DILG NE's Luntiang Pitak 2nd Qtr 2020 Issue

The Official Quarterly Publication of DILG Nueva Ecija

Volume VI, Issue No. 2 April - June 2020

PIATF, Nueva Ecija
LCEs prepare for

MECQ

By LGOO V Kimberly B. Ruiz & LGOO II Kristian Rob D. Santiago

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija - 29 shelters. Balik-Probinsya Program of the What’s inside?
Mayors participated in the conduct of provincial government aiming to help
Nueva Ecija Inter-Agency Task Force stranded residents from other provinces DILG Nueva Ecija embraces 2
(NE-IATF) Special Meeting headed by to go back in Nueva Ecija was also flexible Work Arrangement 3
Governor Aurelio "Oyie" M. Umali held at discussed during the meeting. He also Joint Meeting of the Local 3
the 2nd floor Old Capitol Building on stressed the importance of Special Bodies of Nueva Ecija 3
May 15, 2020. communication through social media in Virtual orientation on the New 4
the midst of this pandemic. LSI Monitoring Tool 4
Initially, the National Inter-Agency Task 24 Former Rebels receive 5
Force (NIATF) placed the province, On the other hand, Dr. Edwin V. financial assistance
being moderate risk in COVID-19, under Santiago, Medical Officer – DOH Nueva Local Access Roads in Brgy.
General Community Quarantine from Ecija, informed the LCEs of the current Niyugan and Brgy. Ulanin Pitak
May 16 -31, through NIATF Resolution No. situation of each LGUs on COVID19. Status of Locally Funded
35. However, upon assessment of the Based on the situation, cases in the Projects (LFPs )
situation relative to COVID-19, the PIATF province are being contained, however,
requested to place the province under there is a need to conduct mass testing Virtual meeting and online updating of
Modified Enhanced Community to further support the assumption. LFPs through the SubayBayan Portal
Quarantine with the recommendation of Meanwhile, Dr. Huberto Lapuz, Medical
Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) Center Chief of Dr. PJGMRMC, reported LGUs in Action 9-10
and was approved through NIATF that the DOH granted the Dr. PJGMRMC
Resolution No. 37 issued on May 15, as one beneficiary medical research DILG NE salutes frontliners 11
2020. hospital to put up epidemiology
laboratory which will also serve as
Further, Governor Umali discussed testing center for COVID19.
guidelines relative to the
implementation of MECQ, clarified With the persistent efforts fortified with
guidelines on unrestricted and unity and coordination among Local
unhampered delivery of goods in Chief Executives, National Government
checkpoints, and protocols on Agencies and other stakeholders, there
cremation. He also emphasized the is a high hope that the province will heal
need to support public and private as one and stand firm amidst the
hospitals particularly in the provision of aftermath of this pandemic.
basic needs such as PPEs and temporary

DILG Nueva Ecija embraces flexible

Work Arrangement

By LGOO II Maricar Janice C. Perez

“This will be the new normal - we will State of National Emergency due to
be having online conferences from
time to time” mentioned by COVID-19 pandemic, Department
Provincial Director Renato G.
Bernardino during one of the online Circulars No. 2020-12 and 2020-13
meetings conducted by the DILG NE
Provincial Office. He also dated May 2, 2020 and May 15,
emphasized that in this time of
pandemic, health and safety must 2020, respectively, DILG Region III
be the top priorities of the
employees. Nonetheless, efficiency implemented a Two-Day Office/
of work must not be hampered. Thus,
longer hours of work shall be Physical Reporting (Skeleton
rendered as deemed necessary to
be able to accomplish the tasks Workforce) and Three-Day Work from
directed by the Department.
Home (WFH) scheme.

The C/MLGOOs closely coordinate
with the LGU officials and
functionaries to monitor the public
order, safety and security and health
situation.

The DILG NE employees adapt this

In line with the Civil Service new work arrangement and ensure

Commission (CSC) Memorandum open communication and

Circular No. 10, s. 2020 which completion of reports. Amidst the

pertains to the Revised Interim pandemic, DILG NE ensures that the

Guidelines for Alternative Work Office’s functions, including the field

Arrangements and Support offices, are not compromised. The

Mechanisms for Workers in the team will continuously work in unison

Government during the Period of to provide utmost public service.

......................................................

The Department of the Interior and
Local Government through the issuance
of Memorandum Circular No. 2020-071
admonishes Local Government Units
(LGUs) to issue local ordinances,
executive orders or advisories on the
mandatory wearing of face masks and
incorporate imposition of sanctions to
non-compliant residents.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
shortages are currently posing an
incredible challenge to the healthcare
system due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, wearing of improvised masks
and other protective equipment such
as indigenous, reusable, homemade or
do-it-yourself masks, face shields and
handkerchiefs that can effectively
lessen the transmission of the virus is
highly acceptable.

Mandatory wearing of face mask LGUs were also tasked to conduct
regular monitoring and ensure
By LGOO II Maria Gabriela Isabel C. Bernardez adherence of the public with the said
directives to prevent further local
transmission of COVID-19.

2 Luntiang Pitak April - June 2020

JOINT MEETING OF THE LOCAL SPECIAL BODIES OF THE PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA

By LGOO II Donnabel E. Estipular

Local Special Bodies of the Province of Nueva Ecija
including PDC, PPOC, PDRRMC, PADAC, PLSB, PFC
and PTF-ELCAC convened for its 2nd Quarter
meeting, held last June 29, 2020 at Sierra Madre
Suites, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

During the said meeting, issues tackled were the
proposal on supplemental Annual Investment
Programs (AIP), outsourcing of hauling services,
P7.5 million augmentation to the existing budget
for emergency and rescue telecommunication
network, over all peace and order situation in
Nueva Ecija including the issues on insurgency, and
updates on COVID-19.

The activity was physically attended by Hon. LGOO VII Ariel G. Espinosa, Cluster Team Leader of DILG Nueva Ecija,
Governor Aurelio M. Umali, Local Chief Executives, discussing Executive Order No. 70.
DILG Nueva Ecija Provincial staff, Provincial Heads
of NGAs, and Department Heads of Provincial
Government of Nueva Ecija.

......................................................

DILG Nueva Ecija conducts virtual 24 Former Rebels receive
orientation on the New LSI Monitoring Tool financial assistance

By LGOO II Vivorey S. Lapitan By LGOO III Anna Marie P. Batad

Cabanatuan City - 24 Former Rebels (FRs)
received financial assistance under the
Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP) for second
quarter of 2020. The checks were awarded
by Honorable Aurelio M. Umali, Provincial
Governor and Chairman of the Provincial
E-CLIP Committee in the Province of Nueva
Ecija on May 4, 2020 at the Old Capitol
Compound, Cabanatuan City, Nueva
Ecija. The financial assistance is part of the
benefits given to FRs who surrendered to
the government through the Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine
National Police (PNP) and returned to the
folds of the law.

June 19, 2020 - the DILG Nueva Ecija other DILG NE Provincial Office The E-CLIP is a program of the National
Provincial Office headed by personnel. Government implemented by Department
PD Renato G. Bernardino facilitated of the Interior and Local Government
the conduct of Orientation on the LGOO II Vivorey S. Lapitan, Provincial (DILG) and Department of National
Newly Created Google Spreadsheet Focal Person for the Management of Defense (DND) pursuant to DILG-DND JMC
for Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) LSIs, served as the resource person No. 2018-01 dated July 5, 2018 entitled
through Video Teleconference. during the orientation. He presented “Implementing Guidelines for the Provision
the features of the new monitoring of DILG-Administered Package of
The purpose of the activity is to tool and discussed the encoding of Assistance for Former Rebels (FRs) and
walkthrough the DILG Field Officers correct data and the frequency of Militia ng Bayan (MB)”.
about the features of the New LSI the submission.
Monitoring Tool and orient them The program is being co-implemented with
about their duties and functions in the With this new monitoring tool, the Local Government Units (LGUs), making it
monitoring of LSIs using the said tool. process of endorsement of outgoing locally-driven, managed and
LSI from their LGU origin to receiving
It was participated in by all of the LGUs will be faster and With the 24 Former rebels during the
Local Government Operations well-coordinated and the monitoring awarding of checks
Officers assigned in the Cities and of incoming LSIs will be easier.
Municipalities of the Province and (continued on page 11)

Volume VI, Issue No. 2 3

By LGOO II Maricar Janice C. Perez

● Brgy. Niyugan, Jaen, Nueva Ecija

● Brgy. Ulanin Pitak, Jaen, Nueva Ecija

Two (2) of the priority projects in the implementation of their priority programs March 13, 2020. While, the Local Access
Road in Brgy. Ulanin Pitak has a total
Municipality of Jaen under the FY 2019 and projects. length of 446.7 meters with an allocation
of P4 million. The project started on
Local Government Support Fund - March 13, 2020 and the construction was
finished on June 8, 2020.
Assistance to Municipalities (LGSF-AM) The Municipality of Jaen, a developing
With the completion of these projects,
Program are the construction of Local and 2nd class municipality, has recently easier access to goods and services will
benefit the residents of the said
Access Roads in Brgy. Niyugan and Brgy. finished the said projects on the 2nd barangays.

Ulanin Pitak. quarter of this year. The Local Access

Road in Brgy. Niyugan, Jaen, Nueva Ecija

The DILG’s LGSF – AM seeks to equitably has a total length of 474 meters with

assist all municipalities in the delivery of allocated budget amounting to

basic services by providing financial P4 million. The project started on Janu-

subsidy to muni.c. i.p.a. .li.ti.e. s. . . .i.n. . . .t.h.e. . . . . a. .ry. . .1.4.,. . 2. 0. 2. .0. . a. .n.d. . .w. .a.s. . c. .o.mpleted on

DILG NE updates
monitoring report on

VAWC

The Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG) and the
Council for the Welfare of Children
(CWC) issued Joint Memorandum
Circular NO. 2020-001 dated April 6,
2020 to reiterate the roles of LGUs in
reaching out to children, including
those in street situations, in need of
special protection, at risk and in
conflict with the law during the
community quarantine. An Advisory
was also issued in April 2020 to direct
LGUs to ensure the functionality of
Barangay Violence against Women
(VAW) Desk and Barangay Council
for the Protection of Children (BCPC)
during the community quarantine.

With the issued MC and Advisory, all
DILG City and Municipal Officers were
directed to disseminate VAW and
Violence against Children (VAC)
Forms to be accomplished by the
barangays. Thereafter, the DILG Field
Officers will encode the entries/
information from the Barangay Data
Capture Form through the provided
google link.

4 Luntiang Pitak April - June 2020

Virtual meeting and online updating of
LFPs through the SubayBayan Portal

By LGOO II Maricar Janice C. Perez

The Project Development Management under the province of Nueva Ecija, and

S e c t i o n ( P D M S ) u n d e r L o c a l to remind the tasks and reporting With the continued effort of the DILG

Government Capability Development timeline per DILG MC 2018-114 & DILG Region III and Provincial Offices, the

Division (LG-CDD) of DILG Region III Memorandum dated January 29, 2019. compliance status of Central Luzon on

headed by LG-CDD Chief Ener P. The PDMS staff also provided hands-on SubayBayan ranked 2nd nationwide

Cambronero, CESE, facilitated the training on the SubayBayan portal and with a rate of 67%. Meanwhile, Nueva

online Simultaneous Updating of Locally answered queries and clarifications on Ecija ranked 36th with a rate of 59%.

Funded Projects (LFPs) through the the submitted documents.

SubayBayan Portal to all DILG Nueva The DILG Nueva Ecija, in cooperation

Ecija C/MLGOOs except for Science Based on the June 5, 2020 SubayBayan with its field offices and the Local

City of Muñoz and San Antonio, Nueva Status, there were a total of 391 G ov er n men t U ni ts (LG U s), wi l l

Ecija on June 29, 2020 via Zoom Cloud projects in Central Luzon that needs to continuously monitor the LGUs’

Meeting. be updated under F.Y. 2016-2018 Local compliance and update the status of

Government Support Fund (LGSF) LFPs through the SubayBayan Portal.

The activity aimed to catch up with the Program. In Nueva Ecija, there were 154

backlogs, to update all status of LFPs projects for updating.

......................................................

“Interim Guidelines on the
Management of Human

Remains for Patient under
Investigation (PUI) and

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases”

On April 6, 2020, DILG Nueva Ecija (COVID-19) Cases” via Zoom Cloud Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs). He
conducted an orientation on Meeting. explained the standard process of
Memorandum Circular No. 2020-063 handling remains of confirmed
entitled “Interim Guidelines on the LGOO II Vivorey S. Lapitan presented COVID-19 cases and PUIs. DOH also
Management of Human Remains for the general guidelines of the said recommends that guidelines and
Patient Under Investigation (PUI) and Memorandum Circular to the DILG NE procedures must be strictly observed to
Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 City/Municipal Local Government avoid further spread of the disease.

Volume VI, Issue No. 2 5

SAP, financial aid to 18 million low-income families

By LGOO II Maricar Janice C. Perez

with disability; pregnant and

lactating women; solo parents;

overseas Filipinos in distress; indigent

Indigenous People; underprivileged

sector and homeless citizens; and

informal economy workers.

Non-residents who are stranded were

also listed as beneficiaries.

One of the SAP financial assistance is

the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP)

which is implemented during the

Enhanced Community Quarantine

Under the R.A. No. 11469 or (ECQ) by DSWD in cooperation with

“Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, a LGU from provincial to barangays. On-site validation of SAP Posting at Carranglan,
Nueva Ecija
total of P200-billion was allocated as The 18 million low-income families
On-site validation of SAP Posting at Pantabangan,
Social Amelioration Program (SAP) were provided with P5,000 to P8,000 Nueva Ecija.

Bayanihan Fund. The Social subsidy to provide for basic food,

Amelioration Program (SAP) is a medicine, toiletries and other

social protection program by various essential needs. For the province of

government agencies to help Nueva Ecija, the qualified

mitigate the social and economic beneficiaries were given an amount

impact of the COVID-19 health crisis. of P6,500.

The qualified family can receive SAP

financial assistance either through The Department also ordered all

the Department of Social Welfare Punong Barangays to post a list of

and Development (DSWD), SAP beneficiaries for transparency

Department of Agriculture (DAR), purposes. The lists were posted in

Department of Labor and conspicuous public places,

Employment (DOLE), and specifically in barangay halls.

Department of Trade and Industry

(DTI). The C/MLGOOs also conducted

on-site validation of the SAP posting

The target beneficiaries for this to ensure the compliance of the

special program were low-income barangays.

families with senior citizens; persons

......................................................

May 14, 2020 - The Provincial Disaster Nueva Ecija PDRRMC holds PDRA for typhoon “Ambo”
Risk Reduction and Management
Council (PDRRMC) of Nueva Ecija By LGOO II Donnabel E. Estipular
conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk
Assessment (PDRA) for Typhoon
“Ambo” (international name
"Vongfong") relative to the possible
effects and the preparation measures
of the province held at Old Capitol
Building, Cabanatuan City.

PDRRMO Michael DC Calma presided
the meeting which was attended by
representatives from PDRRMC member
agencies including DILG, DSWD,
DepEd, DPWH, NEPPO, BFP, AFP,
PDRRMO, PEO, PGSO, PPDO, PSWDO,
PHO, PVO, and OPA.

PDRRMO Calma presented updates PDRRMO Calma presenting updates on the current
on the current weather systems being weather systems.
monitored. According to PAGASA as
of 10:00AM on 14 May 2020, the eye of at a time during the COVID-19 out- be affected.
Typhoon “Ambo” was located at 140 break.
km East Southeast of Catarman, In closing, members of the council were
Northern Samar with maximum PSWDO has pre-positioned 1,200 food encouraged to inform the public to
sustained winds of up to150 kmph near packs and 76 hygiene kits for possible prepare for the prevailing weather
the center and gustiness of up to 185 response and relief efforts. AFP, PNP, and situation and enjoined to monitor
kmph. Tropical cyclone wind signal #1 BFP were likewise tasked to respond for updates on these weather systems
has been raised including southern possible deployment of resources as the through radio, T.V. and other social
portion of Nueva Ecija. Typhoon Ambo need arises to the areas that may media platforms.
will become the Philippine’s first
typhoon for this year 2020 and comes

6 Luntiang Pitak April - June 2020

BHERTs in ACTION Public Service
in time of
By LGOO II Vivorey S. Lapitan
Corona Virus
Province of Nueva Ecija – In order to are appointed by the Punong Barangay. (COVID-19)
prevent, control and contain the spread of
COVID-19, the Barangays, being one of All of the 849 barangays in the Province of By ADA IV Marie Chia S. Roncesvalles
frontliners in the fight against the pandemic, Nueva Ecija have organized their respective
organized their respective Barangay Health BHERTs. They are mobilized to help in the The Department of the
Emergency and Response Teams (BHERTs). implementation of various prevention and
Interior and Local
mitigation, preparedness and response
As per DILG Memorandum Circular No. measures for the COVID-19. They are also Government earned 82.19%
2020-023, Barangays are mandated to tasked to monitor the conditions of their
organize their respective BHERTs at a barangay constituents for possible infection trust rating in the recent
minimum ratio of one (1) team for every and conduct contact tracing.
5,000 populations. It is composed by the poll conducted by
following members: an Executive Officer, a With their great contribution in the fight
Barangay Tanod and two (2) Barangay against COVID-19, the Novo Ecijanos are consultancy firm EON Group
Health Workers, one (1) of whom is ensured to have the upper hand in this
preferably a nurse or midwife, and where all battle. and research firm Tangere,

...................................................... which shows that the public

Relief operations in Nueva Ecija trusts the Department as

By LGOO II Leovielyn H. Aduna frontline agency in fighting

COVID-19.

The said poll was
participated
respondents by 5,425
country.
across the

During one of the Online
Talakayan Series, DILG
Secretary Eduardo M. Año
said that we are relevant
because we always provide
solutions, ways and means on
how to implement the orders
of the national government.

Being in the frontline, DILG
provides technical assis-
tance to the LGUs and
monitors the establishment
of emergency operation
centers and help desks.

The dedication to work is

visible to everyone although

on community quarantine.

While some personnel

continuously work from home,

others have to attend

various meetings and

activities conducted by the

provincial and local

government units of Nueva

Ecija.

The DILG NE personnel ensure

undisrupted delivery of

basic government services by

conducting meetings through

video conference, working

beyond office hours,

maintaining open communica-

Distribution of relief goods at Rizal,Nueva Ecija. tion and making themselves

available even on weekends.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the survive in these trying times particularly in This positive feedback makes
country under a State of Public Health providing food as basic need for everyone. working in the DILG even
Emergency due to COVID-19. A difficult Since work or other means of living were more fulfilling. Knowing
situation where everyone is greatly disrupted, citizens will need support and that the public is satisfied
affected, especially when Luzon was assistance to be able to overcome and with the service and effort
placed under Enhanced Community survive in this pandemic. of the Department to fight
Quarantine, wherein only authorized people this pandemic, motivates all
are allowed to go outside for work and Relief Operations and assistance are personnel to continually
essential matters. This has also imposed conducted and provided in every local work so we could heal as
threat to citizens on how they are going to government unit. Private organizations also one.

(continued on page 8)

Volume VI, Issue No. 2 7

Nueva Ecija LGUs established Quarantine Facilities

By LGOO II Mary Joyce A. Jose

With the continued spread of COVID-19, submit inventories of the LGUs’ isolation/ Through these quarantine facilities, the
the urgency to protect the general quarantine facilities, Gov. Aurelio M. ease on isolating the patients either
community and implement Umali calls and asks the mayors, suspected cases or probable cases and
precautionary measures to control an administrators of different hospitals, those who had contacted these
infectious disease is very important. private and public schools, and patients shall be an aid in protecting the
Isolation/quarantine facilities are used to churches to establish and help provide community.
prevent such spread of disease from a isolation facilities for Patients Under
patient to other patients, healthcare Investigation (PUIs), suspected cases There are 36 isolation/quarantine facilities
workers, and to the community. and probable cases, who needed to be established in the Province of Nueva Ecija.
isolated.
Following the instructions of DILG to

Countryside Development through The fight against coronavirus isn’t over
“Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” Program yet. It is far from over as cases
worldwide and even in our country is
By LGOO II Kristian Rob D. Santiago still increasing. And as long as antivirals
and vaccine are yet to be discovered,
“Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa province. Around 22 government it would be difficult to go back to our
Program” (BP2), institutionalized on May agencies along with the receiving LGUs normal lives. Instead, we must face
6, 2020 through Executive Order No. 114, will work together to uplift the lives of and embrace the new normal to go on
aims to provide hope for a better future BP2 beneficiaries’ families. They will also with our lives. And, Novo Ecijanos are
to Filipinos through equity in resources be assisted with livelihood/employment ready for this new normal life after
throughout the country that will boost opportunities, skills training, and health lockdown.
countryside development. needs support, among others.
Wearing face mask at all times and
This program is geared towards In a DZBB radio interview, National social distancing would be a basic
addressing Metro Manila’s congested Housing Authority general manager part of the new normal after
urban areas by encouraging people, Marcelino Escalada Jr., BP2’s executive community quarantine is lifted. These
especially informal settlers to return to director, said that Palayan City can are the minimum precautionary
their home provinces and assist them in employ 500 returnees under the measures to further avoid the possible
this transition with support and incentives program. spread of virus in the absence of
on transportation, family, livelihood, vaccine and antivirals.
housing, subsistence and education, Moreover, the Department of Agrarian
among others. Reform (DAR) will give government- New normal is further explained as
owned lands for free to those who would lawmakers filed a “new normal” bill
Under the BP2, government assistance venture into agriculture upon return to which outlines policies and guidelines
programs await willing individuals upon the province. for public places and workplaces after
reaching and settling back in their home lifting the community quarantine. This
bill aims to institutionalize public safety
8 Luntiang Pitak measures once COVID-19 restrictions
are relieved. This also aimed to protect
the most vulnerable members of the
community as well as ensuring health
safety for all.

Some safety measures and protocols
will be implemented to public
transportation, public and private
workplaces and business
establishments, and even to education
at all levels.

April - June 2020

LGUs in ACTION

Municipality of Cuyapo

disinfects Public Market to
combat COVID-19 pandemic

By LGOO V Edgardo W. Adriano, Jr.

Serving with a heart to all GAPANENSE

By LGOO II Philip Nathan B. Moral

“Puso ang sikreto sa paglilingkod sa one (1) kilo of chicken marinado to There is a high probability that surfaces which
bayan”, City Mayor Hon. Emerson every household. Every household are often touched by the hands will be
“Emeng” D. Pascual said during an also received two (2) waves of 50 infected. These includes handles, railings,
interview in #KwentuhangLokal sa kilos of rice with a cash amounting to electronic devices counters, etc. It’s not yet
Teledyaryo when he was asked to Php1000, also part of the initiative of known how long the virus can stay on
describe his thoughts on public the City mayor in providing basic surfaces, however, the recent data indicates
service to his constituents. needs of the constituents. that it can exist from several hours to a couple
of days. Aside from practicing physical
With the continuous efforts of the city Hon. Pascual ensured that every distancing, mandatory wearing of face mask,
government of Gapan in the delivery household will receive food packs as and frequent hand washing, the Municipality
of basic services, they offered various he personally visits every Barangay to of Cuyapo disinfects its public market in a bid
relief operations to its citizenry amid oversee and monitor distribution so to contain the spread of COVID-19.
the Enhanced Community that no household will be left behind.
Quarantine due to threats of
COVID-19, one of which is the "Hindi ko sila pababayaan, nandito BFP trucks were used to spray based
“Anong Ulam ang Gusto Mo?”. lang ako, at 'wag naman sanang disinfectant along streets and surroundings of
pahintulutan ng Panginoong Diyos the public market and other public places in
The city through the leadership of na magtagal pa 'yan (COVID-19). the municipality. This is also to ensure that all
Mayor Pascual distributed beyond 'wag n'yong tipirin ang bigas na public places where most people gather are
the usual food packs consisting of pinadala ko sa inyo. Pag naubos cleaned from pathogenic microorganisms.
two (2) live chickens, tray of eggs, 'yan isang sako ulit, pag naubos
dried fish, one (1) kilo of skinless long- 'yong pangalawang sako, tatlong Meanwhile, all chemicals used in the
ganisa, ham, hotdog, tocino, and sako ulit at ang ulam, dire-diretso disinfection are safe in the public markets and
not harmful to human.
(continued on page 11)

..

During the ECQ, a strict home quarantine has been implemented in all PASABUY
household, limiting the movement to accessing basic necessities and suspending
public transportation. These are few of the measures to mitigate, if not to contain
the transmission of COVID-19.

However, problems had risen during the implementation of ECQ, one of which is MEDICINE
the access to medicine. Though movement to access basic necessities such as By LGOO III Anna Marie P. Batad
medicine is permitted, the suspension of public transportation has made it
difficult to buy medicines. A number of citizens are faced with this kind of
dilemma during ECQ. There are pharmacies in their area but there are medicines
which are only available in the neighboring cities.

In order to address this problem, the Local Government of Gen. Mamerto
Natividad implemented a program called PASABUY Medicine. Citizens, whose
medicines are not available in any pharmacy in the municipality, will have to
coordinate to the municipal government. They will have to inform representatives
from the LGU on the medicines that they needed and provide doctor’s
prescription, payment for the medicine and their contact information. The LGU
shall be the one to buy the medicines outside the municipality and will not
charge fee for handling. The LGU shall also inform the household when their
medicines are ready for pick up in the municipal hall.

With the ECQ imposed in the whole Province of Nueva Ecija for two (2) months
from March 17-May 15, 2020, and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine
(MECQ) thereafter, this program had been a huge help to citizens not only in
accessing medicines but also limiting the exposures to the virus.

Volume VI, Issue No. 2 9

16 “Palengke ng Barangay” inilunsad sa LGU Rizal launches
Bayan ng Talavera “ROLLING PALENGKE”

By ADA IV Millicent Kaye I. Velasquez By LGOO II Donnabel E. Estipular

Simula Abril 27, 2020 nagbukas na pagpapatupad ng Enhanced The Local Government Unit of Rizal introduced
the “Rolling Palengke”, as one of its best
ang ilang “Palengke ng Barangay” Community Quarantine. practices, to reduce the number of consumers in
its public market and other outlets amid the
sa bayan ng Talavera. Mabibili dito Enhanced Community Quarantine due to threats
of COVID-19.
ang mga pangunahing bilihin A n g p r o g r a m a n g i t o a y
The LGU deployed 40 accredited rolling stores
katulad ng karne, gulay, prutas at sinusuportahan ng Department of from 6 am to 4 pm to encourage people to stay
home and away from public places. The LGU has
bigas na kagaya lang ng presyo ng the Interior and Local Government devised this practice to lessen people’s need to
leave their home to buy foods and other
Pamilihang Bayan ng Talavera. (DILG). Ayon sa Advisory noong necessities during the lockdown.

Matatagpuan ang mga “Palengke April 18, 2020, ipinahihinto ang “Ito po ay tulong natin sa ating mga kababayan
para maipagpatuloy ang negosyo at tulong din
ng Barangay” sa mga sumusunod pagpapatupad ng window hours o sa inyo na mga di nakakalabas ng bahay o di na
pupunta pa sa ating palengke kung meron
na barangay: Bakal III, Bantug, limitadong oras sa pamimili na naman silang tinda,” Mayor Trina Andres posted
the announcement on her official Facebook
Caputucan, La Torre, Matias, nagdudulot ng pagbugso ng Account on April 22, 2020.

Pinagpanaan, San Pascual, San bilang ng mamimili sa mga

Ricardo, Sibul, at Tabacao. pamilihan at hindi maayos na

implementasyon ng Social

Isa itong inisyatibo ng lokal na Distancing. Sa halip, iminungkahi

pamahalaan ng Talavera sa ng DILG ang pagtatakda ng

pangunguna ni Mayor Nerivi S. iskedyul ng pamimili at bumuo ng

Martinez upang malimitahan ang clustering ng mga barangay

bilang ng mga mamimili sa upang maiwasan ang sabay-sabay

Pamilihang Bayan ng Talavera at na pamimili ng mga residente.

u p a n g m a p a b i l i s a n g Hinihikayat din ng kagawaran ang

pamamalengke ng kanilang mga paglalagay ng mga online market,

residente lalo at patuloy ang community o barangay market,

paghihigpit sa pagbiyahe ng mga mobile palengke o market in

r e s i d e n t e a l i n s u n o d s a wheels.
......................................................

DISIPLINADONG NOVO maintain the regular wearing of
ECIJANOS SPOTTED! face masks to avoid local
transmission of the virus.
By ADA IV Nelcy V. Mendoza
Local Government Units (LGUs)
The Disiplina Muna Advocacy
Campaign aims to encourage continue to do their responsibility in
Filipinos to have a disciplined way of
life as part of their participation and directing and helping their
responsibility in obtaining
sustainable development and constituents in observing discipline
maintaining peace and order in
every community especially now at all the times amidst COVID-19
that the world is facing not just
health but economic crisis as well. pandemic by passing ordinances

Since vaccine is not yet available that will regulate the movement of
for the COVID-19, everyone is
advised to stay at home as much as people in public places and ensure
possible. And when going to public
places, everyone should observe that everyone is following
social or physical distancing and
precautionary measures and

protocols. And as rainy season

approaches, LGUs are conducting

cleaning and de-clogging of canals

and waterways to ensure disaster

preparedness and promote

resilience to their constituents.

10 Luntiang Pitak April - June 2020

DILG NE salutes Frontliners

By LGOO VI Alfa Krista C. Reyes

"A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart."
- Hercules

Amidst the chaos we are facing due to the threats posed about by COVID-19, there are unsung and
uncelebrated heroes - our Frontliners.

Many are unarmed to face this battle and yet are brave enough to selflessly and courageously continue
serving the country.

While most of us resorted to staying at home working and being with our loved ones, our frontliners -
local officials and functionaries, barangay workers, police and army personnel, health workers, hospital
employees, market vendors, cleaners, employees of groceries, pharmacies and other allowed industries,
delivery men, volunteers, media personalities, and countless others - continue to withstand traffic, lack
of public transport, and checkpoints to heed the call in helping to minimize the effects of this
pandemic.

To all the men and women on the frontline of this pandemic, we salute and applaud your utmost
dedication and compassion to our countrymen despite having to sacrifice your own health and safety.
You are our modern day heroes!

......................................................

By LGOO V Kimberly B. Ruiz 'yan." Mayor Emeng Pascual's statement
during an interview on the DZME radio
The fight against coronavirus isn’t over aimed to protect the most vulnerable station.
yet. It is far from over as cases members of the community as well as
worldwide and even in our country is ensuring health safety for all. Mayor Emeng Pascual also announced
still increasing. And as long as that they are preparing to provide internet
antivirals and vaccine are yet to be Some safety measures and protocols connectivity through Wi-Fi with a speed of
discovered, it would be difficult to go will be implemented to public 5mbps for every household in Gapan City
back to our normal lives. Instead, we transportation, public and private for only 50 pesos per month to help
must face and embrace the new workplaces and business children in the city in the government's
normal to go on with our lives. And, establishments, and even to decision to have "online classes".
Novo Ecijanos are ready for this new education at all levels.
normal life after lockdown. The city also targets to open a dialysis
center by July 7, 2020 with 24 dialysis
Wearing face mask at all times and machines. All residents in Gapan who will
social distancing would be a basic undergo dialysis shall have it free of
part of the new normal after charge and will also be given Php500 for
community quarantine is lifted. These their wellness.
are the minimum precautionary
measures to further avoid the possible implemented. E-CLIP aims to contribute
spread of virus in the absence of toward achieving the goal of permanent
vaccine and antivirals. and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts
with non-state armed groups by providing
New normal is further explained as ● San Jose City, Nueva Ecija financial assistance to and mainstreaming
lawmakers filed a “new normal” bill FRs to the community as productive
which outlines policies and guidelines citizens and compensate and remunerate
for public places and workplaces all turned. These FRs were members of the
after lifting the community quarantine. Communist Party of the Philippines
This bill aims to institutionalize public (CPP)/New People’s Army (NPA)/National
safety measures once COVID-19 Democratic Front (NDF) and/or Militia ng
restrictions are relieved. This also Bayan (MB) who surrendered and returned
to the folds of the law.

Volume VI, Issue No. 2 11

Gladys Magsilang Bonifacio, artist from Nueva Ecija, created a leaf art to pay WE HEAL AS ONE!
tribute to the frontliners who continue to fight against the spread of COVID-19.

- EDITORIAL BOARD-

Provincial Director
Engr. Renato G. Bernardino

- Supervising Editors -
LGOO VI Alfa Krista C. Reyes

LGOO V Kimberly B. Ruiz

- Managing Editors -
LGOO II Maricar Janice C. Perez
LGOO II Kristian Rob D. Santiago

- Layout Artists -
LGOO II William Philip R. Villena
LGOO II Maricar Janice C. Perez

- Contributors -
DILG Nueva Ecija Personnel

- Circulation Manager -
ADA IV Millicent Kaye I. Velasquez