ni Presidente Duterte.

“Ang Barangayanihan, usa ka offshoot sa Duterte legacy communication campaign nga nagpahibalo ngadto sa mga katawhan sa mga napatuman nga mga programa sa kagamhanan ug mga polisiya ni Presidente Duterte,” pagpasabot ni Andanar.

Dugang pa ni Andanar nga sa maong ‘Barangayanihan’ ipahibalo niini ang mga mga mosunod:  peace and order, Bangsa Moro Organic Law, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Build, Build, Build Program, poverty alleviation, Anti-Red Tape Act, ease in doing business, ug daghan pang uban.

Ang Barangayanihan pagasalmutan sa tanan nga mga national government agencies nga naghatag ug mga serbisyo ngadto sa katawhan. (EDT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan ensures continuous gov’t services, programs

 By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) -- The Barangayanihan Caravan is an offshoot of the Duterte Legacy campaign that is simultaneously conducted on Thursday nationwide, aimed at continuing the present government programs and services for the next administration.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration has established different government programs and services that the Filipino people must see the need to sustain its implementation. Among these programs are the Build-Build-Build program, Malasakit center, and Free Education.

In a recent radio interview, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin A. Andanar emphasized that most of the projects and programs are in the General Appropriations Act, “meaning kahit anong gagawin ng susunod na administrasyon talagang masusunod po ito at maipagpapatuloy.” 

The new laws and policies are clarified for the complete information of the people. And the provision of basic services for the participants and beneficiaries will also be carried out for smooth and easy access of government services.

In Zamboanga Peninsula region, the Barangayanihan Caravan is held at the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office grounds, Dipolog City.

The activity ensures all government employees to comply and perform their duties as public servants to the best of their abilities with honesty, enthusiasm, and always instill that a “public office is a public trust.”

Agencies who are participating include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). (RVC/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Feature: Malasakit Center, poor’s haven for ZamboSur medical needs

By Gideon C. Corgue 

PAGADIAN CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) —The ZamboSurians are very happy that they have benefited from the services of the Malasakit Center here.

Eddie Datu-oto who is a resident of Bulatok, Pagadian City is very thankful to the government because when he was admitted inside the private hospital in the city due to kidney stone disease and the hospital did not allow him to pay the bill.

Datu-oto recounted that when he was hospitalized for six days, he was transfused with five bags of blood and underwent oxygen therapy since he was having difficulty of breathing.

When he recovered and was advised by the doctor that he could go home, he felt very sad because their hospital bill was more than P50,000.

Datu-oto said his daughter went to Governor Victor Yu’s office at the Provincial Capitol to ask for help to pay the bill because they had very little money.

He added that her daughter was warmly welcomed by the staff and was assisted in complying with the requirements to avail medical assistance.

“When my daughter returned to the hospital, she was happy to announce that there were no more problems because I had already availed of the ‘zero billing’ policy implemented by the Malasakit Center," Datu-oto quoted her daughter.

Meanwhile, Jeraldine Villaluz of barangay Sikatuna in Guipos town also said that on June 29, this year her son met an accident and broke his leg and was admitted at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC).

Villaluz said that more than a week after his son was confined to the hospital, the stainless steel was successfully implanted in his leg so he could walk again.

Their hospital bill reached to P66,338 but everything was shouldered by the Malasakit Center.

“I never paid a single peso. Even the anesthesia I bought outside was still refunded by the hospital. For this, I am very grateful to the government because, we, the poor have been helped with our hospital bills,” Villaluz happily announced.

Nerlita Gayanan of Poblacion, Lapuyan town also said that her husband was admitted to a private hospital in the city due to appendicitis.

Within a few days of her husband's hospitalization, their hospital bill reached more than P22,000.

When Gayanan found out about the bill, she was very sad because they did not have the money to pay for the hospital.

She turned to the provincial government and personally went to the governor’s office and asked for help to get her husband out of the hospital.

After complying with the requirements, Gayanan also availed of the government’s ‘zero balance billing’ policy.

“I am very grateful to the administration of President Duterte and the support of Governor Victor Yu and Congresswoman Divina Grace Yu because we have benefited from the Malasakit Center program. I hope that they can help many more people, especially the very poor people in the province,” Gayanan concluded.

It can be recalled that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte through Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go established the 42nd Malasakit Center located at Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Barangay Dao, Pagadian City on September 13, 2019 to provide millions of Filipinos better access to government medical and financial assistance. (RVC/EDT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

 

PCOO pushes for passing of Media Workers Welfare Bill

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar highlighted the Media Workers Welfare Bill which can provide benefits to all workers in the media industry.

 

“We hope that the media workers welfare bill, supported by President Duterte will become a law. This law is for our media workers who are working very hard but receive little benefits and security,” Sec. Andanar said during a live interview via RPN DXKD Dipolog City on Thursday (September 30).

 

The bill aims to ensure that media workers shall be paid by the minimum wages, allowances, and benefits provided by law to workers. 

 

Media workers shall be covered by the Social Security System, the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation upon employment. 

 

The bill also sets insurance coverage for media workers in cases of death and disability.

 

Sec. Andanar also stressed the importance of media in disseminating the correct information and fighting fake news. Through these different media platforms, PCOO delivers the information on the legacies of Duterte Administration including the programs and services of the government.

 

“This love and care for the people and commitment for change is the brand of Duterte governance that we have been in search of for all of these years - something that had been lacking in our society,” he said. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

 

Barangayanihan Caravan: Offshoot of Duterte Legacy campaign

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) - The “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery” takes center stage as it kicks-off today, simultaneously all over the country showcasing the various services from government agencies and the beneficiaries.

“The Barangayanihan Caravan which is happening today in selected areas aims to explain to the grassroots the programs and services of the government. It aims to bring this information to the barangay level, and is an offshoot of the Duterte Legacy campaign,” said Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, during his phone patch interview at RPN DXKD Dipolog.

 

In Zamboanga Peninsula region, the Barangayanihan Caravan is conducted at the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office grounds, Dipolog City.

 

Among its objectives is to let beneficiaries share their stories from the government programs they have availed, making an impact in their lives. It is also an initiative of the government to counter misinformation by letting ordinary people speak of the milestones of the government.

 

“People who say the Duterte Legacy campaign is fake news can always verify the new programs with the beneficiaries. For example, they can ask students who availed of the free tertiary education, or the patient who availed of services from the Malasakit Centers,” Sec. Andanar said. 

 

Participating agencies include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

 

Each of the agencies are bringing with them immediate services that can be availed by participants and beneficiaries attending.

 

Some of the services available are help desks set-up in booths, medical and dental services, vaccination, distribution of information materials, food packs, among others.

 

“In previous administrations, people would only rely on the SONA for information about new government services. Now, the PCOO brings this information right to the people’s homes through our various media channels. People must know about these services so they can avail,” Sec. Andanar said.

 

The “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery” is spearheaded by the PNP, PCOO and DILG. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Isabela City bags most outstanding tourism awards in Zampen

By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

 

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 29 (PIA) –Isabela City de Basilan bagged outstanding tourism awards in the recent Department of Tourism - Zamboanga Peninsula Tourism Awards 2021.

 

Isabela City under the administration of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman through the City Tourim Office was recognized for its unique strategy in promoting and sustaining tourism industry despite challenges brought by COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Claudio Ramos was recognized as the Outstanding Tourism Officer based on the consistency in the regular submission of tourism statistics, attendance to all Department of Tourism online and onsite activities, number of programs developed locally and technical support extended to local stakeholders.

 

In addition, four tourism staff here were also recognized as Outstanding Tourism Staff namely Hazel Tan, Michelle Andajao, Rodolfo Ricablanca and Macky Turabin.  

 

Isabela City was also recognized as the Outstanding Tourism Organization that implemented programs involved or partnered with DOT and compliant to the DOT’s Health and Safety Guidelines.

 

Isabela City also bagged the Outstanding ZamPen Tourism Stakeholder award.

 

Despite challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic which notably lowered the tourism engagements and activities, Isabela City Tourism Office still continue to discover tourism sites and submitted visitors’ attractions record to DOT which brought them to be recipient of Tourism Destination Award.

 

Isabela City Tourism Office has so far identified 11 tourists attractions and got DOT’s accreditation. These are the Malamawi White Beach, Lampinigan Island, Isabela City Forest Park, City Plaza, Provincial Capitol, Marang Marang Mangrove Forest, Santa Isabel Cathedral, Jamih Mosque, Geras Mosque, Cabunbata Falls and Rubber Plantation. There are also some attractions which need development like the Hami Beach and other local waterfalls.

 

The Isabela City LGU through the City Tourism Office, inspired by its local culture and identity, has designed unique branding including the use of hashtags for tourism branding and recognized as Best Tourism Brand.

 

Claudio Ramos told the Philippine Information Agency that these awards are manifestations of how the local government unit here supported the realizations of the Department of Tourism’s mandates, vision, and mission.

 

He also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Tourism-Zamboanga Peninsula for their active support to Isabela City in realizing their mandates for tourism, cultural and artistic promotions, promulgations and preservation.

Sustainable tourism in Isabela City de Basilan is one of the Top Priority Agenda of Mayor Hataman in her administration. 

 

DOT-9 Zampen Awards 2021 is an annual event to highlight and give credits to LGUs, personalities and partners who continue to promote DOT’s mandates in empowering communities through sustainable tourism and inclusive opportunities for all. (RVC/NDR/PIA Basilan)

 

 

Zambo City unveils newly improved Zambo International Airport

 By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 28 (PIA) – The newly renovated Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) now has an expanded and enhanced Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) which can accommodate 750 passengers at any given time, compared to its previous passenger capacity of 500.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, along with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and City Government of Zamboanga unveiled the improved ZIA today (September 28). 

Aside from the expanded PTB, the airport als
o now has a Malasakit Hall and Gender and Development Multipurpose Hall. With the completion of Malasakit Hall, the airport has improved concession spaces where the airport concessionaires can showcase the city’s local products.

Sec. Tugade directed CAAP to ensure the swift and successful realization of the ZIA's rehabilitation project, including its seamless and efficient operations.

“To the men and women of Zamboanga City and for Mindanao, these projects are for you, to show and to prove the commitment of President Duterte,” he said.

Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar expressed her gratitude to DOTr through the leadership of Sec. Tugade for the project. 

“Thank you for bringing a wonderful airport rehabilitation, as the city is an important hub and centrally located,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

She emphasized that ZIA is not only a transport hub but also a strategic security operations to host fighter planes. 

“I believe that if the city is secured, the lives of the people will be improved,” she said.

During the pandemic, the City Government of Zamboanga continuously supports the workers in the airport as they are also considered one of the frontliners and with improvements of the ZIA, the city ensures the safety of arrival and departure of the passengers. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Young people in Mutia are receptive to face-to-face classes, says SK Fed Prexy

By: Jayson R. Aucensillo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) -- Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Mutia town in Zamboanga del Norte province affirmed that many youths are receptive to face-to-place classes over the new normal of learning.

This, after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte allowed the limited face-to-face classes to places with low COVID-19 active cases.

“Young people here are receptive to physical classes for they really can’t adapt the blended learning (online classes and modular learning) that we are currently doing now,” said SK Mutia town President Vincent Carlo Gudmalin.

However, some students also choose the blended learning because the situation is still alarming with the possible surge of COVID-19 cases.

“I don’t think the IATF will decide to open the face-to-face classes if they are not sure about everyone’s safety,” the SK President said.

The SK of Mutia town plans to give out cash assistance to students who are in need. Other educational materials are also under procurement such as flash drives, among others.

Last year, the SK Federation here received an allocation budget for education assistance through the 1^st Congressional District Office and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9.

The SK Federation is also determined on reminding the residents, specifically the youth to always follow the basic health protocols and get inoculated.

“I always remind the youth and everyone else, get vaccinated against COVID-19,” Gudmalin emphasized. (NBE/EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Mutia town aims to have own mini-hydro plant

 By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) – The municipal government of Mutia town, a fifth-class municipality in Zamboanga del Norte, dreams big and aims high with the plan to have its very own mini-hydroelectric plant in the municipality.

 

Mutia municipal Mayor Lorrymir Adasa during the Network Briefing News hosted by PCOO Sec. Martin M. Andanar said there is big potential for the area to have its own mini hydro plant that will be powered by lake Duminagat.

Mayor Adasa said prior studies on this possibility have been conducted by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) and the biggest Korean Electric Power company and by a local counterpart in Davao City 

 

“In the event na marealize ‘yan, ang industrialization natin, employment here in the municipality, will greatly improve our classification from a 5th class to maybe a first class,” Mayor Adasa said.

 

“We can sell that to other places like Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP),” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Mayor Adasa also shared and took pride of the various enchanting tourist destinations in Mutia town as he took the lead as virtual tour guide during the morning program. 

 

Mayor Adasa Indulge the viewers and listeners as he took them to a virtual tour in the Highlander Farm and Mountain Resort which is in the top 11 tourist destination in Region 9: zip line, free-flowing cold spring, and natural pool known as “genuine spa” or “pool of minerals” coming from lake Duminagat mountain spring. “Magbabad ka lng sa tubig, papasok na sa katawan mo ang lahat ng minerals from A to Z,” he said.

 

Mayor Adasa also boasted of the Highway Café, Sikomoro Retreat House for spiritual improvement, Cecilia’s Plate that offers food and delicacies with pine tree view and backdrop. Other tourist attractions are camping site and Alvenda Peak, also known as the 6,000 feet mountain peak, a wondrous view, where one can see, below the cliff, the Dapitan River, and the Bergado River that was awarded as cleanest river in 2007, which is also ideal for water rafting. (RVC/EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

PCUP Mini-Caravan nakatanyag serbisyo sa 200 ka mga pamilya sa Lakewood

 

By Gideon C. Corgue

LAKEWOOD, Zamboanga del Sur, September 24 (PIA)—Mokabat sa 200 ka kabus sa Barangay Baking, Lakewood ang nakapahimulos sa ubay-ubay nga serbisyong gihatud sa mga nasudnong ahensya sa kagamhanan atol sa gipahigayon nga Mini-Caravan.

Matud ni Atty. Ferdinand Iman, Chief Operations for Mindanao-Presidential Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP), ang mga programa ug serbisyo sa 30 ka nasudnong ahensya maoy nagsilbing tulay tali sa kagamhanan sa urban poor aron mahatud ang mga nagkadaiyang serbisyo sa kagamhanan ngadto sa mga kabus nga katawhan.

“Pinaagi ning namugna nga Mini-Caravan dili na kinahanglang moadto ang mga tawo sa opisina sa kagamhanan  tungod kay gidala na sa ilang barangay ang mga programa ug serbisyo sa kagamhanan,”  pahayag ni Atty. Iman.

Sa maong kalihokan, ang Department of Health naghatag ug libre nga medical consultation, mga tambal ug vitamins, 300 ka balde nga hygiene kits ug nagtanyag usab sa libre nga bakuna batok sa COVID-19.

Ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources naghatag ug libre nga consultation sa national greening programs, land titling, ug naghatag ug libre nga mga seedlings.

Samtang ang ubang mga ahensya, naghatag ug kasayuran sa mga molupyo aron ipadayag ang  programa, serbisyo ug mga kaayuhan nga mahimo nilang  maangkon pinaagi sa nagkadaiyang buhatan.(NBE/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

 

 

 

DBM says impact of devolution will bring more dev’t to LGUs

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) – Department of Budget and Management Usec. Kim De Leon said that one of the direct impact of Madanas-Garcia decision or the Executive Order 138, is that the local government units (LGU) will have a bigger share from the national taxes.

 

“Because of the increased budget of the LGUs, we are expecting that they will have more projects and programs in their community that can also help the government,” Usec. De Leon added.

Photo Courtesy: MIO LGU Mutia FB Page

During the Laging Handa Network Briefing Program today (Sept. 24) of Presidential Communication Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar, they highlighted the implementation of Devolution of Powers or the Mandanas Ruling will start by the beginning of year 2022, which will make changes in the operation of the government. 

 

The program also highlighted the improvements in the Municipality of Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte, with the expected development, the town also pushes for the improvement of their agricultural and tourism industry. Mutia Mayor Lorrymir Adasa said the town is getting ready for the future in terms of tourism and agriculture.

 

“We aim to become number one in abaca production in the Philippines,” he added.

Photo Courtesy: MIO LGU Mutia FB Page

Mayor Adasa also said that more economic developments are expected in Mutia. Plans on opening up roads to make the tourist destinations more accessible and in terms of agriculture they maintain the production of cacao, coco, abaca, livestock and poultry. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Mutia town appeals housing, farm-to-market roads, agri development intervention from national gov’t

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 24 - Municipalities belonging to the poorest areas in the country are taking the toll of the pandemic harder.

 

Mayor Lorrymir Adasa of Mutia town opened up to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar during the Laging Handa Network Briefing the assistance his municipality needs in this time of pandemic. 

 

After sharing the recent accomplishments and initiatives the local government unit had in boosting tourism and agriculture, the Mayor shared they need the national government’s intervention on their housing project particularly in fast tracking the release of the Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) to utilize the remaining P5 million allocation which is due for release as part of the 100 housing units they already constructed in Barangay Unidos.

 

“Meron din kaming pangalawang proyekto na due for release this year, thru realignment of funds para sa mga hindi natuloy na proyekto ng National Housing. Kaya nananawagan kami kasi ito basic need talaga para sa aming mga IPs,” he said, noting that Mutia is among the poorest municipalities in the country.

 

He also emphasized the need of bridges and farm-to-market roads in several communities and far flung barangays in town for easy accessibility.

 

“Marami kaming mga rivers dito kaya ito talaga hinihingi natin. Makakatulong din ito sa ating tourism,” he said.

Agriculture being the main source of livelihood in Mutia town, Mayor Adasa appealed for more government intervention particularly on farm equipment to help farmers grow quality and increase productivity of agricultural products. (RCV/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DICT provides Free Wifi to all Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi municipalities, establishes new Tech4ED Centers

by Department of Information and Communications Technology

With the Free Wi-Fi launching in 39 locations in Basilan on September 13, all municipalities and cities in the province are now Free Wi-Fi connected. 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, September 23 (PIA) – The Department of Information and Communications Technology-Mindanao Cluster 1 (DICT-MC1) launched Free Wi-Fi sites and Tech4ED centers in Mindanao provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi on September 13 to 15, 2021. 

With the Free Wi-Fi launching in 39 locations in Basilan on September 13, all municipalities and cities in the province are now Free Wi-Fi connected. 

“Connecting Basilan was a challenge at the start due to a series of failed biddings, but with teamwork and sheer persistence, our team of Engineers together with our partners, established the Zamboanga-Basilan Broadband Network maximizing existing systems to connect communities with no access to full-blown ICT infrastructure. With this, we were only able to connect 2 LGUs, Lamitan and Isabela. The only way to reach the other 11 LGUs is to use VSAT- Very Small Aperture Terminal. I’m pleased to share that all the municipalities now have at least one VSAT installed. DICT’s Free internet initiative is now live in 100% of municipalities and cities in the province of Basilan.” Regional Director Maria Teresa Camba said. 

DICT-MC1 also launched the first Digital Transformation Centers in the country located in Isabela City, Basilan, Zamboanga City, and Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. The DTC is an initiative to strengthen digital capacities of citizens, particularly in the underserved communities. It serves as an incubation hub for start-up businesses, co-working space for freelancers and workers, and training center providing free ICT courses tailored to meet community needs.

Sulu province, which had no WiFi presence at the start of 2020 now has 28 newly activated Free WiFi for All locations across its 19 municipalities, with 9 new Tech4ED Centers launched on September 14. All 11 municipalities of Tawi-tawi province also have access to 34 Free Wifi for All locations and 7 new Tech4ED centers, which were ceremonially launched on September 15. It can be recalled that DICT has provided free internet and computer packages to the geographically isolated municipalities of Turtle Islands and Mapun in March 2021.

“We cannot deny the importance of internet especially in these trying times where classes are online and meetings are virtual. We are so thankful for DICT for their services especially for putting up Free Wifi for All, Tech4ED Centers, and for training our graduate students on Digital Jobs. DICT has amplified our services as it provided connectivity for our faculty, students and community,” remarked Prof. Charisma Ututalum, President of Sulu State College. 

“Ang connectivity ay isa sa mga nakatulong upang mabigyang lakas na lumaban ngayong pandemic. Salamat at nandito ang DICT upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng Tawi-tawi. Sa ngalan ng Provincial Government, nagpapasalamat kame dahil nacover po ang buong municipalities ng Tawi-tawi sa Free Wifi at Tech4ED,” added Mr. Mobin Gampal, Provincial Administrator of Tawi-Tawi.

All these accomplishments were made possible through DICT’s partnership with the provincial governments, Western Mindanao Command, and Philippine Coast Guard.

Mandated by Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All program aims to accelerate the government’s efforts in enhancing Internet accessibility for Filipinos by putting up Free Wi-Fi sites in public places across the country. As of August 12 this year, there are 10,661 Free Wi-Fi sites nationwide. Meanwhile, the Tech4ED Program targets to establish community e-centers in areas with minimal to no access to information and government services.

To check out DICT’s Free Wifi hotspot near you, go to https://freepublicwifi.gov.ph/livehotspots/. (DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

DOH: Know your COVID-19 vaccines

 By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

 

The Department of Health (DOH) continuously emphasized that the most effective COVID-19 vaccines are the ones available.

 

Vaccines are not required and only voluntary. Individuals can also choose their preferred brand of vaccines as long as it is available in the vaccination site and they belong to the qualified priority groups.

 

Zamboanga City Planning and Development Coordinator conducted a public survey on COVID-19 vaccine perception, of 917 respondents, nearly half have signified their intention to get vaccinated. Of this, 26% are willing to get vaccinated with any vaccine brand, while 23% expressed willingness to get vaccinated but only for specific brands.

 

DOH 9 Medical Officer Dr. Cheryl Sarmiento said that the vaccines differs from their technology platform, age requirements, doses and frequency, efficacy rate, storage requirements and side effects. But aside from these factors, all vaccines are safe and can give high level of protection from serious illness and death from COVID-19 and other variants including Delta. 

 These are the following vaccines that have all passed through clinical trials and they are Philippine FDA approved. They are available in the country and already being distributed in Zamboanga Peninsula region. Get to know the details before getting vaccinated. 

 

Pfizer-BioNTech – 2 doses (21 days apart); 95% efficacy; Common Adverse effects: Short-term, mild-to-moderate pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache.

 

Oxford-Astrazeneca – 2 doses (4-12 weeks apart); 81.3% efficacy; Common Adverse effects: Injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache, feverishness, myalgia or pain in one or more muscles.

 

CoronaVac (Sinovac) – 2 doses (28 days apart); 51% efficacy; Common Adverse effects: Local lymphadenopathy at the injection site, allergic reaction that may be caused by any component of the vaccine and convulsion.

 

Gamaleya Sputnik V – 2 doses (21-42 days apart); 91.6% efficacy; Common Adverse effects local: pain on injection site, hyperthermia, swelling.

 

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen – 1 dose; 66.9% efficacy; Common Adverse effects: pain, redness swelling, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea.

 

Moderna – 2 doses (28 days apart); 94.1% efficacy; Common Adverse effects: pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, nausea/vomiting, axillary swelling/tenderness, fever, swelling at the injection site, and erythema at the injection site. 

 

According to DOH, these vaccines will take effect 2 to 4 weeks and you need to take all the recommended doses to get maximum level of protection. For individuals that will experience the adverse effects DOH advises to report your symptoms immediately in the nearest health center. 

 

“No vaccine protects you 100%,” said Dr. Sarmiento. However, getting ill after vaccination is still possible but rare and most likely to experience mild symptoms. Breakthrough cases usually happens before the body has the time to develop the maximum immunity. DOH report shows there are no related COVID-19 deaths for fully vaccinated patients. 

 

DOH continues to encourage people to get vaccinated if vaccines are already available for your priority group. 

 

“The more people get vaccinated the less opportunity for the virus to spread,” said Dr. Sarmiento. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

 

 

Fake news gipakisama nga new normal angay nga pakigbatokan - PCCO Sec. Andanar

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, September 21 (PIA)— Si Secretary Martin Adanar sa Presidential Communication Operations Office mipahayag nga ang mga ‘fake news’ gipakisama usab nga new normal sa atong katilingban karon.

Sa interview kang Sec. Andanar sa DXNO Radyo Komunidad sa dakbayan sa Isabela ning adlawa, nagkanayon nga ang mga fake news nga gipakatag sa mga tigsaway sa kagamhanan usa kini nga new normal ug new normal usab kini nga pakigbatokan.

Matud pa ni Andanar nga ang mga kritiko kabahin sa atong demokrasya.

“Gidawat nato ang mga pagsaway ilabi na sa mga constructive criticisms, apan sa mga obstructionists nga naghimo sa mga dili tinuod nga balita, kini ang atong salaon,” dugang pahayag ni Andanar.

Gidugang pa niya nga sa diwa sa demokrasya, kinahanglan nga atong paminawon ang mga kritiko basin kung ang ilang gisulti tinuod. Apan kung ilang isullti nga ang Duterte legacy usa ka fake news, dili nila matuis ang kamatuoran.

Gidugang pa ni Andanar nga ang Duterte legacy sama sa mosunod: paghatag sa 230,000 nga ektarya sa yuta, libre nga irrigation, libre nga wifi, pag-surrender sa 18,000 nga mga rebelde, pagmugna sa 6.5-M nga mga trabaho pinaagi sa “Build, Build” project, ug paghimo sa NAIA airport isip usa sa mga napulo nga nga pinakamaayo nga tugpahan sa kalibutan mao lamang ang pipila sa daghan nga kalampusan sa Duterte administration nga dili matago sa katawhan.  (EDT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

 

DA-9 allots 107,000 inbred rice seeds for Zambo Sur, Sibugay

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA)- The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) -Seed Program spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is set to distribute to farmers in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, more than 107,000 sacks of quality rice seeds for free.

 

The province of Zamboanga Sibugay is allotted 37,650 while Zamboanga del Sur is allotted 69,940 sacks of certified inbred rice seeds.

With the help of the LGUs, bags of certified inbred rice seeds were already delivered to rice-producing cities and municipalities all over the country since the program rolled out in October 2019. Provincial governors and city/municipal mayors through agriculture officers led the seed distribution amidst community quarantine.

Farmers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and are practicing transplanting method can receive 1 bag (20kg each) of seed for every half hectare of cultivated area up to a maximum of 6 bags for those who have rice fields larger than 2.5 hectare. While, farmers practicing the direct-seeding method can receive 2 bags of seeds for every half hectare.

The RCEF-Seed Program is the government's intervention to enhance farmers' competitiveness in a free trade regime. It aims to distribute more than 2.5 million bags of high-quality seeds to more than one million Filipino rice farmers in the country. It is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allots P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. The program is a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the international rice market.

 

For details and final schedule of seed distribution in your area, contact your city or municipal agriculture office.  (RVC/EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)