DAVAO CITY —The Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Davao Oriental has approved on September 21, the provincial COVID-19 Response Plan to strengthen the government’s fight against the pandemic.
The plan was presented and approved during the 3rd Quarter meeting of the PDRRMC with Chairman Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang.
Among the highlights of the approved plan, is the continued implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program and; the utilization of funds especially during emergency situation.
The national government has earmarked budget for the different localities as embodied in the Bayanihan Heal as One Act, it was approved by the House of Representative and has been implemented since the pandemic hit the country in 2020.
On this trying time, Dr. Reden Bersaldo, Provincial Task Force on COVID-19 Action Officer said, there is a need to sustain the fight against the pandemic by empowering the people in the community through communication for them to become the government’s partners in spreading information to the community to avoid for them to help in preventing the spread in their own way, as the virus threatens everyone.
The provincial government allotted a budget for hospital operations, temporary treatment facility, emergency preparedness and quick response among local government units.
Economic support package
Embedded in the plan is the economic support package from the different agencies of the government like the Department of Labor and Employment for livelihood assistance, technical and skills assistance for the 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.
While the government is primarily responsible for disaster management, Bersaldo emphasized everyone is responsible in the 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.
Vaccination is the solution
Bersaldo emphasized, that the best way to cope up and get back to normal times, is through “ vaccination: which he described as the penultimate solution to the health crisis.
For his part, Governor Dayanghirang asked his constituents to rally together and further strengthen the COVID-19 response by following the measures identified by the government and always follow the minimum health protocol as defined.
The action plan was deliberated and approved by the council, the LGU’s are expected to adopt the same so that there will be a unified action plan in their responses.-
As of 5:00 in the afternoon, September 23, the regional health office reported 856 new cases of COVID-19 in the region and 37 of which is from Davao Oriental.-Newsline.ph
