TOTAL VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS IN CALABARZON NOW AT 4,660,770

The Department of Health (DOH)- CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) today disclosed a total of 4,660,770 individuals from priority groups A1 to A5 have already vaccinated as of September 1, 2021. 

From among priority groups, A1 (frontline health workers) group has a total of 279,341 individuals who were partially vaccinated and 193,979 who were fully immunized; A2 (senior citizen) group has a total of 550,473 partially vaccinated and 604,371 fully immunize; A3 (persons with co-morbidities) has 625.120 partially vaccinated and 612,297 fully immunized; A3 (frontliners in essential sector) has 1,151,122 who received their first dose and 320,232 fully immunized; A5 (indigent population) has 282,128 partially vaccinated and 41,707 fully vaccinated. 

Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated that from the total number of vaccinated individuals, 1,772,586 target recipients have been fully inoculated. “Tuloy-tuloy lang po ang ginagawang pagbabakuna sa mga priority groups, katulong ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan upang makapagbigay ng karagdagang proteksiyon laban sa Covid virus at makamit natin ang 70% herd immunity rate bago matapos ang taon.” 

“The region has a total allocation of 6,236,106 vaccine distributed in 564 vaccination sites strategically located in various provinces. For those who haven’t receive their vaccine yet, register at your nearest local government unit to be included in the list of priority recipients. Mas mabuting ng magkaroon ng proteksyon laban sa Covid kaysa wala at magkasakit ng malubha at maaring ikamatay kapag nahawaan na nito,” he emphasized. 

Janairo added that vaccine consumption for the region is at 75% or a total of 6,236,106 were consumed. 

Utilization rate for the various vaccines is at 3,508,726 (or 76%) for Sinovac; a total of 928,180 (88%) for AstraZeneca; 40,800 (69%) for Gamaleya; 757,000 (70%) for Pfizer; 450,440 (44%); 381,000 (109%) for Janssen; 169,960 (or 0%) consumption rate.

As of September 2, 2021, there are 264,348 number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the region with 36,136 active cases. There are 220,496 recoveries with 7,716 deaths recorded.

Cavite tops the provinces with most cases at 80,979 followed by Laguna with 65,610 cases, Rizal with 48,517, Batangas – 44,258 and Quezon – 15,235. Lucena City with 3,983 cases.

The regional office continuous to conduct massive RT-PCR testing in various provinces in order to detect, identify and to stop community transmission of the Covid virus.

SINO BA SI SAM VERZOSA NA WALANG SAWANG TUMUTULONG SA MGA TAGA LAGUNA?

Si Sam Verzosa ay kilala bilang Chief Executive Officer Ng tanyag na direct selling company na Frontrow Enterprise na kaliwa at kanan na umaani ng pagkilala mula sa Ibat ibang organisasyon dahil sa pagtulong hindi lamang ngayong kasalukuyang pandemya kundi kahit noon pa nang maitatag ang kanyang negosyo higit sampung taon na ang nakakaraan.

Makikita ang tagumpay ni Sam sa negosyo sa kaliwa at kanan na billboard sa buong Pilipinas na nagpapakita ng kanilang mga dekalidad na produkto at mga gumagamit nito na mga sikat na aktres at mga influencers.

Napakaraming natutulungang kababayang Filipino hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas pati na rin sa buong mundo.

Mula si Sam sa Sampaloc, Manila at nakapagtapos sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Itinatag nya ang Frontrow Enterprise kasama ang kanyang partner sa negosyo na si Raymond "RS" Francisco.

Kamakailan lamang ang kompanya ni Sam ang nagpakilala o nagprisinta sa "Miss Universe Philippine na kung saan ay isa lamang ito sa "platform" para ipakita ang pagtulong sa ibat ibang industriya at para rin mai promote ang kakayahan ng mga kababaihang pilipino.

“Lagi nating iniisip na wala tayong magagawa, mahina tayo o wala tayong boses. Sa panahong ito ng pandemya, sana mas mangibabaw ang pagtutulungan at pagkilos para sa taumbayan.”-Sam Verzosa

Nung nakaraang taon, nagpadala si Sam Ng mga bigas at delata para sa Ilang media sa Laguna na ikinatuwa ng karamihan na hindi nakakalimot sa mga nagbibigay ng impormasyon para sa karamihan na masasabi na ring Frontliners.

Humigit kumulang na 100 milyon ang naipamigay na donasyon in cash and in kind Ng kompanya ni Sam para sa mga naapektuhan ng kalamidad ngunit noon pa man ay natulong na at kita na agad ang mga aktibidad nya lalo na para sa mga mahihirap.

Nagsagawa rin ng Iba't-ibang feeding programs sa Los Baños, Calauan at kasama na rin ang food pantry sa lunsod ng San Pablo.

Nagka room rin ng iba't- ibang feeding program mula sa pribadong kompanya ni Sam sa halos lahat ng sulok ng Calabarzon.

DILG: PH committed to complete six smart city projects in Cebu, Manila, Davao

The Philippine government has expressed its commitment to finish its six smart city projects during the 4th ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Annual Meeting held virtually on Monday, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) who headed the Philippine delegation.

DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, who represented DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año, said that while the COVID-19 crisis stalled the implementation of smart city projects, the Philippines -- through its participating local government units (LGUs) -- remains committed in pursuing its smart city initiatives.

“Meeting challenges in the implementation of our smart city projects was inevitable primarily because of the COVID-19 crisis as local government resources were poured into pandemic response and imposition of health protocols,” he said.

“Despite these obstacles, we will fulfill our commitment to complete the smart city projects as they will improve the delivery of government services and make things more convenient for the public,” he added.

The smart city projects which were showcased by the DILG during the ASCN meeting are the Command Center Upgrade and E-government Services in the City of Manila; Bus Rapid Transit System and Digital Traffic System in Cebu City; and Converged Command and Control Center and Intelligent Transportation and Traffic Systems with Security  in Davao City.

Established in 2018 during the 32nd ASEAN Summit, the ASCN is a collaborative platform where cities from the ten ASEAN Member States work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable urban development.  It aims to facilitate cooperation on smart cities development, catalyze bankable projects with the private sector, and secure funding and support from ASEAN’s external partners. 

The 26 ASCN Pilot Cities are: Bandar Seri Begawan, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Makassar, Banyuwangi, DKI Jakarta, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Yangon, Cebu City, Davao City, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Brunei Darussalam holds the ASCN chairmanship this year, as it follows the ASEAN chairmanship.

During the meeting, Iringan also said that the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for local economies to shift to information and communication technology-based solutions to minimize health risks and to increase coping capacities.

“Maintaining the symbiotic relationship between the network and its member-countries and smart cities will help them ride out the pandemic and catalyze economic recovery,” he said.

According to Iringan, the smart cities have realized that forging partnerships are necessary to overcome the challenges and to move forward.

“The Philippine Government expresses its appreciation for the opportunities for partnerships extended through this platform. However, we would like to seek the ASCN’s support for the completion of the smart city projects needing digital infrastructure and applications support,” he said.

He said the configuration of said projects are focused on the need for an efficient emergency and crisis response center that provides real time information for the safety, protection of constituencies, and increased resilience considering the country’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

According to Iringan, the improvement of the traffic management and transportation systems as well as the provision of e-services in government transactions are being pushed to lessen travel trips and provide for efficient mass transportation systems to address the longstanding problem of mobility and traffic congestion in urban cities.

Manila, Cebu, Davao smart city projects 

In his country report, Iringan presented the command center upgrade in Manila City Hall which mainly acts as contact center and dispatch center for emergency services. Said command center showcased 28 display panels and over 100 high end cameras strategically placed throughout the city that allows recognition of facial features and license plates.

On the other hand, Manila’s e-Government Services through the Go! Manila web and mobile applications addressed the need for online processing and payment of government services during the pandemic.   The mobile application also addressed problems on long queues, time-consuming processes, fixers, and need for physical presence in the City Hall.

Currently, the features of the app include the City of Manila’s Real Property and Business Tax payments; a wide range of facilities for payment of bills for government and private entities; securing of other government permits and documents such as residence certificate, birth and death certificates, occupancy permit and heath certificate; payment of utilities, money transfer transactions, among others. 

Meanwhile, Cebu City’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line Plan aims to improve the overall performance of the urban passenger transport system for a more efficient intra-city mass transportation. As for the city’s Digital Traffic System project, Iringan reported that 18 of the 85 road intersections in the city have already been installed with sensors and high-resolution surveillance cameras for vehicle detection, license plate recognition and speed dome for general surveillance.

Davao City’s Converged Command Center, on the other hand, is now in the second phase of its five-phase implementation scheme with digital infrastructure, underground cables, aerial installation of fiber optic cables, and additional closed-circuit televisions or CCTVs for surveillance currently being installed. Its complementary project dubbed as High Priority Bus System (HPBS) is now 70% complete while the design of depots and terminals for electric  bus (eBus) is 30% in progress. ###

DOH-CALABARZON OPENS MOLECULAR LABORATORY FOR COVID PATIENTS IN MAUBAN, QUEZON

The Department of Health (DOH)- CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) together with local government officials of Mauban, Quezon today led the inauguration of the Mauban Municipal Health Office Molecular Laboratory, a testing facility for Covid-19 located in Barangay Bagong Bayan at the heart of the town. 

“Ang facility na ito ay hindi lamang magagamit para sa Covid tests kundi para rin ito sa molecular tests ng ibang pathogens gaya ng influenza at iba pang mga sakit upang makatulong sa ating mga duktor na ma-identify ang infection sa early stages nito. Sa pamamagitan nito ay makakapagbigay tayo ng tamang treatment modality at mahinto ang pagkalat nito sa ating komunidad,” Assistant Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco who attended the event stated in her message during the ceremony. 

She also lauded the efforts of the local government unit of Mauban for the establishment of the facility. “Dahil sa inyong pagsisikap at suporta ay naisakatuparan natin ang pagtatayo molecular laboratory na magsisilbing daan sa epektibong pagresponde sa kasalukuyang pandemya,” she added.

Sydiongco disclosed that the Mauban Municipal Health Office Molecular Laboratory is the biggest testing facility in the region. It is complete with an administrative office, supply room, stock room and swabbing area. The main processing area is composed of 5 rooms specifically specimen receiving room, specimen handling room, preparation room, encoding, and evaluation room.

The facility can process 180-200 specimen per day with a turnaround of 48 hours or two days and will be opened during weekdays from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. The laboratory has a biosafety level 2 certification and complies with the regulation set forth by the Health Facility and Regulatory Office.

Various equipment was successfully installed inside the laboratory to ensure the integrity of test results and safety of staff that will manage the facility including two (2) polymerase chain reaction cabinet, two (2) hp series lab combination refrigerator and freezer, airstream class 2 biological safety cabinet, streamline class 2 biological safety cabinet, lexicon 2 ultra-low temperature freezer, hp series lab freezer, and an hp series lab refrigerator.

“Molecular laboratories are very important in epidemiology and infection control programs as molecular microbiology techniques have been used in the rapid identification and surveillance of infectious diseases.” Sydiongco added.

She also assured that the regional office will continue to extend support to the facility including necessary manpower to handle and manage the laboratory. 

Also present during the blessing and inauguration of the facility were Office of Civil Defense - Calabarzon Regional Director Maria Theresa R. Escolano. Quezon Provincial Governor Danilo E. Suarez, Mauban Mayor Marita T. LLamas, Vice Mayor Marivel M. Trinidad, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Grace V. Santiago, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Ronald D. Mararac.

BHWs to become gov’t workers under bill filed by Cayetano, allies in Balik sa Tamang Serbisyo sa Kongreso*

Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, and their allies in Congress on Tuesday filed a bill that will elevate Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) from volunteer status to government workers.

The Cayetanos, along with Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, Jr., Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu, Laguna 1st District Rep. Dan Fernandez, Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, and ANAKALUSUGAN Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor, are proposing to require local government units to hire and compensate barangay health workers as job order, casual, contractual, or regular employees.

“As frontliners of our Primary Healthcare System, our Barangay Health workers must be given sufficient incentives, benefits, and most of all, just compensation for all the hard work they have done for us,” the bill’s explanatory note read.

“The goal of improving the Primary Healthcare System necessarily carries with it the responsibility of taking care and supporting those in charge of implementing the same,” it adds.

The proposed measure will also establish the Special Barangay Health Workers Assistance Program under the Department of Health. The program will provide additional financial and technical assistance, training, and other forms of support to BHWs of selected local government units.

BHWs currently receive allowances for their work as volunteers, but the bill seeks to increase their compensation that will be sourced from the additional funds that local government units will receive upon the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia ruling.

The ruling has clarified that custom duties and several other taxes should be included in the just share of local government units in the collection of national taxes. It is expected to increase the internal revenue allotment of local government units next year.

“Therefore, there's an additional source of funds for the salaries and benefits of Barangay Health Workers who tirelessly sacrificed for their community, especially during this pandemic,” the proposed bill’s explanatory note said.

The Cayetanos have been advocating for additional incentives for BHWs in recent years. 

In their home districts in Taguig, all 819 of its BHWs have been hired by the local government units as either job order or casual employees.

BHWs working for the city receive monthly salaries ranging from P7,900 to P11,000, as well as performance incentive bonuses, overtime pay, and hazard pay.     

Barangay frontliners are also included in the list of priority beneficiaries in House Bill No. 8597 or the 10K Ayuda Bill, which Cayetano and his group filed on February 1, 2021. 

The bill aims to provide P10,000 in cash aid to every Filipino family, especially the poorest of the poor, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Pook ni Remedios Community Pantry, patuloy sa pamamahagi ng tulong

Patuloy sa pamamahagi ng tulong ang Pook ni Remedios Community Pantry na ginanap kamakailan sa Sitio Ulik, Brgy Mabacan, Calauan, Laguna.

Ito ay dinaluhan ng mahigit 200 katao na nakatanggap ng ayuda na kinabibilangan ng mga representante ng mga Senior Citizens. Sila ay ginabayan sa ligtas na pangkalusugang pamamaraan mula sa kanilang pagdating, pagpila at pag-alis.

Ilan sa mga naging donasyon na naipamahagi ay ang bigas, tinapay, delata, kape, gatas, instant noodles, itlog, dried fish at mga proteksyon laban sa COVID-19 katulad ng alcohol at face mask.

Sa tulong ng nagtaguyod ng Pook ni Remedios organizers sa pangunguna ng dalawang masisipag at matulunging personalidad na sina Evelyn Oliveros at Ma Gracia P, Malubag, mga kalapit na barangay, at mga taong taos-pusong tumulong at naki-isa ay nairaos nang matagumpay at mapayapa ang ginanap na community pantry.

Lubos na nagpapasalamat ang mga taga-Pook ni Remedios sa patuloy na pagdagsa ng mga donasyon mula sa mga kapamilya at kaibigan. Anila, hangga't mayroong nagpapaabot ng tulong ay di sila magsasawang mamamahagi ng biyaya sa kanilang kapwa.

Ang nais lamang nila ay maging ligtas at maligaya ang lahat, at hindi makalimot sa pagdarasal, lalo na sa panahon ng Pandemya.

COMELEC launches Voter Registration Centers at SM Supermalls

The Commission on Elections and SM Supermalls recently launched 76 satellite COMELEC Voter Registration centers at the SM Supermalls to provide voters with more registration venues. This will run in SM Supermalls nationwide until Sept 30. 

This gives the public a safer, more convenient option amidst the prevailing COVID health crisis. Shown during the launch at the SM Mall of Asia are COMELEC Commissioner Aimee Ferolino (center) joined by COMELEC Director IV for Election and Barangay Affairs Department Atty. Divine E. Blas-Perez, COMELEC Director IV for Education and Information James Jimenez, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SM Supermalls SVP for Operations Bien Mateo. 

SM Supermalls is providing free space and waived charges to essential conveniences so they can efficiently operate the registration centers.

Cayetano, allies urge gov’t, businesses to provide support for athletes

Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies called on the national government and commercial establishments to provide discounts and benefits for athletes, regardless of their sport and achievements.

During their dialogue with Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Cayetano lamented the struggle of award-winning athletes who received little to no support or recognition before their success in international sporting events.

“Ang wish po ng ating mga atleta, ‘di pa sila kilala, ‘di pa sila sikat, ‘di pa sila nananalo, may suporta na. Kasi usually, bumubuhos ang suporta pag medalist na,” he said as he pushed for a government grassroots sports program to help local athletes.

(Our athletes wish for support, even before they win and become popular. Usually they get support only after they win medals.)

*Athletes’ benefits*

Meanwhile, Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu reminded commercial establishments that under Republic Act No. 10699, their businesses are entitled to tax deductions if they extend discounts to national athletes. 

The lawmaker said Diaz was the first recipient of benefits under the said law after securing a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

For his part, Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado said there is a need to disseminate information about the different benefits that national athletes are entitled to receive under the law. 

“Marami pa po ang di nakakaalam sa mga benepisyo na dapat nakukuha ng ating mga atleta,” he said. “Hindi simple ang makuha ang gold medal na ito. Higit sa premyo na nakuha o yung kasikatan, yung glory ng ating bansa.”

(A lot of people are not familiar with the benefits that should be given to our athletes. Getting this gold medal is not a simple thing to do. Aside from the prize and popularity, our athletes give glory to our country.)

Aside from discounts, R.A No. 10699 entitles national athletes and coaches to benefits such as free medical consultations, health insurance, a social security program, PHILHEALTH coverage, and more.

*Walang susuko*

Citing the hard work and sacrifices of the country’s athletes, Cayetano thanked Diaz and her fellow athletes for inspiring Filipinos, aspiring athletes, and giving the country hope amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Kahit anong hirap, walang susuko. Walang bibitaw. The harder life is, the more that we pray,” he said.

(Regardless of the hardship, they refuse to surrender. They refuse to let go.)

The former Speaker also offered to extend his Sari-Saring Pag-Asa program to Zamboanga City, Diaz’s hometown, and vowed to distribute P3,500 each to around 1,000 sari-sari stores in the city. 

“Pag binigyan naming ng P3,500, minsan yung P1,000, ginagamit nila sa mga panggastos. Yung P2,500, pangrestock ng kanilang (sari-sari store),” Cayetano said.

(Out the P3,500 that we usually give, beneficiaries tend to use P1,000 for their daily expenses. They use the remaining P2,500 to restock their sari-sari stores.)

APRI and SacaSun sustain partnerships amid health crisis

One for APRI and SacaSun. SacaSun stakeholder representatives join AP’s geothermal and solar business units in celebrating their lasting relationship in Advancing Business and Communities.

AboitizPower subsidiaries AP Renewables Inc. (APRI) Tiwi-MakBan and San Carlos Sun Power Inc. (SacaSun) continue to nurture their partnerships with stakeholders amid the pandemic through online stakeholder and media appreciation activities. 

The online engagement activities were joined by 29 stakeholders and 53 media partners from host communities in Laguna, Batangas, Tiwi, and Negros Occidental. With the event theme Pinoy Big Brother, fun virtual activities such as bingo and trivia games were enjoyed by the participants.

“We thought that the event would focus on the AboitizPower subsidiaries' reports on plant operations. We were pleasantly surprised with all the games and raffle. It was fun and actually, it’s my first time to win in a bingo game,” said San Carlos City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Maggie Antonio.

“Di ko akalain na nanalo ako sa raffle. Salamat sa sorpresa at salamat dahil talagang nag-enjoy ako at ang mga kasamahan ko sa media”, said Rosario Bacolod of Dyaryo Balisong.

The event was made extra special when the lucky winners from the games and raffle items received gift certificates, Gcash rewards, and appliances (coffee makers, electronic griller, air fryers, etc.).

“Through this virtual stakeholder event, APRI and SacaSun reaffirm its commitment to advance business and communities, together with their stakeholders,” said APRI Reputation Management Head Arcel Madrid. 

On the other hand, LGU representatives from APRI-Tiwi celebrate their Stakeholder Engagement Event through a live caravan event due to the limited internet connectivity in the area. The event caravan, with the theme, “TiWin Na Win!” is set to go around each of the 14 host barangays of Tiwi from July to November. To ensure the safety of the organizer and participants, the following COVID-19 standard safety protocols will be strictly observed -- limiting the number of participants, social distancing, hygiene use, and proper wearing of personal protective equipment (facemask and face shield). 

About AP Renewables Inc. 

APRI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, is one of the leading geothermal energy producers in the country. It delivers clean and renewable baseload power with two facilities that it operates in Tiwi, Albay; Bay and Calauan, Laguna; and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

About San Carlos Sun Power Inc.

SacaSun, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, operates the 46.8-MW utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plant located in San Carlos, Negros Occidental. It is committed to co-creating safe, empowered, and sustainable communities through its various corporate social responsibility programs, community sponsorships, and ER 1-94 projects.

Former Monetary Board Member joins PDIC Board Secretary

PDIC Board Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Finance Secretary and PDIC Board Chairman, administers the oath of office of former Monetary Board Member Juan De Zuñiga, Jr. as Member of the PDIC Board representing the private sector via Zoom on August 16, 2021.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced the appointment of former Monetary Board (MB) Member, Juan De Zuñiga, Jr., as Member of the PDIC Board representing the private sector. Atty. De Zuñiga, Jr. took his oath of office before Finance Secretary and PDIC Chairman Carlos G. Dominguez via Zoom on August 16, 2021.

Prior to joining PDIC, Atty. De Zuñiga held several key positions at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), where he served as MB Member from 2014 to 2020. 

He was also the former Deputy Governor for the BSP’s Resource Management Sector and the Security Plant Complex; and General Counsel from 2000 to 2010.

Atty. De Zuñiga, Jr. placed fifth in the 1970 Bar Examinations. He earned his Bachelor of Laws and Political Science degrees from the Far Eastern University.

Atty. De Zuñiga, Jr. joins Mr. Rogelio M. Guadalquiver, Atty. Eduardo M. Pangan, and Atty. Reynaldo F. Tansioco as private sector representatives to the PDIC Board. He replaces former PDIC Director Anita Linda Aquino, who was appointed as MB Member in July 2020.

The PDIC is the government instrumentality mandated to insure deposits of all 

banks. It was created by Republic Act 3591, as amended to achieve the public policy objectives of protecting the depositing public by providing deposit 

insurance coverage up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000 per depositor per bank; and promoting financial stability.

* * * * *

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) was established on June 22, 1963 by Republic Act 3591 to provide depositor protection and help maintain stability in the financial system by providing deposit insurance. Effective June 1, 2009, the maximum deposit insurance coverage is PhP500,000 per depositor.

All deposit accounts by a depositor in a closed bank maintained in the same right and capacity shall be added 

together. A joint account shall be insured separately from any individually-owned deposit account.

PDIC news/press releases and other information are available at the website, www.pdic.gov.ph.

Corporate Communications Dept. Tel: (02) 8841-4636 to 39 Trunkline: (02) 8841-4000 Website: www.pdic.gov.ph

Ec-mail : ccd@pdic.gov.ph

Facebook:www.facebook.com/OfficialPDIC Twitter:@OfficialPDIC

DOH-CALABARZON LEADS TURN-OVER OF THREE “ALAGA KA BHS” TO BATANGAS LGUs

The Department of Health (DOH)- CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) led the inauguration and turn-over of three “Alaga Ka Barangay Health Stations (BHS)” in the province of Batangas which will provide health care to low-income rural communities.

The completed Alaga Ka BHS was launched on August 25, 2021 and the other two facilities were opened on August 25, 2021.

“The DOH recognizes the valuable efforts of the Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI) for providing these fully equipped barangay health stations in the communities. Napakaganda po nito dahil kumpleto napo ang mga gamit at mayroon na ring mga health personnel na syang mamamahala at magbibigay ng health services sa ating mga residente,” Assistant Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated during the ceremony.

“These facilities and its services will augment primary health care services in the communities by providing additional community-based health and wellness program,” she emphasized.

According to HFI, the facilities will provide preventive and promotive health mobilizations. organization of wellness cluster groups in the community, training of wellness cluster leaders and barangay health workers, provision of nursing and midwifery scholarships to indigenous peoples and establishment of community medicinal and food gardens.

The Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI) has been one of the partners of the DOH, is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization providing health and social development programs in marginalized communities in the country and founded by its Chairman Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan in 1998.

The first “Alaga Ka BHS” was established in Malabanan, Balete, Batangas in 2011. All BHS facilities are constructed with birthing facilities included.

Each facility is equipped with equipped with medical equipment and supplies for maternal deliveries including ten (10) midwife kits. One midwife kit contains essential medical instruments, supplies, and medicines, which can support up to 50 deliveries.

The HFI has partnered with Sun Life Foundation and IPI Foundation for the completion of the facility.

Sydiongco added that the regional office shall provide additional medicines and other medical and health provisions for the BHS as the need develops.

VILLAR: CALAX SILANG EAST INTERCHANGE, BUKAS NA!

Inanunsyo ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MHI) ang pagbubukas kaninang umaga August 24, 2021 ng ika-apat na bahagi ng 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), ang Silang East Interchange. Sa pagbubukas nito, ang kabuuang operational segment ng CALAX ay magiging 14.24-km mula sa dating 10-km. 

Ang 45-km CALAX ay isang P56-bilyon road infrastructure project na iginawad ng DPWH sa MHI, isa sa mga subsidiary ng Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). Ito ay isang high-speed road network na magkokonekta sa dalawang probinsya ng Cavite at Laguna. Tinatayang nasa 45,000 motorista ang maseserbisyuhan nito sa oras na ito ay makumpleto. 

Ang inaugural ceremony para sa pagbubukas ng Silang East Interchange ay pinangunahan ni DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar at dinaluhan ng mga sumusunod na personalidad: Senator Bong Go, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, at Mayor Corazon. 

DOH-CALABARZON INAUGURATES LUMBAN COVID ISOLATION FACILITY IN LAGUNA

The Department of Health (DOH)- CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) recently led the blessing and inauguration of the Lumban Isolation Facility for Covid-19 patients in the town of Lumban in Laguna. 

The facility has a 25-bed capacity that will serve residents of the municipality who will be affected by the Covid virus.

“Napakaimportante na bawat bayan ay magkaroon ng sariling isolation facility upang mayroong mapaglagyan sa mga pasyente na mahahawaan ng Covid virus. Ang layunin po nito ay upang makontrol po natin ang pagdami at pagkalat ng virus sa komunidad.”

“This facility will also help in preventing hospitals and medical staff from getting overwhelmed in case of an increase in the number of Covid patients,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during the ceremony.

“Karamihan sa ating mga Covid patients ay mayroong mild symptoms at ang iba naman ay asymptomatic. Most do not need to be hospitalized. And some may not able to isolate themselves at home because they have no available room which puts family members at risk of infection. Dito natin sila ngayon dadalhin sa facility na ito.” 

The Lumban Isolation Facility will be managed by the local government unit of Lumban. It was funded under the Bayanihan 2 and constructed through the initiative of DOH-CALABARZON under the DOH Health Facilities Enhancement Program with a budget of P10 million pesos.

According to Regional TTMF (Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities) Lead Coordinator (TTMF) and Medical Officer IV Restituta G. Magpantay, patients who will choose to stay at the facility should coordinate or contact their Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) for referral. 

“The Lumban Isolation Facility will operate to cater to direct or possible contact, suspect, probable, and confirmed COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms,” she emphasized.

She added that the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has provided assistance by donating wheel chairs and glucometers for the facility. The regional office also sent medicines and other medical assistance.

Lumban Mayor Rolando G. Ubatay gratefully extended his appreciation and gratitude to Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo and Laguna Provincial DOH Officer Gigi G. Janairo for their initiative and support in the accomplishment of the project.