DAVAO ORIENTAL — The Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has approved Davao Oriental’s COVID-19 Response Plan which bids to support the provincial government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan was approved during the PDRRMC’s 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting on September 21 led by PDRRMC Chairman Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang.
Embedded in the response plan are the continued implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program and the utilization of appropriate funds including the Quick Response Fund.
“We continue to be at risk. To stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we need to do it all — continued strong leadership; robust public health measures; clear communication and an engaged, empowered and enabled population to turn the tide,” said Dr. Reden Bersaldo, Provincial Task Force on COVID-19 Action Officer.
To further boost the plan, the provincial government has allotted funds for the COVID-19 response for the rest of the year. The allotted budget is set for operational of hospitals primarily those identified for treatment of COVID-19, emergency preparedness and quick response, and allocations to local government units.
Supporting the province’s COVID-19 response are other priorities programs of the Department of Labor and Employment such as the livelihood assistance for disadvantaged and displaced workers and COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP); livelihood seeding program under the Department of Trade and Industry; the financial assistance program for rice farmers under the Department of Agriculture; the school-based feeding program under the Department of Education; and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), distribution of food and non-food items; and livelihood assistance grants under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Dr. Reden Bersaldo added that while the government is primarily responsible for disaster management, everybody is equally responsible to undertake disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation activities to ensure one’s survival and safety during emergency situations, especially during the time of pandemic. He also reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated as the best way to protect one’s self and family from the threats of the virus.
According to him, “Vaccination is the solution to end this COVID-19 pandemic.”
Ensuring continued government support, Governor Dayanghirang said, “Together we must continue to strengthen the COVID-19 response by aggressively applying the basic public health measures, and also looking ahead and ensuring that we make full use of emerging tools to control spread, save lives, and minimize impact.”
PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 1218
The PDRRM council meeting also tackled the implementing rules and regulations of Presidential Proclamation 1218, also known as “Further Extending the Period of a State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to Corona Virus Disease 2019.”
This proclamation contains the extended validity of the state of calamity for one more year, or until Sept. 12, 2022, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Under Proclamation 1218, the President extended the status “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”
The extension follows the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council; and came amid the spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths, despite the government’s efforts to stop the further transmission of the dreaded disease.
Aside from the counter measures to address the existing COVID-19 pandemic, other topics discussed during the meeting are the DRRM updates and accomplishments.
Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang led the council meeting and headed the approval of the motions raised by the council members.
