Town mayor in Mountain Province a Covid-19 PUM
A TOWN mayor in Mountain Province is now considered as person under monitoring (PUM) for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In a statement sent to SunStar Baguio, the town official together with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (MDRRM) officer were identified as PUMs after both traveled Manila to attend the League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP) National Convention on March 9 to 10.
The statement detailed, on March 11 and 12, the two officials went to transact at the different offices in Manila and PNR was among the offices they visited.
“Unknowingly, the general manager of the said office was later found to be positive of Covid-19. As per information, all employees of PNR are considered as persons under investigation (PUI) while the said manager was confined at the hospital.”
As of the moment, the mayor and the MDRRM officer are on self-quarantine as prescribed by Department of Health protocols but are in good condition with no symptoms of Covid-19.
The announcement also reminded the public that while the mayor and the MDRRMO are on self-quarantine, they are doing their duties through distanced coordination.
In Baguio City, villages are still awaiting to distribute food packs to those in need in their areas pending release of funds and purchase of goods.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said villages will only be able to access Quick Response Funds (QRF) this week and work on the purchase of goods and assembly of foods packs for distribution.
“Ngayon pa lang access ng barangay ang QRF kung tatanungin niyo ako kung readily available na ba? Wala pa,” Magalong said.
The entire budget of the city stands at P2.2 billion where the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) will get 30 percent.
Magalong added the City Social Welfare and Development Office is currently identifying the recipients and once food packs are in, will be distributed.
However, these packs will only be good for two days.
Magalong said in order to sustain the efforts of the government in aiding constituents in need, a supplementary budget has to be requested in the long run to be able to access funds of the local government.
“I am looking beyond one month, maybe two month’s pa ito. We are continuously sourcing out funds for the barangays because they will be working 24/ 7,” Magalong added.
In the time of Covid-19, village response is crucial as Magalong announced for transportation needs coordination with barangay officials will be accessed by citizens.
“They will provide scheduled transportation (special service PUJs) every service ay dapat 50 percent passenger capacity only and passengers should wear masks. Special service PUJs ay naka-continous flasher/hazard light with only one person allowed per household ang pwedeng lumabas from their residence, residents should then register to barangay hall pag aalis regardless if maglalakad, may private car na gamit, at mga sasakay sa special service provided by the barangay hall,” Magalong said.
Patients coming from hospitals should also coordinate with their respective barangay halls for transport services.