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)

Pagadian City nagsugod pagbakuna sa pediatric population

 

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, November 04 (PIA)—Ang Pagadian City government opisyal nga naglusad sa vaccination sa general pediatric population nga may edad 12 ngadto sa 17 ka tuig. Gipahigayon kini sa vaccination hub sa dakbayan ning Miyerkoles, Nobyembre 3.

Sa unang adlaw sa pediatric vaccination, wala gipalabay ang panahon ni Dr. Jose Hofeliña, tag-iya sa Hofeliña Hospital ning dakbayan ang iyang tulo ka mga anak nga si Jose IV, Jose V ug Juliana ug iya kini nga gidala sa vaccination hub aron mabakunahan gilayon sa covid-19 vaccine.

Matud ni Hofeliña, isip usa ka doktor ug amahan, buot niya nga mapanalipdan ang iyang mga anak sa makamatay nga Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Ang pagpabakuna sa akong mga anak mao ang pinaka maayo nga Christmas gift nga akong mahatag ngadto kanila. Mao lamang kini ang pinakamaayong paagi nga mapanalipdan ang akong mga anak gikan sa COVID-19,” malipayon nga gipahibalo ni Hofeliña.

Matud pa niya nga dili kalikayan nga ang mga bata makig-uban ug makigsuroy sa ilang mga classmates ug busa naay posibilidad nga matakdan sila sa makamatay nga virus.

“Ang COVID-19 paspas nga motakod ug makamatay ilabi na gayud ang Delta Variant busa akong gipabakunahan gilayon ang akong mga anak,” matud pa ni Hofeliña, kinsa hingpit usab nga bakunado.

Ang kagamhanan sa dakbayan nagtumong nga mabakunahan ang tanang kabataan ug estudyante nga nagtungha sa dakbayan ning bulan sa Nobyembre. (NBE/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

 

Zambo officials to review, recommend GCQ for Nov 16-30

By Dominic I. Sanchez 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, November 4 (PIA) – Mayor Beng Climaco Wednesday (November 3) instructed local officials to review the possibility of downgrading to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from November 16-30, as COVID-19 cases continue to drop for the past several days. The mayor has also instructed the local task force to study the lifting of the Sunday lockdown and allow fully vaccinated residents more movement.

Currently, the city has 2,145 active COVID-19 cases as per the city’s daily tracker.  

The City Hall Public Information Office (PIO) said the mayor had made this pronouncement during the local officials’ daily meeting, in which Mayor Climaco nevertheless emphasized the need for strict compliance to health protocols. 

The Sunday lockdown has been in place since August “as part of the measures to curb COVID-19 transmission amidst the threat of new COVID variants specifically the delta variant”, a news bit from the PIO read. Under this policy, “only those going to places of worship, health frontliners, security frontliners and disaster risk reduction and management, as well as those on emergency situation and involved in the food delivery services are allowed to go out on Sundays”.

Meanwhile, the local task force is also to conduct an assessment whether to allow fully vaccinated residents more mobility.

Nevertheless, the mayor is appealing for continuous strict compliance to health protocols, even if residents are fully vaccinated since infection is still possible. To date, as per City Health Office (CHO) report, approximately 2,000 vaccinated individuals still contracted COVID-19. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite emphasized that even if the vaccines provide protection against severe symptoms and even death, residents can still be infected who may in turn infect unvaccinated persons. 

The city government is targeting 50 percent fully-vaccinated population by Christmas Day, 2021. (EDT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City, photo courtesy of the City Government of Zamboanga Facebook Page)

DOH targets 50% vaccination coverage in ZamPen by end of 2021

 By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov 3 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH)-9 continues its vaccination efforts and targeting at least 50% of qualified individuals in Zamboanga Peninsula to be vaccinated by the end of this year. 

As of October 30, 2021, based from the DOH report on their vaccination coverage, 603,592 or 31.6% from the priority groups are already fully vaccinated. 

“We urge the local government units to beef-up their vaccination activities to achieve our target,” said DOH-9 Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Augusto Manolo Alpichi.

(Photo Courtesy of Christine Lim, City Health Office)

DOH encourages local government units in the region to improve the vaccination roll-out through adding more vaccination centers and hiring additional vaccinators. 

From the report of the vaccination coverage, the A2 priority group or the senior citizens still shows low coverage with 46.97% rate. 

DOH continues to encourage senior citizens and their families to get vaccinated as they are one of the most vulnerable of being infected with COVID-19.

“Our vaccination continues as we have regular arrival of vaccines in the region,” Dr. Alpichi said. Vaccines arrive twice a week in the region.

Meanwhile, some of the cities and provinces already started the inoculation of COVID-19 vaccines for pediatric A3 (with co-morbidity) ages 12 to 17 group. (EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Alicia BION as active force vs fake news

 By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 03 (PIA) – “Misinformation and disinformation often cause trouble, panic and confusion among people.” This was what Alicia town mayor Remberto G. Sotto emphasized during the recent launching of the Barangay Information Officers’ Network (BION) in the municipality.

 

“Daghang fake news, mao ning naghatag ug kalibugan sa katawhan,” (there are a lot of fake news that bewilders people) he said.

 

With a total of 27 barangay officials and secretaries as members of the newly created information group, Mayor Sotto expects this communications team will act with agile in countering fake news by delivering honest, truthful information.

 

He said, with the help of BION, he hopes to promote only genuine information specially that of COVID-19 concerns, help encourage local folks to accept vaccination against COVID-19, bring good news, and disseminate government programs and projects that will benefit his people.

 

Sotto believed it is about time to put premium to information delivery and is happy of the creation of BION as a helping hand in doing the job done.

 

Kita nagpasalamat nga namugna ning BION. Pinaagi ninyo, kinahanglan ang mga katawhan mahibalo sa kamatuoran, kay ang fake news maoy hinungdan sa daghang away-away, (we are grateful of the creation of BION. Through you, people should be well informed of the truth, because fake news often caused conflict),” he said.

BION is the brain child of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 headed by Regional Director Noemi Edaga as COVID-19 response and beyond. 

 

In 2020, PIA teamed up with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to organize the BION in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, taking cognizance of the need for communication multipliers down the grassroots. 

The realization came at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when a massive communication strategy is needed to campaign for compliance to minimum health protocols to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the localities. (RVC/EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

 

Mannafest, a heaven’s food delight in times of pandemic

By Rene V. Carbayas

God will provide. Indeed, heaven provided ‘manna’ to hungry people in biblical times when people were in distress, exhausted from days of journey to the promised land. 

Today, this act of heaven had been emulated with human kindness to create quality food products to feed the modern Zamboangueño.

Mannafest Food Inc., a manufacturer of bread and other pastry products in Zamboanga City won the 2021 Productivity Olympics National Award under the Industry- Small Category during the virtual awarding ceremony held on October 21, 2021.

Owned by Remie Talaver and managed by his son, Jerome Talaver, Mannafest was recognized as one of the outstanding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country with best practices on business continuity, employee engagement, and employment preservation despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic.

It was not an easy feat. The younger Talaver said at first, like all businesses, starting one is always challenging, especially in the food industry.

“We had no experience in baking so we had to start from scratch and learn how the baking industry works.  It was a step-by-step process and it took a long time. There were a lot of trial and error. We had to go through ups and downs until we were able to figure it out and find our rhythm as a company, developing and perfecting our recipes, installing the right systems and hiring the right people,” he said.

The company’s name came from the biblical word Manna of the Old Testament. “It was food that came from heaven. We wanted to create a brand that reflected our Christian background and is grounded on good values and love for others,” he explained.

Their small enterprise started with ‘pasalubong’ biscuits like biscocho, otap, toasted mamon, etc. but later became famous for their Manna wheat bread and its flavored varieties. Talaver believed what made their product exceptional is its quality.

“I guess the success comes from our mindset to not settle [with what is] and realizing that there are still more to learn and a lot of things we can improve on,” he said. 

The pandemic brought down many businesses and establishments on their knees, a number closed shop. Many workers depended on businesses for jobs that many longed for especially in times of the pandemic.

The main challenge for Mannafest during the pandemic were the delays in the delivery of raw materials because of government travel restrictions and temporary shutdown of some of their supplier's facility in Luzon due to the spread of COVID-19. 

The company with a total of 41 employees as of 2021 thrives and provided their employees with the much-needed support to survive in the crisis. 

“Aside from the basic government mandated benefits, we provide 1 sack rice allowance and cash assistance as well as medical assistance. During the pandemic, we were able to provide them with COVID prevention kits, which contain vitamin C, face masks and alcohol. We also provided shuttle service to our admin staff last year when public transportation was not available.”

Mannafest Food Inc. stood out among MSMEs in Region 9 due its growth from 2020-2021. It made a lot of upgrades in terms of equipment and manpower, and improved its packaging and added a bunch of new products in its lineup of products: ube cream bread, chocolate cream bread, turmeric cream bread to name a few. The company had a significant increase in its sales as well. But, most important of all, the company was able to take care of its employees even during these tough times.

On August 12, 2021, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-9 awarded Mannafest Food Inc. as one of the eight Regional Winners for Zamboanga Peninsula, along with Best Reach Out Sells Inc., Breaking Barriers Philippines Inc., LM Metro Hotel, Shinelo’s Cakes, Sibuguey Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Woodland Resort and Restaurant, and Zam’s Delight Foods.

The RTWPB-9 said from 148 regional winners from all over the country, Mannafest emerged as one of the nine (9) national winners of the biennial competition. 

The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) spearheaded the awarding ceremony, along with the RTWPB. Out of all the Regional Winners nationwide, the National Judging Panel has selected 30 MSMEs who qualified as National Finalists. Among these finalists, nine MSMEs were awarded as National Winners representing the Agribusiness, Industry, and Service Sectors. 

Here are the 2021 Productivity Olympics National Winners: 

• Agribusiness-Micro Category: Rejano’s Bakery (CAR)
• Agribusiness-Small Category: Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Region I)
• Agribusiness-Medium Category: Grain Pro Philippines, Inc. (Region III) 
• Industry-Micro Category: Sandria’s Delicious Concept (Region II) 
• Industry-Small Category: Mannafest Food Inc. (Region IX) 
• Industry-Medium Category: Sunlight Foods Corporation (NCR) 
• Service-Micro Category: HR Spectacles (NCR) 
• Service-Small Category: Northern Roots SG Group Inc. (CAR) 
• Service-Medium Category: Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative (Caraga) 

The RTWPB-9 Secretariat and Board Members attended the virtual awarding ceremony and expressed their full support to ZamPen’s National Winner. The members of the board include Chairperson and DOLE-9 Regional Director Roy L. Buenafe, Vice-Chairperson and NEDA-9 Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao, Vice- Chairperson and DTI-9 Regional Director Al-Zamir I. Lipae, Employer Representative Edgar B. Lim, Employer Representative Roberto G. Valerio, Labor Representative Rey Anthony D. Trio, and Board Secretary VI Joel M. Ijirani. 

Jerome Talaver said a lot of government departments offer help and support to local businesses and small startups. 

“We ourselves have received a ton of help from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) when we were still starting out as well as from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),” he said. He was hoping that more small industries and entrepreneurs can benefit from the programs of the said government agencies. 

Now, Mannafest focuses on upgrading its commissary in terms of equipment and process, hoping that the company can expand its production facilities in one of its neighboring provinces.  They have a distributor already in Ozamis and Cagayan de Oro. 

Mannafest’s products may not be free just like the manna from heaven, but as what Jerome Talaver said that they give importance on the values they want to put into their company and its employees, which could be an advice for beginners in the business.

“Maybe, the advice I can give is [for entrepreneurs] to be patient. Just put in the work and work smart. Be humble and always be open to try new things. And lastly, take care of your people,” he said. (EDT/RVC/PIA9/20211102)