Gov’t to focus on vaccination of 1,500 barangays classified as ‘centers of gravity’
The bulk of the country’s vaccine supplies will be primarily distributed to the 1,500 barangays tagged as “centers of gravity” of the coronavirus disease infections, National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said. “In response to President Duterte’s directive to prioritize areas with a spike in COVID-19 cases, […] The post Gov’t to focus on vaccination of 1,500 barangays classified as ‘centers of gravity’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
9,136 Maranao daycare learners get food supplies
Up to 9,136 learners in 405 child development centers in remote barangays in Lanao del Sur benefited from a food dispersal program last week of the Bangsamoro government, to be expanded soon in its five other constituent-provinces......»»
Makati closed ‘embo’ daycare centers without notice – Taguig
The city government of Taguig asserted yesterday that Makati did not give any prior notice before closing its daycare centers in the enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays......»»
Makati hits Taguig over closure of ‘embo’ daycare centers
The city government of Makati yesterday slammed Taguig for shifting the blame over the closure of daycare centers in the 10 enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays......»»
Mandaue City Health Office plans to hire more health professionals
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – The Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO) is planning to hire additional doctors, nurses and midwives who will especially be deployed in health centers and clinics in the 27 barangays here. Dr. Debra Maria Catulong, the MCHO head, said that having more health professionals is expected to improve the delivery of health.....»»
95 areas in Davao Region still grapple with flooding
Ninety-five areas in the Davao Region continue to grapple with flooding, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao). Davao del Norte has the highest number of flooded areas, with 64 barangays affected, followed by Davao Oriental with 22, and Davao de Oro with nine. The region has also experienced over 50 landslides, with Davao de Oro leading with 44 incidents and eight in Davao Oriental. Tragically, a significant landslide in Monkayo, Davao de Oro resulted in nine confirmed deaths, one critical injury, and four individuals still under search and rescue operations. Davao City also recorded casualties due to heavy rains. The adverse weather conditions have affected thousands of individuals and displaced over 4,000 families in evacuation centers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has provided assistance to the affected families. The heavy rainfall is attributed to a weather system known as a shear line, causing widespread impact in the Visayas and Mindanao areas......»»
Establishment of a “World-class” Hospital for Bicolanos, a Gift from Congressman Zaldy Co of AKB
The construction of the new Legacy Building of the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) is in full swing, aiming to provide world-class medical services for Bicolanos and neighboring provinces. This new 10-story medical facility, classified as a level 3 hospital, will house Specialty Centers such as the Heart Center, Lung Center, Cancer Center, […].....»»
Rep. Duterte donates motorcycle equipment to boost brgy police
First District Representative Paolo Pulong Duterte has donated motorcycle equipment to boost the barangay police in the first district. The equipment, which includes a police siren with a PA system and mic, front blinker, beacon light, front crash guard stainless, and pole stand stainless, was turned over to barangay captains for use by their barangay police. The turnover ceremony took place at the Office of the First Congressional District in Davao City. This initiative is part of Rep. Duterte's ongoing efforts to support the barangays in his district, which have included providing ambulances, multi-purpose buildings, fire stations, and evacuation centers. The donation complements the Davao City Government's provision of 55 motorcycle units to the Davao City police. The use of motorcycles will enable the barangay police to patrol their areas of responsibility more effectively and enhance general security. Rigo Duterte, the son of Rep. Duterte, expressed gratitude to the barangay police for their dedication and emphasized that the new equipment will strengthen their ability to prevent and respond to street crimes......»»
Comelec says arson attacks hit 2 Maguindanao schools to be used for barangay polls
The schools – located in Maguindanao del Norte barangays listed as areas of grave concern for the 2023 barangay elections – are designated voting centers for the October 30 vote.....»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSKE: Selected voters from Pitogo, Pari-an to cast ballots in malls
CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least two barangays in Cebu have been chosen as part of the Commission on Election – Central Visayas’ (Comelec-7) pilot program to conduct actual voting inside malls. Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, director of Comelec-7, confirmed on Wednesday, October 18, that the voting centers for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), for selected precincts in Barangays Pitogo in Consolacion and Pari-an in Cebu City, will be in malls. READ: Mall voting simulation set for August 19 – Comelec official BSKE: Designated malls for voting centers These will be at SM Consolacion and Robinsons Galleria in the North Reclamation Area (NRA), Cebu City. There will be five clustered precincts from Pitogo and five clustered precincts from Pari-an that will have the mall voting, Castillano said. “Only five precincts from each barangay considering the space constraint,” he added. READ: Comelec-7 to launch mall voting on Brgy and SK Elections 2023 Two simulations Comelec-7 has also conducted two simulations of the ‘mall voting’ during the first week of October to assess the feasibility of having malls as voting centers for the BSKE. According to Castillano, the Comelec decided to implement a pilot test on having malls as part of their goals to enhance voting experience. The Comelec-7 official cited the high turnout they observed when voter registrations were conducted in malls as the basis behind the decision. The Barangay and SK polls will be held this October 30. ALSO READ: Guarding the vote: Over 180,000 cops to be deployed for BSKE /dbs.....»»
Makati petitions status quo ante vs Taguig
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay yesterday filed an “Urgent Motion for Clarification with Prayer for the Issuance of a Status Quo Ante Order” before Branch 153 of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court in a case entitled “Municipality of Taguig (Now City of Taguig) v. Municipality of Makati (Now City of Makati) et al.,” Civil Case No. 63896. The lady mayor, in an ambush interview, said there should be a smooth transiton because they don’t want disruption of delivery of basic services to the residents. In the Urgent Motion, Makati City asked RTC-Taguig to issue a status quo order against Taguig City citing its attempts to unilaterally and arbitrarily implement the Supreme Court’s decision without any writ of execution from the trial court and even prior to the metes and bounds of parcels 3 and 4 of Psu-2031 being determined. Binay filed the Urgent Motion accompanied by City Administrator Claro Certeza and City Legal Officer Michael Camiña. The status quo order, which is similar to a cease-and desist order, is an order to maintain the last actual, peaceable, uncontested state of things which preceded the controversy. It was noted in the Urgent Motion that the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that a “status quo order is warranted in order to promote common good as well as protect the public interest.” Binay said the court is the best avenue to address the matter as far as they are concerned because Taguig City doesn’t want to sign the writ of execution and the memorandum of agreement Makati City is proposing to have a smooth transition. “Even the issue of ownership they don’t want to tackle and it seems they have a different interpretation of the SC ruling and we also have a different view and the best solution is for the court to determine this matter,” Binay said. According to Mayor Binay, “Makati only wants an orderly administration of the Supreme Court decision with the least disruption to the residents and the uninterrupted delivery of basic services in the affected areas.” EMBO residents At the moment, Makati City continue to provide the needed services to the affected enlisted men’s barrio residents because they don’t want interruption and they are the ones giving the funding not Taguig City. “The problem with them they are choosing what they want to take over what about disaster, garbage collection, school, health services, electricity? There are so many things that should be settled first and as long as there is no writ of execution we will continue to provide services to the residents,” Binay said. Makati City cited a number of “alarming and highly confusing incidents” caused by Taguig’s attempt to forcibly execute the SC Decision without a valid writ of execution. These include attempts to enter the premises of a housing project owned by Makati City, as well as to forcibly take possession of several school buildings and health centers in the affected barangays. “Taguig cannot simply take the law into its own hands and act as it pleases without any writ of execution issued by the court. Because of Taguig’s arbitrary, whimsical, and capricious attempts to unilaterally implement the SC Decision in a piece-meal manner, the people’s welfare has been unduly prejudiced by Taguig City and has created unwarranted tension and confusion among the residents and various government agencies,” Mayor Binay said. Makati City noted that the Supreme Court did not expressly order any part of the SC Decision to be immediately executory, nor did it expressly mention in the dispositive part the exact metes and bounds of Parcels 3 and 4 of PSU-2031. Makati City, therefore, asked the trial court to clarify and confirm the necessity of Taguig City first obtaining a writ of execution as well as the court determining the exact metes and bounds of Parcels 3 and 4 of PSU-2031 before the SC Decision can be implemented. The Urgent Motion will also allow Makati to assert its rights as owner of properties located in the disputed areas. As stated by Mayor Binay, “[t]he present case involves a territorial dispute. It does not involve ownership of properties located within the disputed territory.” The post Makati petitions status quo ante vs Taguig appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bayani Fernando, a true public servant (1)
On 22 September 2023, in a freak and unfortunate accident, the country lost a man who spent much of his life in dedicated public service. Bayani Fernando, a popular, beloved three-term mayor, a two-term Congressman of Marikina, a few months Secretary of Public Works, and an eight-year Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, passed away at age 77, creating a vacuum in the kind of leadership exercised by, unfortunately, a few public servants. In a toxic atmosphere of politics, his entry into public service was a refreshing gust of wind. Putting aside his business interests (he founded the BF Group of Companies, engaged in construction, steel, manufacturing, and real estate), he plunged head-on to an unfamiliar terrain. He lost in his first try and emerged victorious in his second. Thereafter, he carved a name for himself as a strict, disciplinarian and creative Mayor of Marikina for three consecutive terms. He has become a legend in local administration. He transformed Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model city of cleanliness and orderliness, receiving citation after citation in different fields of endeavor. As Mayor, he launched a crusade against all forms of transgressions of law. He stopped illegal vending and destroyed the confiscated food and merchandise to show he meant business. He instilled discipline among the employees. He made the dirty and odorous public toilets in City Hall look and smell like hotel restrooms. He re-settled the informal settlers, not by transferring them to other cities but by providing them with lands and shelter inside the city. Bayan as he is called by his pretty and equally dedicated public servant wife, Marides Carlos- Fernando, dredged the Marikina River of filth and garbage, developed the banks into flood control outlets, and converted both sides of the river as a park. He commenced massive repairs and cementing of roads. He built an efficient drainage system and created sidewalks all over Marikina. He established health centers in the barangays. He enforced the law on everyone, exempting no one. He removed illegally parked vehicles and enforced traffic rules strictly. He made the public market clean and stalls orderly and sectionalized. Garbage was regularly collected. Public service became efficient and prompt. Employees were courteous and sported smiles as they rendered service to Marikeños. Under his watch, the economy of Marikina grew. His other half, a UP product, from whom he derived his inspiration to serve faithfully Marikina, continued the caring Fernando kind of governance. He brought his creative and authoritative leadership as Chairman of the Metropolitan Development Authority to Metro Manila. He brought back the sidewalks to the pedestrians, which were invaded by vendors selling their wares. He forcibly evicted squatters along the railroad tracks, esteros, and those living under the bridge. He made innovative projects that dramatically lessened the chaos that used to vex Metro Manilas. He improved on the nightmarish traffic congestion. He introduced the U-turn slots and constructed food bridges that made crossing the streets convenient and safe. He was a hands-on government worker, ensuring the projects he initiated ran smoothly, and those implementing them were on their toes. He didn’t back down from pressures and resistance coming from powerful politicians and businessmen. He didn’t leave anything to chance or rely on the people he tasked to do a particular job. He had to be there inspecting, correcting, and innovating on anything he put his mind to. Tragically, this admirable character trait brought him to his demise. (To be continued) The post Bayani Fernando, a true public servant (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims
The office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spearheaded a relief operation for fire victims in Barangays Kasambagan, Duljo Fatima, and Inayawan in Cebu City on Thursday, 21 September, as part of the senator’s efforts to ensure that the communities fully recover from the incident. The relief operation was held at Brgy. Kasambagan Hall. The senator’s team, together with Brgy. Kasambagan Captain Franklyn Ong, distributed snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 102 fire victims. They also gave away shoes, watches, and mobile phones to select recipients. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each qualified family. “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go said in a video message. “Isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang programa ng NHA ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. This legislation, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, is designed to bolster BFP’s capacity through a decade-long modernization initiative. This program encompasses the enlistment of additional firefighters, procurement of more firefighting equipment, and the provision of specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, all in Cebu City. The Malasakit Center is a convenient one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through the 159 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulungan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go... Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Go also expressed his support for the construction of Super Health Centers in strategic locations as identified by DOH nationwide. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Habagat’ onslaught leaves 2 dead
The Office of Civil Defense on Sunday disclosed that two individuals reportedly died due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat which was enhanced by typhoons “Goring” and “Hanna.” According to OCD spokesperson Edgar Posadas, the fatalities — which were still being validated — came each from the Cordillera Administrative Region and Western Visayas, adding that the inclement weather has also affected more than 418,000 people all over the country. “More than 418,000 people have been affected by the combined effects of ‘Goring,’ ‘Hanna,’ and habagat. This translates to more than 114,000 families in 1,469 barangays,” said Posadas in a radio interview. He added that at least 21,700 people or 5,100 families have also remained at 272 evacuation centers, while 30,000 people or 7,400 families were staying in other places, based on the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. “Our data for damaged houses has increased a bit — it’s at 501 now. Ninety-six houses were totally damaged, while 405 were partially damaged in CAR, Regions 1, 2, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Region 6,” Posadas said. The OCD spokesperson also revealed that damage and losses to agriculture stood at P421,195,721. The damage to infrastructure amounted to P130,251,200 and two localities in the Western Visayas also declared a state of calamity because of the recent typhoons and habagat. Meantime, a total of 98 seaports were affected in the Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas, resulting in canceled trips. Classes in 298 cities and municipalities were also suspended. Twenty-five roads and nine bridges were also not passable, according to the NDRRMC. In other developments, three Luzon dams continued to release water on Sunday morning after heavy rains from the habagat. Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan had one gate open at 0.15 meter at 6 a.m. as the reservoir water level of Ipo Dam was at 101.07 meters at 6 a.m., which is over the 101-meter normal high water level. Meantime, the Ambuklao Dam in Benguet had five gates open on Sunday morning at 2.5 meters as the the dam’s RWL was at 751.53 meters, nearing the NHWL of 752 meters. Binga Dam in Benguet, on the other hand, six gates remained open on Sunday, same as on Saturday. The gate opening, however, was slightly bigger on Sunday at 3.3 meters. Binga Dam’s RHWL was at 573.23 meters on Sunday, just a few meters away from the NHWL of 575 meters. The post ‘Habagat’ onslaught leaves 2 dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City
Senator Bong Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, recently played a pivotal role in providing an ambulance for Barangay La Huerta in Parañaque City on Monday, 28 August. Several barangays have long faced challenges when it comes to emergency medical services. The absence of a dedicated ambulance often leads to delays in medical assistance, putting the lives of residents at risk in various areas of the country. Go, understanding the gravity of the situation, took it upon himself to address this pressing issue. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he was instrumental in securing the necessary funds to acquire the ambulance during the Duterte administration. There are numerous benefits of having a dedicated ambulance in the barangay including faster emergency response. With an ambulance stationed in the barangay, medical teams can reach patients much quicker, thereby reducing the time it takes to get them the medical attention they need. This is particularly crucial in cases of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening emergencies where immediate intervention can be the difference between life and death. The ambulance is also equipped with essential medical supplies and life-saving equipment, ensuring that patients receive the best pre-hospital care possible. Aside from the ambulance, Go supported several initiatives in the city to ensure its progress amid crisis situations. Among the projects are the rehabilitation and construction of several multipurpose buildings, and the rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, and the improvement of the Parañaque River Promenade Bridge. Furthermore, Go offered to help those in need of medical care and encouraged them to get medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Parañaque. Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 after he witnessed the struggles of financially disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their medical expenses. The program, which was institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, was principally authored and sponsored by Go. On the same day, Go also conducted a relief activity for 1,000 indigent students in Brgy. Don Bosco in Parañaque City. The post Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC: No casualties but 1 missing due to ‘Goring’
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Wednesday said no deaths or injuries have been recorded due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Goring”, but it was verifying a report on a missing individual. The latest data from NDRRMC showed that “Goring” has already battered a total of 56,410 families equivalent to 196,926 individuals and displaced 48,997 individuals from 832 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of the number, 9,608 families equivalent to 35,095 persons are now being sheltered in 376 activated evacuation centers while another 3,407 families, or 13,902 persons, are being aided outside. The NDRRMC recorded a total of P41,175,000 worth of damage to infrastructures as of Wednesday. But it has yet to report on the cost of agricultural damages. Some 28 roads and 19 bridges remained impassable, with six areas experiencing power interruption in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, CAR and Mimaropa, while two areas in Calabarzon and Western Visayas have no water supply. The agency said six flights were canceled in Cagayan Valley while a total of 67 seaports were affected in Cagayan Valley, Calabazon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas. The government said it has already provided a total of P7,844,038 worth of assistance to typhoon-affected families. The post NDRRMC: No casualties but 1 missing due to ‘Goring’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super Typhoon Goring affects nearly ‘200k’ people, infra damage reaches P41-M
Supertyphoon Goring has already battered some 56,410 families equivalent to 196,926 individuals with a total of P41,175,000 worth of damage to infrastructures as of Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The latest data from NDRRMC showed that the inclement weather has displaced 48,997 individuals from 832 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of the number, 9,608 families equivalent to 35,095 persons are now being sheltered in 376 activated evacuation centers while another 3,407 families, or 13,902 persons are being aided outside. No casualties were reported but the NDRRMC said it was verifying a report on a missing individual. Also, it has yet to report on the cost of agricultural damage due to Goring. Some 28 roads and 19 bridges remained not passable with six areas experiencing power interruption in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, CAR, and Mimaropa. While two areas in Calabarzon and Western Visayas have no water supply. NDRRMC said six flights were canceled in Cagayan Valley while a total of 67 seaports were affected in Cagayan Valley, Calabazon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. The government said it has already provided a total of P7,844,038 worth of assistance to the typhoon-affected families. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Super Typhoon “Goring” continues to maintain strength as it approaches the northwestern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility. PAGASA said “Goring” is forecast to follow a mainly west-northwestward path across the Luzon Strait from today until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight or tomorrow morning. Outside the PAR region, the “Goring” will continue its west-northwestward movement for the remainder of tomorrow before turning more westward on Friday while slowing down, then west-southwestward on Saturday. “Goring” is likely to remain as a super typhoon until Friday. “Increasingly unfavorable conditions over the waters off the coast of Guangdong will trigger a weakening trend and by Monday, Goring will have weakened into a severe tropical storm,” PAGASA said in its advisory. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is still hoisted over the Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Apayao (Luna, Santa Marcela, Calanasan), and the northwestern portion of Cagayan (Pamplona, Claveria, Ballesteros, Abulug, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes). PAGASA warned there is a moderate to high risk of storm surge which may cause flooding in the low-lying and exposed coastal areas of Batanes and the northern and western portions of Babuyan Islands. The southwest monsoon enhanced by “Goring” may bring a significant amount of rains over the Zambales, Bataasn, and Northern portion of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo Islands, and Occidental Mindoro and Pangasinan over the next three days. Super Typhoon “Goring” was last tracked at 1185 km West of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph while moving west-northwestward at 15 kph. The post Super Typhoon Goring affects nearly ‘200k’ people, infra damage reaches P41-M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists ‘sakadas’ in Antique
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team visited Sibalom, Antique on Friday, 25 August, to provide assistance to sugar migrant workers, or sakadas. The said relief activity not only highlighted his dedication to public service but also underscored the importance of strengthening the agricultural sector in the country. Recognizing the important role of farmers in upholding food security, Senator Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has consistently championed the reinforcement of agricultural support systems. He stood as one of the authors behind Republic Act No. 11901, which broadened the scope of the financing system for agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. Go also co-sponsored and co-authored in the Senate the measure that became RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. The law condones loans incurred by agrarian reform beneficiaries, including interests, penalties, and surcharges. Furthermore, the senator also filed SBN 2117, which aims to provide full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, as well as SBN 2118 which aims to provide better insurance coverage and services to farmers and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector, if enacted into law. "Nais kong hikayatin ang lahat ng mga lingkod-bayan na makiisa sa pagtulong sa ating mga magsasaka. Ang kanilang mahalagang papel sa ating pagkain at ekonomiya ay di-matatawaran. Suportahan natin sila sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas ng kanilang sektor at pagpapalaganap ng mga programa na tutugon sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. Sa pagkakaisa, makakamit natin ang mas maunlad at masaganang buhay para sa ating mga magsasaka,” Go urged in his video message. Go’s team, together with the team of Governor Rhodora Cadiao, held the distribution at the University of Antique, where 1,000 sakadas received masks and shirts from Go while select recipients received shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided financial assistance. Continuing his message, Go expressed his concern that access to medical assistance programs remains a pressing issue in many regions, especially in rural areas. It is for this reason that the senator mentioned that there is a Malasakit Center at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista if they may need medical assistance from the government. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support poor and indigent patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. According to DOH, the Malasakit Centers program has already benefitted over seven million Filipinos, with 158 Malasakit Centers established all over the country. The senator then mentioned that there will also be a Super Health Center set to be established in the town. Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and an ambulatory surgical unit. Other services available include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. DOH has identified more locations in Antique to build Super Health Centers, in addition to Sibalom. These include Culasi and San Jose de Buenavista. Acknowledging the necessity for specialized care, Go has championed the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. These centers focus on specific medical fields, ensuring that patients receive expert care without the need to travel long distances to urban centers. In the Senate, Go served as a principal sponsor and co-author of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. This legislation has been recently approved into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the acquisition of a motor vehicle in Sibalom, multi cabs in Laua-an, and an ambulance unit in San Jose. The senator likewise supported the expansion of a water system in Libertad, improvement of the Tobias Fornier Municipal Hall, flood control projects in Hamtic, San Jose and Laua-an, construction of solar streetlights in various barangays in Barbaza, improvement of a public park in Belison, construction of a covered court in San Remigio, construction of a bridge in Patnongon, and road improvements in Laua-an, San Remigio, Sebaste, Sibalom, and Valderrama. On 23 August, Go’s team was in Tobias Fornier, where they provided assistance to the beneficiaries of the medical and dental mission held in the town. The post Bong Go assists ‘sakadas’ in Antique appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Relief goods for ‘Goring’-affected families ready
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council accounted for a total of 2,302 families or 7,919 individuals residing in six regions badly affected by the onslaught of typhoon “Goring” as of Monday. The latest data from NDRRMC showed that the inclement weather has prompted the evacuation of affected families from 93 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of the number, 538 individuals equivalent to 1,948 persons are now being sheltered in 53 activated evacuation centers while another 107 families or 359 persons are being aided outside. No casualties due to “Goring” have so far been recorded. The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Monday said its regional office in Cagayan Valley has more than 70,000 family food packs, 41,480 of which have been prepositioned to various local government units even before super typhoon “Goring” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. “Currently we have 2,611 families affected by typhoon “Goring,” which is equivalent to 8,547 individuals covering the four major provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino,” the report of Field Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) Regional Director Lucia Alan to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian read. “Of the 2,611 ‘Goring’-affected families, 716 sought temporary shelter in evacuation centers” Alan said. Alan also reported to the Disaster Response and Management Group that her field office has already distributed food packs to the 2,611 families affected by “Goring.” “We have 30,074 FFPs ready to be deployed from our five warehouses on top of the 41,480 food packs that have been prepositioned to LGUs,” Alan reported to DRMG Undersecretary Dianne Cajipe. The post Relief goods for ‘Goring’-affected families ready appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon ‘Goring’ batters 2.3K families, Cagayan Valley infra damage now at P40M
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said a total of 2,302 families or 7,919 individuals residing in six regions have been badly affected by the onslaught of Typhoon “Goring” as of Monday. The latest data from NDRRMC showed that the storm has prompted the evacuation of affected families from 93 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of the number, 538 individuals equivalent to 1,948 persons are now being sheltered in 53 activated evacuation centers while another 107 families or 359 persons are being aided outside. No casualties due to "Goring" have so far been recorded. No major communication interruptions were reported, while 16 areas in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa have experienced power outages—10 of which have already been restored. Calabarzon is currently experiencing water supply interruption. The Office of the Civil Defense said some P2.37 billion of disaster funds and prepositioned relief items are now on standby. The NDRRMC also reported P40 million in damage to infrastructure within the Cagayan Valley. The post Typhoon ‘Goring’ batters 2.3K families, Cagayan Valley infra damage now at P40M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»