Sunday, June 13, 2021

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Independence Day protest

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 08:17 AM PDT

BACOLOD. Members of progressive groups in Negros Occidental hold a rally at the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City on Independence Day. Among the issues they raised include the country's rights over West Philippine Sea, call for a wage hike, high prices of goods, genuine land reform and cash assistance during this Covid-19 pandemic, among others. (Erwin P. Nicavera)

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Cebu tightens entry of residents from Negros

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 08:16 AM PDT

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Saturday, June 12, 2021, issued an executive order tightening entry for residents originating from the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Based on Garcia's Executive Order, out of the 128 provinces and cities reflected in the ranking of local government units with active Covid-19 cases, Negros Oriental ranked number two.

Negros Occidental, meanwhile, was also included in their new travel restrictions due to its proximity with Negros Oriental.

Garcia stated that all travelers coming in from Negros will be required to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken at least 72 hours prior to departure from their places of origin; or a negative Rapid Antigen Test result taken at least 48 hours before departure from their places of origin.

She also stated the Department of Health will be responsible for conducting Rapid Antigen Tests in all ports of origin upon all persons traveling to Cebu province who do not possess either of the above results.

The Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard, meanwhile, are ordered to assist the Department of Health in screening travelers.

The EO will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday and will last until July 24, 2021, unless further extended.

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Bacolod amends guidelines for hospital-supervised home isolation

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 08:16 AM PDT

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Saturday, June 12, 2021, issued an executive order (EO) amending an earlier order that provided the application and guidelines for hospital-supervised home isolation for asymptomatic, mild, or moderate Covid-19 cases in Bacolod City.

Leonardia, who signed EO No. 28-A, modified EO No. 28 to expand its applicability and implementation pursuant to the policy and directives of the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and its allied agencies.

He said at present, the City of Bacolod has been experiencing a spike and rebound in Covid-19 infections in the last 14 days from May 2021 until the early days of June 2021.

The Department of Health (DOH)-Western Visayas classified Bacolod City as a "high-risk" area for Covid-19.

"More vigilance and caution must continue to be observed and exercised in matters of public safety and health protocols," he said.

Since May, Leonardia, along with medical practitioners, business sectors and city officials, held various video conferences and discussed the city's situation to address the city's Covid-19 cases.

On June 12, the mayor along with the city IATF, Emergency Operations Center and other city officials also held a video conference in further assessing the spike and rebound in infections with the preparation for a possible anticipated escalation of the City's community quarantine to either general community or modified enhanced community quarantine.

"Always foremost to the concern of the City Government is the health and safety of its constituents with the healthcare and treatment of the infected be put in proper order, while at the same time to protect the uninfected in order to achieve a balance in the socio-economic well-being of all concerned, especially in maintaining economic sustainability," Leonardia said.

Section 1 of the EO stated that Section 1 (f) of EO No. 28 is deleted, adopting Memorandum Circular No. 2021-0004 dated January 22, 2021 of the DOH, Part II (Amendments).

It said Covid patients are qualified to apply for hospital-supervised home isolation/quarantine if all the following concurrent conditions are met:

(a) The patient is confirmed by the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (Bherts) or local health officer, through ocular inspection and family interview, that the patient is an asymptomatic or mild Covid-19 case only or the patient is considered vulnerable or with comorbidities;

(b) The patient's home meets the conditions and requirements set by the DOH and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The hospital-supervised home quarantine (HSHQ) shall terminate upon the proper discharge of the patient, provided that such HSHQ shall effectively be pre-terminated.

If throughout the home quarantine or isolation the condition of the contact, suspect, probable, or confirmed case of Covid-19 worsens, or if they are unable to properly comply with home quarantine or isolation protocols, the said subjects will be admitted to a Ligtas Covid Center or an appropriate health facility.

Patients under HSHQ may end home quarantine following the guidelines specified by the DOH.

Patients with mild symptoms who have completed at least 10 days of isolation from the onset of illness either at home or a temporary treatment and monitoring facility inclusive of 3 days of being clinically recovered and asymptomatic can be discharged and reintegrated into the community without the need for further testing;

Asymptomatic, immune-competent individuals who test PCR positive and remained asymptomatic for at least 10 days from the date of specimen collection can discontinue isolation after 10 days and be tagged as a recovered confirmed case without the need for further testing, provided a licensed medical doctor certifies or clears the patient.

Close contacts who remain asymptomatic for at least 14 days from date of exposure can discontinue their quarantine without the need for any test.

Any provision in EO 28, Series of 2020, referring to patients suffering from Covid-19 moderate condition qualifying them for HSHQ is deemed repealed, and those provisions inconsistent in the amendatory provisions of this Executive Order No. 28-A are likewise repealed, the EO further stated.

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Negros Occidental resorts to be closed during Feast of St. John

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 08:15 AM PDT

RESORTS all over Negros Occidental will be closed during the Feast of St. John as Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will issue an executive order this week ordering a three-day closure of all resorts in Negros Occidental from June 23 to 25, 2021.

This decision was agreed upon by all mayors in the province during a Zoom meeting on Friday, June 11.

The temporary closure of all resorts in the province will coincide with the traditional celebration of the Feast of St. John in the country.

The celebration is traditionally marked by Catholics visiting resorts and tossing water at each other.

Lacson said the closure is aimed at preventing mass gatherings at beaches and mountain resorts in Negros Occidental.

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PCL-Negros urges Benitez to run for mayor in Bacolod

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 08:13 AM PDT

THE Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Negros Occidental Federation has expressed its support for the planned bid of Capitol consultant Alfredo Benitez to run as mayor in Bacolod City in 2022.

In a manifesto released by the group on Friday, June 11, 2021, after an executive meeting at Casa Gamboa in Silay City, PCL- Negros said, "Though it is an economically independent and highly urbanized city, Bacolod is still an integral part of Negros Occidental and should synergize its vision with that of the rest of the province."

"The City of Smiles connects the north to the south. It is the center of commerce and trade. It is also the hub for most, if not all national government agencies vital to each and every individual. Be that as it may, it cannot stand alone. It needs to have a complementary and harmonious relationship with the province," the manifesto said.

It also said that "More so, during this time of hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become painfully apparent that Bacolod City is in need of strong, competent and trustworthy officials to lead the people of the city, as well as, of the Province of Negros Occidental to prosperity and progress."

"As former Congressman of the Third District of Negros Occidental and current Provincial Consultant for Economic Development and Investments, we have seen how you lead by example and how you inspire others to be better," it said.

The councilors added, "You have been an architect for the progress and development in the Third District and the Province of Negros Occidental and have played a vital role in the fight against Covid 19 in the province."

"With your leadership, we believe Bacolod will be able to reach its full potential, thus elevating the development of the towns and cities in the province," they said

"We are confident that under you, the City of Smiles will shine brightly, more business and investment opportunities will be opened, employment rates will increase and eventually, the city and the province will attain a high level of economic independence and diversity," the manifesto also said.

"We would like to share our experience with the 'Cong. Albee way of Service' to the people of the province's capital, Bacolod City. With you at the helm, we are more than assured that you will bring about the much needed and long sought after change to the City of Smiles!" the Negros councilors said.

"Thus, we the officers, board of directors and members of the Philippine Councilors League Negros Occidental Federation strongly urge you, Cong. Albee, to run for mayor of Bacolod City in the coming 2022 elections. Should you decide to take up this challenge, we pledge our unending support to you and the principles and values for which you stand, that will surely propel Bacolod to greater heights!" PCL- Negros said.

Board Member Ryan Gamboa, president of PCL-Negros Occidental, said the main manifesto was signed by representatives of 26 local government units. (TDE)

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Bacolod mayor calls for unity to attain 'freedom of well-being'

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 07:54 AM PDT

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia urged Bacolodnons to unite and support local health measures against Covid-19 "in order to attain that freedom of well-being."

"Let me appeal and awaken in each of you that innate heroism and the instinct to survive in order to attain that freedom of well-being. We cannot remain passive or just be an observer. Let us all be up in arms. How? We can do it by simply observing the health protocols demanded from each of us," said Leonardia during the 123rd Philippine Independence Day commemoration at the Bacolod City Public Plaza Saturday, June 12, 2021.

The mayor emphasized that working together as one city is crucial in containing the spread of the viral disease in view of the "spike and rebound" of local cases.

"These are the simple things that we can do daily for as long as the threat of the virus remains: wear your masks properly, avoid mass gatherings, sanitize as often as you can, avoid crowded places, and consult a doctor at once if you feel you need to," Leonardia said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hector Gayares Jr., this year's guest of honor and keynote speaker, highlighted the "sterling character and unwavering spirit of the Filipino people" in his message.

Gayares, who is now chief executive officer of the Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital in Banepa, Nepal, said these qualities are the same qualities needed from Bacolodnons during this pandemic.

"Let us not forget that each of us has a role to fulfill. This is not just only through the efforts of the government but that it calls for our individual participation —observance of minimum health protocol, getting ourselves vaccinated and building up our health," stressed Gayares, who is also a member of the Covid-19 Vaccination Council (CoVaC) of the City.

Gayares also shared seven tips "to have winning internal armed forces or immune system."

Every tip is represented by each letter of the word "FREEDOM."

"F" stands for fluids. "We are advised to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. I say water. Not beer or any alcoholic beverages," said Gayares.

"R" stands for rest. The EOC deputy medical said that one should get at least six to eight hours of sleep every 24 hours.

"The time of sleep should coincide with our circadian rhythm — awake and working by day, asleep and resting by night. That is the natural order for the restoration of cellular functions and life," he added.

The first "E" stands for exercise. Gayares encouraged the public to exercise even for 30 minutes a day.

"There is a scientific basis of what is commonly known as a 'runner's high.' It gives you a feeling of well-being. It erases the stresses that bring down your immune system," the doctor said.

The second "E," meanwhile, stands for environment. For this tip, Gayares encouraged the public to expose themselves to the sun to get Vitamin D.

"Vitamin D is crucial for the optimal function of our immune system. A 30-minute exposure to the early morning sun will provide for you 20,000 to 30,000 IU of Vitamin D. Likewise, such exposure reduces the risk of respiratory tract infection by 30 to 70 percent," he said.

"D" stands for divine help. "All the other concepts that each letter stands for will be for nothing without the help of our Almighty God. I believe this concept is universal," said Gayares.

"O" stands for outlook, which Gayares said refers to "our mental health, our outlook in life, our perception of things, events and circumstances."

According to him, one's outlook should "veer on the positive side, obey the protocols, adapt a happy and grateful attitude."

Lastly, "M" stands for meal. "Food is the fuel for our body," said Gayares.

He went on, saying: "If we own a car, we usually refer to the manufacturer's manual what fuel should be pumped into the vehicle — is it gas or diesel? We cannot just simply substitute the fuel, otherwise, the car will not run optimally. Same as with our body."

Led by Leonardia and Bacolod Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, this year's Independence Day celebration theme was "Kalayaan 2021: Diwa sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan."

Present during the commemoration rites were Councilor Renecito Novero, Councilor Al Victor Espino, Councilor Israel Salanga, Councilor Bartolome Orola, Councilor Ana Marie Palermo, City Administrator Em Ang, Secretary to the Mayor lawyer Edward Joseph Cuansing, General Services Office head Melvin Recabar, Acting City Engineer Aladino Agbones, executive assistants, and other City Hall personnel.

Joining them were Colonel Michael Samson, deputy brigade commander and officer-in-charge of the 303rd Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the 3ID; Lieutenant Colonel Isabelo De los Reyes, commander of the 605th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion; Sergeant Rene Escalona of the 605th Community Defense Center; Lieutenant Colonel Jovil Sedel and Police Major Ramil Sarona, both of the Bacolod City Police Office; war veterans, and officials and teachers of the Department of Education (DepED). (PR)

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Sexagenarian dies after being hit by vehicle

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 07:54 AM PDT

A SEXEGENARIAN died after she was hit by a vehicle on Alijis-Murcia Road, Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City over the weekend.

Police identified the fatality as Oliva Porceso, 69, of ECC Villas, Barangay Alijis.

Police Captain Elmer Bonilla, chief of Police station 7, said the victim was crossing Alijis-Murcia Road when she was hit by a white Toyota Sedan vehicle driven by an unidentified man around 4:35 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021.

The victim sustained serious injuries and died on the spot, while the driver of the vehicle fled.

Bonilla said they recovered the emblem of the vehicle in the area and are still conducting further investigation to identify the driver of the vehicle.

He said they will coordinate with the Toyota shop to determine the identity of the owner of the vehicle.

The police are hopeful that the driver of the vehicle will voluntarily surrender and help the family of the victim.

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old drug personality in Bacolod City was arrested in a drug bust by operatives of Police Station 9 in Purok Masilag, Barangay Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City Saturday morning.

Police identified the suspect as Leo Lelis, of Purok Langis, Barangay Banago.

Police recovered from Lelis's possession four sachets of shabu with an estimated market value of P3,500 and the P200 marked money.

The suspect was detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 9. He is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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Over P40,000 shabu seized in Barangay Mansilingan

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 07:54 AM PDT

AN ESTIMATED P40,800 worth of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride was seized in a drug bust by operatives of Police Station 7 in Purok Kabugwason, Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City Sunday morning, June 13, 2021.

The operation also led to the arrest of Elester Palmes, 27; and Romeo Bandejas Jr., 34, both residents of Barangay Mansilingan.

Police Captain Elmer Bonilla, chief of Police Station 7, said the suspects were arrested after they sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover around 11:20 a.m.

Police recovered from the suspects' possession two plastic sachets of shabu weighing six grams, the P500 marked money, and P618 cash.

The suspects, who were identified as street-level individuals in Bacolod City, were under surveillance for almost a month before their arrest.

The suspects were detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 7. They are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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Bing confident Bacolod will get 'much bigger' vaccine allocation

Posted: 13 Jun 2021 07:54 AM PDT

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio "Bing" Leonardia is assured that Bacolod City will receive a "much bigger allocation" of Covid-19 vaccines from the national government.

In his interview with CNN's "The Final Word" anchored by Rico Hizon recently, Leonardia was asked if he, as mayor and as the national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), feels "insecure" due to the supposed minimal attention that local government units (LGUs) outside Metro Manila are getting.

Leonardia said that there was such insecurity at the start but not so anymore.

"You know, Metro Manila is not the Philippines. Apparently, they listened to us. Secretary [Carlito] Galvez himself is seeing it through that we will get a much bigger allocation. That is what is happening now," the mayor said.

The interview was conducted on the same day when the 2.2 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

According to Leonardia, he is still waiting for word from the national government as to how many of these Pfizer vaccines will be allocated for Bacolod.

The Pfizer vaccine is a "different breed" in the sense that it requires its own particular temperature conditions for proper storage, the mayor said.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje earlier told Leonardia through a letter dated June 3, 2021, that Bacolod will be receiving additional vaccine allocation from the Western Visayas Center for Health Development.

Cabotaje, as chair of the National Vaccination Operations Center, also commended the vaccination efforts of the Bacolod City Government.

She expressed her "profound appreciation" for Leonardia's "unending service to the Filipino people amidst the Covid-19 pandemic."

From March 5 to June 11, 2021, the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center–Task Force (EOC-TF) recorded a total of 42,173 doses of Covid-19 vaccines administered to Bacolodnons.

Of that total, 32,538 were for first doses, while the remaining 9,635 were for second doses, the EOC data showed.

As to the brand of vaccines administered, the data further showed that 21,885 doses were AstraZeneca vaccines while the 20,288 shots were of the Sinovac brand.

Leonardia earlier requested the Office of Secretary Carlito Galvez for additional Covid-19 vaccines in light of the sustained increase in the number of local cases in Bacolod.

In response, Galvez assured that Bacolod will be given enough doses to inoculate 100 percent of the City's adult population and such shall be delivered "in accordance with the relevant existing laws, rules, and regulations.

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