THE NEW NORMALITY

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.
 

Davao City has been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, following the recent surge in the number of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19).

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement released while writing this piece on Friday morning (November 20, 2020).

Roque said Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 for the cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed in Davao City to assist in the response activities. He said law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city. 

In my home country Germany, just to mention another example, the government is thinking about a lockdown until January 2021 after the new Infection Protection Act was passed. The confusion on all sides is getting bigger.

The new normality? I'm almost lost in words. Merry Christmas? Happy New Year 2021. With many or even most of them, the emotions will no longer allow this.

One thing is for sure: Things we loved to do and enjoyed in the past are no longer allowed: travelling, visiting great and big events such as concerts, Oktoberfest, carnival or sport games, social gatherings. Once upon a time ... . 

 I said already several months ago: it will never be the same as before. Many people around me confirmed this. 

My dear readers: stay safe and healthy always!

School kit distribution

 

66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed school and supplies, face masks and Covid-kits.

Forty-five (45) elementary school students from kindergarden to grade 2, thirty-one (31) from Davao Oriental and fourteen (14) from Davao de Oro benefited on this gift-giving activity.

Mrs. Maria Cristina Dunca, Project Coodinating officer led the distribution together with the principals and teachers from different target schools belonging to the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.

With the theme "Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan", the parents were taught to continue educate their children amidst the pandemic.

This initiative from a Non-Government Organization through collaboration with the LGU and the Philippine Army only shows that unity among different sectors, agencies and stakeholders is necessary to attain our objective of bringing the peace and development as well as delivering the basic needs of the communities.

The 66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion is always ready to assist in securing the peace and sustaining the development in its area of operation.

Arm to farm: Army boosts organic farming inside the camp

Davao de Oro --- The 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the leadership of Major General Reuben S Basiao led the conversion of some areas of their 120 hectare-camp into an agricultural farm in Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro.

 The military’s initiative is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture that will provide technical assistance in livestock raising, crop production, and food processing to the soldiers. It is also in support to the People’s Organization in learning organic farming like the proper procedures on organic concoctions and fertilizers as well as land preparation.

 All the army battalions of the 10th ID are mandated to establish agricultural project sites as part of the localized implementation of the President’s Executive Order 70 or Whole-of-Nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). These community intervention programs drive towards a sustainable peace and development in the province.

 Meanwhile, they already applied to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to make the area an Agri-Farm Community Learning Center. In a recent initial meeting with the Provincial Tourism Office, an AgriFest, a drive-pick for buying fresh vegetables and livestock will also happen soon in December at the said camp. (Rheafe Hortizano - Provincial Information Office)

Davao City placed under GCQ anew

Published November 20, 2020, 11:33 AM

by Armando Fenequito, Jr., Manila Bulletin

DAVAO CITY – This city has been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, following the recent surge in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement released on Friday morning. 

Roque said Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 for the cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed in Davao City to assist in the response activities.

“A One Hospital Command Center will likewise be established in the city to ensure an efficient referral system as private hospitals are mandated to increase their ward bed occupancy by at least 20 percent to 30 percent,” he said.

He said efforts will be made to address the shortage of nurses in health facilities and to provide additional high-oxygen cannulae, Favipiravir (Avigan), Remdesivir, medical equipment, among others.

Roque said accommodation establishments will be tapped to serve as quarantine facilities for health workers as well as the isolation of positive cases of COVID-19.  

He said law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city.

On Thursday night, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte released a statement, saying the city will abide by any order of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) should it decide that Davao City needed to be placed under stricter quarantine.

National Task Force on COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said on Wednesday during the meeting of Regional IATF 11, he would recommend to place the city under GCQ to control the surge of COVID-19 cases in the city.

Last July, the city was placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) after being placed in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and GCQ.

But Department of Health (DOH) Region 11 Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said, during the RIATF 11 meeting, the number of COVID-19 cases started to make a surge after the city suspended curfew and the liquor ban last September.

Duterte, last October, issued an executive order reimposing the curfew and even made it earlier starting at 7 p.m.

Duterte also reimposed the 24-hour liquor ban in the city on November 2.

DOH 11 data showed that, as of November 19, the city had 1,874 active cases with 106 new patients recorded on Thursday night. 

The data also bared, the city has already recorded 5,520 COVID-19 cases, of which, 3,401 have recovered, and 245 have died. 

IN TOTAL DARKNESS

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.
 

When I was still hosting my radio shows with classical music  in different radio stations, I really got surprised how many people tried to come in touch with me after listening to not only the (wonderful?) classical music as well as my inspirational thoughts in between. Yes, I really felt glad and honored to be on air and getting the chance to share my passion of classical music with a really great listener ship. Once upon a time -  already several years ago.

In total darkness are many people right now because of the pandemic and the number of cases increasing to astronomical heights all over the world. Strategies against darkness?  "Why am I so sad? What am I so troubled about?" (Psalm 42,11).

If it's becoming dark, we usually turn on our lights. But, it's still daylight. It's a magnificent and wonderful day! The sun shines with might in the sky. The flowers are ablaze with amazing colors; the birds are chirping cheerfully. - "Yet, why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled?"

We experience feelings, as if darkness lies onto our souls, and light cannot get through any more. Yes, we make head or tail of it, because some really bad things happened since a couple of  months in many of our life and surroundings:

Several good friends passed away unforeseen; a wish, carried with us in our hearts never became true; all doors seem to be locked forever; financial problems because of Covid-19 bother us and don't allow the chance for three daily meals; and arduous illness seems to become incurable.

Why are we so sad? Why are we so troubled? The psalm's poet voices out innermost feelings and emotions during those times. 

A very good friend ( a really very good one!) asked the following question: "How can you praise and worship this God, who allowed me always to get into a never-ending darkness?" Is my friend a dyed-in-the-wool-atheist", who underpinned his opinion with even the Psalm: "Day and night I cry and tears are my only food; all the time my enemies ask me, "Where is YOUR "God"?""

I was trained how to survive such periods of life. Even this pandemic situation. Be patient and pray. Yes, pray! Or: "Quarrel with your soul!" No, it's not nonsense, it really works. 

"Don't make such a fuss; get out of your dump and be happy!"

Or, read Psalm 103: "The Love of God".

Tasting row cacao from farm in Calinan

 

Yummy, yummy, yummy ...

I AM THE LIGHT

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times

The validity of Jesus' testimony has been explained in John 8:12-30: "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

As I look around, I find many of our so-called leaders, who demand us to follow them, and I hope we open our eyes and minds before we follow them blind. 

"I am the light of the world!" Admittedly, this sounds for many people a reconditioned exuberance while trembling to what might happen if they are not being able to pay the next electric bill. Did you observe yourself that electric bill amounts keep on rising and rising since staying in the home office because of the pandemic?

I am also pretty sure that also this year Christmas lights are not glowing as the previous years: I am not so much talking about the illuminated advertisements all over the city. I am referring to the private lightenings that usually brighten our homes during the Yuletide season. It's the deep sadness and depression feelings of the people around us. No, this Christmas celebration is not a celebration anymore in times of a new abnormality. 

If we managed to overcome the "Follow-me-I'm-the light"-phonies, and after we managed to find solutions in paying our electric bills, we then sit still in our houses and plan to light a candle for our prayers.

The other side of the season should make us remember that we should never hesitate to show our good hearts even amid a crisis by rendering services to others with passion and enthusiasm. There is nothing really stronger than from the heart of a volunteer - as several UP interns voiced out many years ago.

I am the light of the world. Let's try putting this concept into our minds, hearts and souls. I am pretty sure we'll not walk in darkness especially during this enlightening season and the dramatic cuts in our daily life because of this pandemic.

"Made His light shine in our hearts." (2 Co 4:6).

DdO's "Back-liners": Growing enough amidst pandemic

Davao de Oro Province---Farmers are also our living heroes. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, farmers around the globe never stop to provide agricultural produce preventing food crisis.

In Davao de Oro, the provincial government continues in supporting its local farmers who directly upholds food security in serving as back-liners in the fight against Covid-19.

During the Joint virtual meeting of the Provincial Local Health Board (PHLB) and Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF), PAGRO-DdO gave its updates on food security and contingency plan of the province. Through its Quick Turn Around (QTA) Project for Rice Production, out of 12, 483.27 hectares of land area, 9,986.62 hectares were planted and harvested with a total production of 49, 933.1 metric tons of rice as of October 26, 2020.

As a response to the current issue on the low purchasing price of palay, the provincial government will establish an additional MPDP (Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement) to thoroughly dry the “palay” before selling it to buyers. They will also provide “sackoline” or “trapal” for the rice farmers to fully utilize potential drying areas.

The National Food Authority (NFA) also signifies to construct an additional drying facility and will partner with the provincial government to establish the project. To further support local farmers, the Department of Agriculture will provide cash assistance amounting to Php 5,000 to farmers with an area of 1 hectare and below and will provide fertilizer and seeds covering 12,000 hectares.

On Adlay Rice Distribution, 1, 983 kilos of Adlay seeds were distributed to municipalities, infantry battalions, farmers and walk-in clients. Some of it were already harvested and others are on the harvestable stage.

Beneficiaries on the fishery sector who received tilapia fingerlings last April and May 2020 started to reap the fruits of their hard-work. The in-land fish culture augmented the fish supply aside from the harvest from fish cages in the salt waters of Davao de Oro.

Local farmers in the province also have direct access to sell their produce through “Kadiwa On Wheels”. Marketing assistance were given to the farmers by the Libasan Primary Multi-purpose Cooperative (LIPRIMCO) and Paloc Multi-purpose Cooperative through buying and selling local produce amounting to a million pesos.

The Agri-Fishery program of the Davao de Oro continues as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDA) in Mabini received seedling of corn and red beans as beneficiary of the program.  Irrigators Associations such as the Upper Saosao Irrigators and Nabunturan Irrigator’s Association received mung beans and watermelon seeds in support of the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” of the Department of Agriculture.

On livestock and crop insurance, The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has approved the resolution of Davao de Oro Provincial Task Force Organizational and Development Group (ODS) to continue the renewal of the crop and livestock insurance of the province.

Long term effects of the pandemic cannot be elucidated, but it is clear that a resilient food system is a key to withstand whatever circumstances that will arise in the future. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division Davao de Oro)

Young and empowered youth stands for peace in Davao de Oro

 Davao de Oro --- The Youth for Peace Maco Chapter and the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion conducted the four-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) on October 28-31, 2020 at the Atty. Orlando S. Rimando National High school, Barangay Binuangan, Maco with the theme "MALINAWONG DAVAO DE ORO: Ascending to Genuine Peace Building for a Higher Ground of Youth Empowerment".

 

The initiative was attended by around sixty-seven youth leaders from the different barangays and sectoral groups within the municipality aging from 21 to 35 years old.

 The objective of the activity was to empower and capacitate the youths to become responsible citizens and catalysts of spreading the culture of peace among the communities specially those conflict-affected areas.

 During the summit, the youth engaged in different lectures and team building activities to understand their vital role in national transformation; the various government programs for the youth; the prevailing issues and challenges that they may face; and how they could cope with the challenges as they embark on their journey towards becoming community leaders for peace building. Health protocols and safety guidelines amid COVID-19 were also observed.

 Former YFPM-Maco President, Elaine Marie Cabatingan believes in the power of peace-building as it is the way of promoting solidarity and camaraderie to attain peaceful community in the whole province of Davao de Oro.

 

The event was made possible through the support of the Local Government Unit of Maco (LGU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), MDDRMO, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

 Meanwhile, the new graduates of the 6th YLS are now part of YFPM Maco and the growing number of volunteers of the Youth for Peace Philippines. They are expected to help the community in empowering other youth by leveling up their leadership potentials for active participation in nation building. (Rheafe Hortizano – Provincial Information Office, Photo Courtesy and Press Release of YFPM Maco)

SARA ORDERS MANDATORY USE OF DQR

 Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte issued Executive Order (E.O.) 60, Series of 2020, which provides the guidelines for the use of the Safe Davao QR (DQR) yesterday, November 3.

The EO mandates the use of the DQR by all individuals, including non-residents, effective November 7 to hasten contact tracing in the city’s war against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).The order came in the wake of the surge of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the city due to several activities allowed during the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). 

As of 5 p.m. of November 2, the Department of Health Davao Region reported that Davao City has 1,055 active Covid-19 cases.  Since the outbreak in March, the total number of cases in the city was logged at 3,899. Of this, the total recoveries were 2,670 and deaths at 174.Duterte said in her E.O. that there is a need to control the Covid-19 cases as the Covid-19 beds at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) are now all occupied.

“Tracing has encountered several challenges and needs to be continually improved. The paper and pen contact tracing form in establishments have severely compromised the privacy of data and is a potential source of transmission of the virus,” she said, adding that the DQR will help limit the movement of people to accessing only essential goods and services for work or business – in keeping with the community quarantine protocols.

Institutionalizing the DQR will also implement contactless data gathering and electronic storage of data while enforcing the prohibition on non-essential travels within the city.E.O. 60 will strictly implement the no QR code, no travel, or no entry policy. 

The one-time permanent and unique DQR, defined as an electronic contact tracing and travel pass platform, will be implemented as a pass for entry into and travel inside Davao City, provided that such travel is only for goods and accessing essential services or for work and business; as a pass at law enforcement checkpoints and barangay patrols implementing the prohibition on non-essential travel; and as a contact tracing log for entry and exit in all offices and establishments.

Duterte reiterated that individuals must keep their DQR confidential and publicly posting it is strictly prohibited to prevent identity theft. The DQR must be stored in the email or a hard copy of it must be secured.However, airplane travelers shall register for two codes, their QR code for the exit at the Davao International Airport and their DQR.

All individuals must bring their DQR when leaving three meters away from their premises or gates as barangay personnel will randomly scan people within their area of responsibility to check on violation of the non-essential travel prohibition. Individuals aged 18 years old and below and above 65 will be issued DQR as part of the vulnerable sector to caution checkpoints, offices, and establishments.

All employers are tasked to assist their employees or workers in applying for a DQR, particularly those without smartphones, no access to the internet, and a printer. Criminal charges await those who will make and sell fake identities and registering for a DQR while any person caught tampering with and hacking the online link shall be prosecuted for cybercrimes.

The audit personnel will cancel any DQR with fake information and the person holding the same upon reaching checkpoints will be detained for investigation and will face charges once the cancellation is found to be correct and in order.Since the DQR is free, internet shops and business individuals may only charge a maximum cost of P15 when they offer the service of internet use, printing, and lamination of the DQR. Barangay personnel and all police stations assisting in the issuance of DQRs for individuals shall do so without charges and fees.

For any assistance, the public may contact thse official helpline platforms: Smart – 0961-750-3542, 0961-750-3541, 0961-750-3540; Globe – 0995-461-6400, 0995-461-6402, 0995-461-6394; https://www.facebook.com/safedavaoqr or @safedavaoqr (Facebook and Messenger)

REQUIREMENTS

Before going online to access the DQR link https://safedavaoqr.davaoct.com, individuals must prepare the following:

1. A clear photo of one valid ID (Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Unified Multi-Purpose Identification Card; Land Transportation Office driver’s license, student permit in card format; Professional Regulatory Commission ID; Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Integrated Department of Labor and Employment card; Commission on Elections voter’s ID or voter’s certification from the election officer; Philippine National Police firearms license; senior citizen ID; airman license issued August 2016; Philippine Postal ID issued November 2016 onwards; school ID; passport; Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) copy of a birth certificate)

2. A clear photo of the individual with the valid ID or birth certificate beside his face

3. A clear photo of the individual, facing the camera and showing the entire face (face masks or coverings are prohibited)

4. A valid mobile phone number

5. A valid email addressAn individual can also apply for a DQR at the nearest police station in the absence of an ID or birth certificate. The police can decline to issue a DQR once a person is found inconsistent in answering questions or cannot prove that the DQR will be used for essential travel.

SCANNING

 A smartphone with an internet connection, tablet with an internet connection, or QR code scanning device/machine attached to a personal computer with an internet connection may be used as DQR scanners.Other options for DQR checking if the internet is not available include picture taking of the DQR, listing down of the text code/alphanumeric code under DQR code, and then uploading the data once the online connection is re-established, using the traditional pen and paper method. But the offline solution is not encouraged as it could not be easily verified.Meanwhile, the Task Force Davao (TFD) checkpoints are required to scan the DQRs of all individuals upon their entry while the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) shall conduct scanning at designated checkpoints within the city. At checkpoints, documents that must be presented to prove essential travel are valid ID, employer/principal certification for those with no employer-employee relationship, business permit, or any other document to prove travel is to access essential goods and services or for work/business may be required by checkpoint personnel; and original receipt of items or services. 

Without any of these documents, “a convincing oral explanation may be admitted by checkpoint personnel”.Only barangay officials and personnel donning complete official uniforms are authorized to randomly scan individuals on the streets within their areas of responsibility along with other law enforcement personnel supporting the TFD, DCPO, and barangay checkpoints.All private and government offices, event venues, hospitals, hotels, malls, stores, groceries, mini-marts, restaurants, carenderias, palengkes, places of worship, educational institutions, and all other offices, establishments, and organizations are mandated to prepare their online and offline scan for all individuals entering and exiting their areas.All records must be kept confidential under Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act and these can only be shared with the City Health Office (CHO). CIO

Categorized in COVID-19, Local Government