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Rate of coronavirus spread to determine govt’s next step

COVID-19 TEST. A member of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region checks the temperature of passengers aboard a jeepney using thermal scanner as the 30-day community quarantine in Metro Manila begins on Sunday (March 15, 2020). he community quarantine was implemented to contain the spread of coronavirus disease or Covid-19. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

 

MANILA — Malacañang said the rate of the spread of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection will determine whether the government will consider implementing a “complete lockdown” in Metro Manila.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark as the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 as of Sunday night soared to 140 with 12 deaths during the first day of the implementation of the month-long “community quarantine” which will end on April 14.

“Iyon talaga ang magiging konsiderasyon (Those are what is being considered -- how fast people are being infected, how fast people are being exposed from infected people),” he said in an interview over DZMM on Sunday.

He said if a complete lockdown is necessary to control the spread of the disease, it would be considered.

“Kung kinakailangan tayong mag complete lockdown na, magla-lockdown na tayo, sapagka’t exponentially, kapag nagkahawaan tayo ay talagang mauubos tayo (If there is a need to have a complete lockdown, we’ll have a lockdown. Because exponentially, if we infect each other we’ll be wiped out),” he said.

Regardless of the term used, he said what is important is to prevent contagion in the entire country.

“Whether you call it lockdown or whatever, ang importante hindi tayo magkahawaan. Iyan ang pinakaimportante rin, hindi na mahalaga kung anong itatawag mo diyan (what’s important is we don’t infect each other. That’s what’s important, not what term it’s called),” he said.

However, he clarified that it will depend on daily assessments and recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases which will be convening again on Monday.

“Pinag-uusapan at ini-evaluate araw-araw iyong mga kaganapan. Kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating lahat iyon ang gagawin natin (We are discussing and evaluating the developments. We’re going to do what’s best for all of us),” he said.

The decision whether or not to implement a complete lockdown, he said, could also be reached if the task force feels that the current community quarantine might be insufficient to control the spread of the highly-infectious disease.

“Kasama iyon sa pag-uusapan bukas (Monday) kung ito ba ay sufficient na iyong ginagawa natin o kailangan pa nating mas istrikto iyong ating gagawin dahil (Among topics to be discussed is whether or not what we’re doing now is sufficient or if we need to be stricter because) -- again, we will repeat, this is a matter of national survival, it’s a matter of life and death. We really have to do something about ourselves otherwise, damay-damay tayong lahat dito (we’ll all be infected),” he said.

Despite these possible options, Panelo, citing Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, said people have been “cooperative” during the first day of community quarantine with notably fewer people in the streets.

The community quarantine, which will be in effect from March 15 to April 14, limits people’s movement to “accessing basic necessities and work” and place uniformed personnel and quarantine personnel at border points.

People outside Metro Manila are barred from entering the region, unless they are workers, departing passengers, and individuals aboard vehicles carrying cargoes.

Metro Manila residents are also required to observe strict social distancing and avoid mass gatherings.

It also suspends land, air, and sea travel to and from Metro Manila and classes at all levels.

Amid criticism over the month-long community quarantine, Año denied that there is an absolute lockdown in Metro Manila, saying that the movement of the people is merely “restricted” and that there could only be an absolute lockdown if “enhanced” community quarantine is implemented.

Interior Assistant Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said community quarantine was intended to “save lives” following the World Health Organization’s warning that the number of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines might reach 75,000. (PNA)

Italy widens restrictions as Covid-19 death toll jumps to 827

ROME – Italy will close all its shops, bars, restaurants and main commercial activities except essential services in its latest effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte made the key announcement late Wednesday in a speech to the nation after the death toll from the virus jumped by 196 in only 24 hours to 827 with a total of 10,590 confirmed cases in the country – the most hard-hit in Europe.

Conte said the new restrictions will be imposed nationally for at least two weeks, after which the main effects of the new measures will be assessed.

"We will only be able to see the effects of this great effort in a couple of weeks,” he said, adding this sacrifice by all Italians was key for the future of the country.

“This is the time to take a further step,” Conte added, without ruling out future restrictions.

The Italian premier specified that all shops will be shut down with the exception of supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies. All bars and restaurants will also be closed, while firms will be able to continue their activities only if they apply specific security protocols to protect their employees.

Conte said, however, that essential services including transportation, banking and insurance and agricultural activities will continue.

“We need to remain distant now to be able to embrace each other afterwards,” he said. “All together, we will make it.” (Anadolu)

PCIJ conducts a 4-day journalism seminar in Metro Manila – enhancing a sustainable, quality Investigative journalism in the country

Cotabato City -  The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) hosted  a 4-day journalism seminar at Novotel, Araneta  City Hotel, Quezon City just few months ago (Nov.26-28,2019)

The said  seminar  tackled different issues on working journalists with  their respective problems encountered while doing their jobs.

Covering Human Rights Issues wherein some of our journalists encountered death threats and some critiques while they  were covering issues on Extra-Judicial Killings, War-on-Drugs and among others. 

During the seminar Shamera Gutoc also  said about covering on Mindanao Area of Conflict like Marawi is not an easy reporting to report because it put journalists into a risk.

 “It is very hard to get reports while war-conflict is ongoing because you do not know to do, where going  to  save your life or how to get an accurate, quality reporting”, said Gutoc.

PCIJ also invited different speakers in  order to enhance and to  equipped journalists on how to fights and protect themselves while they covering.

Maria Lourdes C. Mangahas an Executive Director also said, that PCIJ is protecting journalists around the country in order to give a good and quality reports because journalists is the eye, watchdog of the people in particular, she said.

 

From Left to Right: Carolyn O.  Arquillas of Mindanews, Speaker Shanira gutoc (NGO) and Danilo Arao

Muckracking for Public Good, Investigative Reporting in the Philippines  to enhance and protect the journalist in the country.

Some issues also were:  Covering Local Government Units ,Investigating the Wealth of President and Public Officials, Reporting on Environment, Covering the Judiciary, Reporting on War on Drugs and more issues including the rights of Journalists and their Sustainability.

PCIJ  has a big hearts to journalists in the country because they were protect and give more ideas on how to pursue your jobs in the right way, chances to connect/ investigate the  subjects of your stories and know your rights being a working journalist, said  Floreen  M.Simon a Training Director. (By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News blogs and The Southern Traveler)

Long Live BARMM, Happy 1st Foundation Anniversary - District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul

Message of Mayor Tiblan C. Ahaja of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi - 1st Foundation Anniversary of BARMM

In behalf of the municipality of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, I wish to convey my warmest congratulations to our beloved Interim Chief Minister  Ahod B. Ebrahim (Alhaj Murad) for his strong, honest governanance that made the Bangsamoro people equal and progressive.

My family and I, would like to greet the officials, ministers and the whole people of  Bangsamoro Autonomous  Region in Muslim Mindanao for its 1st Foundation Anniversary  this comimg March 23 – 29, 2020.

I am very proud being a mayor of Sitangkai municipality because  the Bangsamoro government (BARMM)  made us progressive and competitive municipality around the region.

Again, my pleasure to greet a Happy Foundation Day BARMM….

Long live BARMM!!!!

Mabuhay and Magsukul….

Mayor Tiblan C. Ahaja Alhaj

Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi

District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul of Sulu 1st DEO-MPW, BARMM - 1st Foundation Anniversary of BARMM greetings

Assalamu Alaikum, Warahmatuhlahi Wa-Barakatuh

Time really flies so fast, we hardly noticed that the passing year established a new beginning of the Bangsamoro people here in Mindanao.

My family and I, my staff, and the whole officials, workers in the  Ministry of Public Works - 1st Engineering District of Sulu, let me express my sincere appreciations and congratulations to everyone on the incoming  occasion of the 1st Foundation Anniversary of our beloved Bangsamoro Autonomous Region  in Muslim Mindanao  (BARMM) this coming March 23 – 29, 2020.

As we celebrate this significant event headed by our beloved Interim Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim  for his wonderful, honest and strong governance, the MPW-1st DEO of Sulu extend our greetings and congratulations to all officials behind this success.

So, let us all make this significant milestone of our BARMM history a more meaningful and richer experience for all of us. Happy 1st foundation day to one in All.

LONG LIVE BARMM..... Mabuhay Tayong Lahat...

Magsukul…

Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul

District Engineer

Sulu 1st Engineering Dist.

MPW-BARMM

BARMM to create Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19

COTABATO CITY —-The Bangsamoro government, through the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM-BARMM), is set to create an Inter-Agency Task Force to provide policies and formulate practical measures to avoid spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in the BARMM.

BARMM Assistant Executive Secretary Abdullah Cusain said a memorandum creating the Inter-Agency Task Force will be released by the Office of the Executive Secretary to all the ministries and offices of the BARMM this week.

“For the Inter-Agency Task Force to mobilize, all ministries and offices shall have representation,” Cusain said.

While the BARMM remains COVID-19 free, Cusain said there is also a need to consider President Duterte’s Public Health Emergency declaration on the commemoration of the BARMM’s first year anniversary on March 29.

“We have to push through, but there might be some adjustment particularly on some events [...] maybe we need to control the flock of the crowd,” Cusain said.

“The steering committee shall meet in the coming days to address this concern, “ he added.

Meanwhile, the BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI-BARMM) held an orientation regarding recent updates on Corona Virus on Wednesday, March 11, in Cotabato City.

The said orientation and update is an effort to inform its team, as well as media practitioners, on the perils of COVID-19 and how the regional government can prepare for possibilities. (Bureau of Public Information)

P1.6-B add'l budget for Covid-19 response hurdles House panel

By Filane Mikee Cervantes  

 MANILA – The House of Representatives’ appropriations committee on Tuesday approved a measure seeking a PHP1.65-billion supplemental budget for the Department of Health (DOH) to address the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The panel, chaired by ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap, approved the still-unnumbered bill as the confirmed coronavirus cases in the country more than doubled to 24.

The original bills sought for around PHP2-billion worth of additional appropriations to combat the new public health threat, however, the National Treasury said during the hearing that only PHP1.65 billion is available in excess funds.

The DOH needs a total of PHP3.1 billion to procure personal protective equipment, 40,000 test kits, as well as funding for the maintenance and other operating expenses and salaries for the Bureau of Quarantine.

Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-an said the DOH can source the remaining funds needed, particularly: 

PHP2 billion from Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), PHP420 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and PHP81 million from the DOH's quick response fund and savings.

Budget Undersecretary Janet Abuel, meanwhile, said the government can also source the money from the PHP13-billion contingency fund and PHP7.5-billion national disaster risk reduction and management fund.

Currently, there are 24 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a proclamation formally declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines after the DOH reported the first known local transmission of Covid-19.

He also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila to minimize students' risk of contracting the disease.

DOH has also placed the country under Covid-19 Alert System to Code Red (Sub-Level 1) to prepare for a possible increase in suspected and confirmed cases. (PNA)

BARMM raises ‘Code Red’ alert on COVID-19

The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has declared ‘Code Red’ alert in all health facilities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the increase of 2019 novel coronavirus cases in the country.

This was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Safrollah Dipatuan today, March 10, in Zamboanga City.

Minister Dipatuan said that under code red “lahat ng health facilities sa BARMM ay naka ready magresponse in case na may mga madiscover tayong pasyente na dapat sumailalim sa monitoring, at lalong lalo na kung may ma-found out tayo na positive case.”

“Inabisuhan na natin ang lahat ng heads ng mga hospital sa BARMM na (maghanda) ng dedicated ward para sa mga pasyente ng COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-2019),” he added.

While the BARMM remains COVID-Free, Dipatuan said the MOH is ready to respond. “Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya ma-proteksyonan ang ating mamamayan,” he said.

Dipatuan advised the public to practice preventive measures such as frequently washing hands using soap and water; maintaining social distancing; avoid hugging, kissing, or hand shaking with other people; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and practicing proper hygiene.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of public health emergency on Monday, March 9, due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. As of today, the Department of Health has confirmed a total of 24 confirmed cases in the country. (Bureau of Public Information)

Jolo fire victims benefit from BARMM's Project Tabang

Cotabato City  - The Bangsamoro Government brought its Project TABANG in the municipality of Jolo in Sulu province to help the thousands of families displaced by a massive fire.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod 'Al Haj Murad' Ebrahim led the Project Tabang on Monday, March 9, held at the 1st District Engineering Office of the Ministry of Public Works - Sulu.

Over 2,000 families have benefitted from various free services delivered by the different ministries and offices of the Bangsamoro Government.

The services include medical and dental consultations, eye screening, hypertension and diabetes screening, immunization, distribution of medicines, among others.

The families also received relief packages containing rice packs, canned goods, water gallon, sleeping mat, hygiene kits, kitchen wares, school supplies, slippers, and many other.

Monday's activity was the first engagment of the Bangsamoro Government with the province of Sulu.

"Ang basic concept natin dito sa Project TABANG ay nilalapit natin yung gobyerno sa mga constituents," Ebrahim said in his speech.

Ebrahim stressed, "Almost 50 years we were in the revolution, since 1969. Wala kaming pinangarap kundi magserbisyo sa mga tao. Service to the people and service to Allah."

"Ngayon Alhamdullilah, binigyan tayo ni Allah ng pagkakataon na ang serbisyo natin ay hindi na bilang rebelde kundi bilang gobyerno na," he added.

Ebrahim assured the constituents that in the remaining terms of the interim Bangsamoro Government, "ima-maximize namin ang lahat ng magagawa naming serbisyo para sa inyong lahat at para sa ating pamayanan."

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan expressed his gratitude to the Bangsamoro Government for helping the victims of Jolo fire.

"Nagpapasalamat kami Chief Minister at nandirito kayo sa panahon ng kahirapan. Nahihirapan ang iyong mga kapatid na mga biktima ng sunog," Tan said.

It can be recalled that on February 3, a huge fire occured in the barangays of Chinese Pier, Takut-Takut, and Tulay in Jolo and left at least 2,000 families homeless. The Bangsamoro Government has intially extended aid to the victims on February 9, through its Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI-BARMM).

Tan urged his constituents to support the ne Bangsamoro Autonomous Government: "Suportahan natin si (Chief Minister) Murad," he said.

Project TABANG is an initiative of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) aimed at facilitating the direct and immediate extension of basic services and assistance to the Bangsamoro people, specifically on health and education services.

It is conducted regularly in the different areas across the Bangsamoro region, most especially in the poverty and calamity-stricken communities.

Since its kick-off in Cotabato City and Maguindanao province on September 2, 2019, the Bangsamoro Government has already conducted the project in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, and in North Cotabato.

Ebrahim said the next TABANG will be conducted on April in the province of Basilan. (Bureau of Public Information)
 

PH's hot air balloon festival opens in Cavite

HOT AIR BALLOON. This year's Hot Air Balloon Festival opens at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite on Friday (March 6, 2020). Visitors will be treated to a spectacle of colorful hot air balloons, flying exhibitions, and other air sports during the event from March 6 to 8. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) hailed the successful opening of the Flying Carnival 2020 on Friday.

Expected to attract more than 45,000 spectators from March 6 to 8, the Flying Carnival 2020 is the first Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) to be staged outside Clark, Pampanga, its venue partner for 22 years.

“We hope that with the success of this event, we can encourage the development of tourism establishments in Carmona, particularly hotels, which can cater to attendees of the future editions of the Flying Carnival, and other sports and leisure attractions in the area,” DOT 4-A (Calabarzon) officer-in-charge Marites Castro said.

Castro said DOT initiatives are in place to help Calabarzon recover after the Taal volcano eruption earlier this year.

“We are very thankful to the organizers of the PIHABF, now that they are here in Calabarzon. Events like the Flying Carnival 2020 are very important in boosting the country’s domestic tourism, which is now the DOT’s main direction as announced by our Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat,” she said.

As a precautionary measure amid the global health scare brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), organizers have installed thermal and closed-circuit television (CCTVs) cameras at the event gates to closely monitor the visitors’ temperature and identification before entry.

“We would like to share ballooning and aviation to everyone around the Philippines, and I think this is the first step,” said PIHABF Event Director Captain Joy Roa, who mentioned the group’s plans to take the event to other parts of the Philippines in the coming years.

Staying true to its “A weekend of (almost) everything that flies” tagline, the Flying Carnival 2020 features paragliding and kite-flying, aircraft displays, different species of birds, paramotor and drone racing events, and a special Night Glow show on the evening of March 8, similar to the drone show at the closing ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games that was hosted by the Philippines.

Visitors can expect hot air balloons in different shapes and colors operated by skilled pilots from Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (UK), as well as exciting new acts from paramotor pilots from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and France. A team of experienced skydivers from the UK will also present their formation flying performance throughout the weekend.

Resource speakers from the Philippine air force and navy, Cebu Pacific, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will share their expertise and experiences in a series of seminars for aviation enthusiasts, hobbyists, and the youth who are interested in pursuing a career in the aviation industry.

Dubbed as the Center for Investment and Sports in Cavite, Carmona boasts of several world-class facilities for such activities as horse racing, paragliding, motorcycle racing, karting, and golf. (PR)

BARMM kicks off 2020 National Women's Month celebration

Cotabato City  – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through its Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC-BARMM), officially started the celebration of this year’s National Women’s Month (NWM) through a parade, on Monday, March 2, inside the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.

The parade, followed by a short program, was attended by officials and employees of the region’s different ministries and offices.

The celebration in the region bears the theme ‘We make change work for Bangsamoro women’, which is anchored on the national theme: ‘We make change work for women.’

The BARMM celebration aims to consolidate all efforts towards strengthening the capacities of Bangsamoro women as active partners in nation building and regional development.

During the program, BWC Chairperson and Member of the Parliament Hadja Bainon Karon emphasized that "everyday is a women's day".

"We will show the world that Bangsamoro Women are stronger together," Karon said.

The observance of the annual National Women’s Month in March is pursuant to Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988. It aims at giving due recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in our society, specifically to inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services; to create and facilitate platforms to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges , and commitments in pursuing gender and development; and to inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change.

BCW-BARMM will conduct series of activities, such as physical fitness activity on the four Fridays of the month, values transformation training for public servants, gender sensitivity orientation, and many others, as part of the month-long celebration. (Bureau of Public Information)