Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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Only 2 vax hubs open as city transfers vax rollout to health centers

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 08:30 AM PDT

ONLY two vaccination hubs are left open until June 30, 2022 to make way for the transition of vaccination operations to various district health offices in Davao City. Davao City Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said on June 29, 2022, these are in People's Park Davao and the drive-through vaccination hub in Davao Crocodile Park. Afterward, vaccination hubs will be closed until the tentative opening date on July 4 for the rollout in various District Health Offices. "We will start the vaccination roll out sa (on) July 4 sa atong (which will be at the) 18 district health offices na," Schlosser said during a radio interview. Ten vaccination hubs, both school-based and mall-based have already been closed, these include Malabog Elementary School, Calinan Central Elementary School, Gaisano Mall of Toril, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall Davao which closed on June 24. While SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, NCCC Mall Buhangin, Gaisano Grand Toril, and Ayala Abreeza Mall closed on June 28. Schlosser said the request to retain a one mall-based vaccination hub per of the congressional districts, as well as the drive-through operation at Davao Crocodile Park, is still pending approval. During a previous interview, Schlosser said the mall-based vaccination hub per district is to cater to working Dabawenyos who are only available during the weekends. " "Ang atong mga (our) district health offices and centers are only open on Mondays and Fridays. The request of the public before is to have vaccination on Saturday," Schlosser said on June 24. The district health center vaccination hubs will cater to all population groups – the A1, A2, A3, and A4 groups, as well as the five to 11 years old and 12 to 17 years old pediatric population. As of the latest, Schlosser said other vaccination rollout operations, particularly the barangay mobile vaccination, house-to-house vaccination, and sectoral, on-site vaccinations are still ongoing. She assures that the vaccination will remain free to the public. ICM

Tagum unveils newest landmark

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:54 AM PDT

STANDING like a guardian at the center of the Tagumpay Park is Tagum City's newest landmark – a gigantic monument of the national animal of the Philippines showing image of hard work and resiliency, stemming from its traditional use as the beast of burden. Unveiled last June 28, 2022, the carabao sculpture with its magnified scale showing how majestic a humble creature can be, is made of metal scraps from unserviceable hospital beds from the Southern Philippines Medical Center - manifesting a monument to the sufferings of the poorest. A gift by Mindanaoan Artist par Excellence Kublai Millan, he said, "The carabao: the Filipino farmers' ubiquitous companion made to carry the weight of the plough as it cracks the earth tamped to a solid mass by the summer's heat, the brawn to bring the harvest out from remote farmlands to the market, the vehicle that needs no gassing up, and the seasonal source of glory during town fiestas after winning a race." Millan, in his speech, mentioned that he instructed Tagumenyo Artist Victor Augustus Dumaguing to build the most dignified Carabao ever. This Carabao effect must send a "pull" message - that those who have already triumphed in life must "pull" the people or fellowmen who are still behind them. This monument also acts as an invitation to the people in sparing a moment to connect with those that produce the food they eat. Mayor Allan Rellon, who was present at the event, challenged Tagumenyo writers and researchers to impart their own tales and interpretations of the Carabao, in relation to the story of the city and the resiliency of the Tagumenyo people. "Im happy that things happened in accordance with our Magbabaya, sa atong Ginoo. Everytime muagi ta diri, I hope this reminds us of the 'never surrender', 'never give up, 'pag gusto may paraan ' and 'padayon' outlook in life. My prayer is that this will stay here until the end of time", Mayor Allan furthered. Also present at the event are Tagum City Vice Mayor Eva Loraine Estabillo, Medical Center Chief II Mr. Ricardo B. Audan, MD, FPAFP represented by Dr. Arancel Fritzgerald, Tagumenyo Artist Victor Augustus Dumaguing, members of the Sandog Artist Guild, members of the Tagum City Historical, Cultural and Arts Council, and LGU Tagum Department Heads and employees, among others. Geneva Conde/CIO Tagum

An emotional end for 19th Davao City Council

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:49 AM PDT

THE 19th City Council ended its last regular session with cheers and tears on Tuesday, June 28. The City Council bid farewell to Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Sebastian Duterte, who is set to assume the mayorship on June 30, replacing his sister, outgoing Davao City Mayor and incoming Vice President Sara Duterte. The Council also said their goodbye to outgoing Councilors Nilo Abellera, Maria Belen "Mabel" Sunga-Acosta, Bonifacio Militar, Pamela Librado-Morata, Ralph Abella, Danilo Dayanghirang, Antoinette Principe, and Mary Joselle Villafuerte. Plaques and awards were given to the "graduating" councilors. Outgoing First District Councilor and Floor Leader J. Melchor Quitain, Jr., presided over the farewell program, wherein he congratulated his colleagues for a "job well done." Quitain, an incoming Vice Mayor, shared how the Covid-19 pandemic affected some of the City Council activities, including their supposed attendance on the Philippine Councilor's League. He also recalled that the majority of their sessions were held under a hybrid setup, digital and face-to-face due to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 19th Council is the first to implement a video conferencing session in its existence. "You can just imagine despite the challenges, it was the 19th City Council that was able to discover that we could do sessions via online," the incoming vice mayor said. Quitain, who will also serve as incoming Council Presiding Officer in the 20th Council, said the council will still adopt the hybrid setup. Farewell speeches Principe, a lawyer, said the "passion to serve" was her purpose for running for the Council. She said the establishment of the creation of the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children, landmark legislation she lobbied for and was passed, is "very special" for her as this would provide interventions for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Villafuerte recalled how her late husband, Jose Louie Villafuerte, who passed away in 2015, trained her to be a public servant by providing free health services in the communities. She also said the 19th Council was the challenging era as the Covid-19 pandemic, wherein she legislated ordinances related to the pandemic response. Her son, Enzo, will replace her in the Council. Dayanghirang, a councilor for 29 non-consecutive years, thanked his constituents for supporting him throughout his career. His career started as an appointed councilor in 1986, and he won his first election in 1988. In his stint, he chaired the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means and Appropriations, and the Games and Amusements Chair. "Time seems to move so fast, especially when serving the people of Davao City becomes part of your life for 29 years," he said. Dayanghirang ran for his second attempt in the Second Congressional District in the House of Representatives in the 2022 race, but he lost to incumbent Representative Vincent Garcia. His son, Danilo II, also lost in his council attempt. Stella Acosta, the youngest daughter of Mabel and elected Councilor, gave a speech on behalf of her mother, who was out-of-town during the farewell event. Acosta resigned in January this year after accepting the position as Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) chairperson. She was substituted by her daughter and legal staff head Luna, who won her first election in the 2022 polls. Librado-Morata recalled her stint as councilor wherein she received "harsh criticisms." A first time in politics, she lobbied for the reopening of the Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community (Salugpungan), a school that was allegedly being used as a recruitment hub by the New People's Army (NPA). Her call for a committee hearing in the Council was rejected by her colleagues. She also said that during her first year as a city councilor, she "was treated as a pariah" for speaking about the need to investigate the closure of Lumad schools in the City. She said she was "isolated", and her office's Annual Development Fund (ADF) was removed in 2019. She was supposed to run for a second term, but she was delisted by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL), alongside Nilo "Small" Abellera Jr. for not meeting the "political party's vision for Davao City and the Philippines." "The end of my stint as a City Councilor would not mean an end to the cause I have espoused, and I will continue to assert for the marginalized, even in my capacity as a private individual come July 1," the outgoing councilor said. Librado-Morata withdrew her candidacy, while Abellera won his reelection bid. His father, Nilo Abellera Sr. also delivered his farewell speech. Ralph Abellera also delivered his goodbye speech and thanked his supporters in his three-year stint as councilor. 20th Councilors The incoming 20th Council will be composed of Edgar "Kap" Ibuyan, Jr., Jessica Bongguyan, former Vice Mayor Bernie Al-ag, longtime councilor Pilar Braga, Abellera, Jr., Che Che Justol, Javi Campos, Louie John Bonguyan, Diosdado Mahipus, Jr., Jonard Dayap, Alberto Ungab, Wilberto Al-ag, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Sweet Advincula, Cocoy Zozobrado, and Conde Baluran. Marissa Abella, Abellera, Jr., and Al Ryan Alejandre will return to the Council after a successful reelection bid. Newcomers Bonz Militar, grandson of long-time councilor Bonifacio Militar; Luna; Dr. Potpot Villafuerte, daughter of former Davao City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte; and Enzo Villafuerte. Former TV broadcaster Tek Ocampo, meanwhile, is the lone newcomer with no close political affiliation to sit in the council. RGL

PCUP Commissioner Baloro to be part of VP Sara’s admin

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:41 AM PDT

PRESIDENTIAL Commission For The Urban Poor (PCUP) Commissioner Norman Baloro confirmed he will be joining the Office of outgoing Davao City Mayor and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte. In a public Facebook post on his personal account on Wednesday, June 29, Baloro thanked Duterte for including him to be a part of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). "I am so grateful to be part of your administration. I sincerely appreciate your kindness in helping me get here," he said. The commissioner recalled working with the Davao City government, which gave him "the skills, knowledge, competence and genuine dedication" to accept the higher position. "I promise to work hard to maintain the confidence and trust you have shown in me. Daghang Salamat," he said. Baloro served as one of the project coordinators of the city's Covid-19 social programs such as Eskwela Davao, and Eswela Davao. Work for Davao is an emergency employment cash for work for individuals who were terminated, laid off, or with foreclosed businesses or offices due to the restrictions imposed to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic, while Eskwela Davao is an educational assistance program for the children of workers who are currently employed but salaries have been reduced by a skeleton workforce arrangement in their offices due to the pandemic. Baloro had earlier confirmed his appointment in the OVP to SunStar Davao earlier this month. However, he declined to disclose it at that time for he was not yet at liberty to publicize it. The official said he will be working under the Public Assistance Division. His term as PCUP commissioner for Mindanao will end on Thursday, June 30, and his work under OVP will start the next day. He also shared that some of the Davao City government department heads will also be assuming their positions under Duterte's office the next day. He declined to give names of the officials. Baloro was appointed by the incoming vice president's father, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. Prior to his national appointment, he served as Davao City Social Services Development Office (now City Social Welfare and Development Office) Buhangin District head. Duterte, in a press conference on June 20, also declined to name the officials who will be joining her office, and that their names will only be disclosed once they take an oath. In a previous radio interview, the outgoing mayor revealed that four high-ranking city government heads had joined the OVP, but she also declined to name them. RGL

Davao City Chamber to appeal wage hike

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:38 AM PDT

AN official from the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) said they are going to appeal to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-Davao to reconsider the implementation of the second tranche of the regional wake hike. Former president and current chairman of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Antonio dela Cruz said in a press conference on Wednesday, June 29 that the chamber submitted a position paper to the RTWPB-Davao on the petition for a wage increase. On June 3, 2022, the Wage Board approved the P47 increase in the daily wage in Davao Region, which will be given in two and three tranches. According to Wage Order No. RBXI-21, a P31 wage increase is given to all sectors upon effectivity of the order and another P16 on January 1, 2023. For retail/service establishments employing not more than 10 workers, an additional P15 is given on April 1, 2023. After full implementation of the tranches, the minimum wage rate in the region will range from P438 to P443. The new wage order took effect on June 19, 2022. Dela Cruz admitted they were surprised by the RTWPB-Davao's order. "Kami mismo sa among sector, sa among grupo, natingala na lang mi nga ing-ana kadako (In our sector, the chamber, we were surprised with how high the approved wage increase was)," he said said during the AFP-PNP Press Conference. He added the approved wage increase "is way higher than the National Capital Region." In a board meeting, Dela Cruz bared that some members wanted the deferment of the wage increase. "But as we look into it, lisod pud banggaon ang (it would be hard for us to disobey the) Wage Board," the official said. However, in their collective position, they said they are not opposing the wage increase, but the amount, he said, they recommended was between P16 to P20. The recently approved amount, Dela Cruz said, would be difficult by the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to shoulder considering that they are still adjusting to cope with the economic losses brought about by the Covid-19 restrictions, which was further affected by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "Because it is really difficult... daghan pa gasugod og balik (many businesses are starting to return to operation). Indeed, imo pa nang palabian, baka di na mi kabangon (if the increase is high, many business owners will struggle to recover)," he said. He said they will not object to the implementation of the first tranche, and instead, DCCCII would exhaust their efforts in appealing for the adjustments in the implementation of the second tranche. "We will continue advocating on the original proposal of the business community. Wala mi mag-ingon nga (We did not say) we don't want... but we will also look into sa problema nga atong giatubang (the problems we are facing)," he said. He added, "We will adhere to the provision of the wage board on the first tranche, but on the second tranche, [We] will be working hard." Bernie Al-ag, re-elected Davao City Councilor, meanwhile, welcomed the move for the wage hike. Al-ag, also a business owner, said the increase is justifiable considering the increasing prices of basic goods and commodities. "Ang hangyo lang nako sa mga negosyante, kung kaya ninyo ihatag, or more than this mahatag nato, ihatag nato sa empleyado (My appeal to all businesses, if you can give more to your employees, then do it)," the councilor said. SunStar Davao is still trying to reach out to RTWPB-Davao for comment on DCCCII's proposal. In a previous statement, TUCP President and Partylist Representative Raymond Mendoza said the wage increase approved by RTWPB-Davao is not enough considering the current increase in prices of food and other basic commodities. "This wage increase order issued by the Region 11 wage board will have a very, very small and passing impact in helping workers cope with the very expensive cost of living in light of continuing increases in prices of food, basic commodities, and cost of services," Mendoza said in a statement forwarded to SunStar Davao. TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay, meanwhile, said that they won't be appealing the wage order as it would only delay the order. "We will no longer appeal the wage hike order because it will further delay the implementation and prolong the suffering of the workers," Tanjusay said. RGL

DOH notes increase in hypertension, diabetes diagnosis since pandemic

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:36 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) observed that cases of hypertension and diabetes patient diagnosis have increased since the pandemic. "Nakita namo tag-as ang hypertension and diabetes na mga bag-ong diagnose, why? Because we are just sitting down, we are eating so much, daghan mga ayuda na mga delata, and then kaya sinasabi namin na galaw-galaw para di pumanaw (We have observed that we have an increase in newly diagnosed cases of hypertension and diabetes...since there are a lot of canned goods provided, that's why we are telling everyone to exercise so you won't die)," Dr. Maria Theresa Bad-ang, Spokesperson of DOH Renal Disease Control Program, said on June 29 during the virtual presser of the Philippine Information Agency. Bad-ang said not doing exercise will result in health issues. "Kay hindi sila masyadong lumalabas (Because they are not going out), they gain weight, they develop metabolic syndrome, naging resistant ng insulin nila sa ilahang lawas (their bodies become resistant to insulin), so they get fat, and they get pre-diabetes and hypertension," Bad-ang said. Bad-ang said hypertension and diabetes cause kidney disease. "Hypertension and diabetes are the number cause of in-stage kidney disease, maong ginabalik na namog promote nga health-seeking behavior dapat, you now see na magiging number five killer na ang chronic kidney disease later on kung dili nato e-stop ang diabetes and hypertension (that's why we will bring back promoting health-seeking behaviors. You will see that chronic hypertension will become the number five killer later on since we were not able to stop diabetes and hypertension)," Bad-ang said. Also, Bad-ang said that nowadays, patients prefer to self-medicate rather than practice health-seeking behavior. "We observed that yong mga patients natin na diabetic and hypertensive hindi nabantayan, wala ng health seeking behavior, hindi na magpunta sa doktor, and then magdoktor-doktor nalang, and then kung ano ang ginainom sa silingan, mao lang (diabetic and hypertensive patients are not being cared for because they don't practice health-seeking behavior. They are not consulting doctors, in fact, they self-medicate, and then whatever their neighbors are drinking they will also drink it)," Bad-ang said. KSD

City council ok’s law granting college scholarships to IPs

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:33 AM PDT

THE Davao City Council has approved on the third and final reading an ordinance providing a scholarship for the 11 tribes in the city. "Sa pila na kahigayunan, pila na katuig nanglabay murag wala man g'yud nahatagi og pagtagad, naa may mga scholarship grant pero maihap lang (For a long time now, after now being given the attention we need, we now have a scholarship grant albeit limited slots)," Rodolfo Mande, Mandatory Representative of the Indigenous People in Davao City, said in an interview with the Davao City Disaster Radio on June 29, 2022. Mande said they had initially asked for a scholarship grant for the five major tribes in Davao; Bagobo Klata, Ata, Matigsalog, Ubo Manobo, and Tagabawa but the council made it into 11. "Naghangyo usab ang ubang konseho nga apilon nalang pud ang 11 tribes dire sa Davao City, tanan na kay para way mahay (the council requested to include the 11 tribes here in Davao City so that all of them will be able to avail it)," Mande said. Mande said all tertiary colleges in Davao City are mandated to give grants for IPs. "Ang mga colleges and universities dire sa Davao City, mohatag og slot para sa mga katribuhan, full tuition and miscellaneous, kami na bahala makipag-estorya sa ginikanan kung asa sila magpuyo (The colleges and universities here in Davao City are mandated to provide slots for IPs, it should be full tuition and miscellaneous fees. We will be the ones to talk with the parents when it comes to the students' welfare)," Mande said. Mande said he had started helping IP students even before the approval of the ordinance by talking with the school heads. "Maghangyo lang ko sa mga heads sa mga schools, pakapalan ng mukha lang, 'naa ba mo'y slots dire?' (I usually request the school heads, and ask them if they have slots available)," Mande said. Mande said they encouraged IP students to take community-related courses such as education, midwifery, social work, and agriculture. Mande said they already have 200 IP applicants who are interested in studying in college. KSD

Active Covid-19 cases in Davao City at 107

Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:31 AM PDT

DAVAO City has a total of 107 active Covid-19 cases as of June 28, 2022, based on the online Covid-19 Tracker of the Department of Health (DOH). According to DOH, the confirmed cases are from those who tested RT-PCR positive by a laboratory certified by the DOH-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. From June 9 to June 15, 2022, 54 active cases were recorded. During this time, the city has an average of 44 cases per 4-week moving average. Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said during a radio interview that the city has an average positivity rate of 1 to 1.15 percent as of June 29. This is lower compared to the 4.5 percent positivity rate as of June 26 based on the own monitoring of the city government. This was driven by 18 positive cases from 396 swab specimen tested on June 26. "There are a lot of questions na ginapangutana saakoa na naga taas lagi daw ang (been asked to me regarding the increase of cases in the) National Capital Region but that does not necessarily mean na (it is) significant siya na naa ta'y (that we have a) surge because we can only say na naga taas gud siya na significant kung (that it's increasing significantly if the cases are) more than sa atong (our) acceptable positivity rate," Schlosser said. It can be noted that the city's current positivity rate is fluctuating within the threshold of five percent, which is the rate considered acceptable or safe. Because of these changes, the Covid-19 Task Force reiterates that the public should not be lenient with Covid-19 and to strictly follow the remaining minimum public health protocols to ensure protection against the virus. "We have to be very careful gihapon. Dili gyod ta maging lenient, dapat we should always put our guards (up)," she said. Schlosser reminded the public to always wear their face masks and keep their anti-Covid-19 vaccine up to date. ICM with Davao CIO
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