PENINSULA REGIONAL RECOVERY PLAN 2020-2022

Regional Development Council Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Region IX

15 June 2020

MESSAGE

The Corona Virus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has caught all of us unaware. It has not only disrupted our normal daily lives but also caused damage to our economy, infrastructures, livelihood, agriculture, health and environment , among others. The different national and regional line agencies and local government units (LGUs) have been working relentlessly together to establish health protocols and guidelines to minimize the damage and lessen the impact of COVID-19 to the people and their means of living, and to save lives. The private sector is also doing its share as partner of the government during this crisis. As we are rebuilding our economy, we hope that the lessons we are learning from this pandemic would influence and transform us to a new and better normal way of living.

The Recovery Program (RRP) is intended to help the region recover from the impact of COVID-19. It will serve as the region’s blueprint towards rebuilding a resilient and better community. It includes an assessment of the extent of damage caused by the pandemic, the government’s response, the framework on how to go about rebuilding, and the proposed programs and projects for recovery. The RRP shall be undertaken through the collaboration among the line agencies, LGUs, the private sector and the citizenry.

We recognize the efforts put together by the region’s stakeholders and their contribution in the formulation of the Regional Recovery Program in such a short period of time. In this regard, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to all of you. As we move on toward the implementation of the RRP, may we enjoin all of you to mainstream the programs and projects identified in the RRP in your respective regional/local and agency development plans and corresponding investment programs to ensure budget support for their eventual implementation. We appeal to the national government, LGUs, concerned agencies and other private sector organizations to help mobilize and provide resources, and monitor and evaluate the plan implementation. The aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic is an opportunity for all of us become a more resilient region, as we rebuild safer, productive and resilient communities.

We also recognize our health workers and other frontliners, policy-makers, decision-makers, planners, implementing units and our constituents for their relentless efforts in saving lives, ensuring that health protocols are in place and followed, and in further developing safer communities for all.

With the cooperation and support of each one, we shall indeed recover and rise as one.

VICTOR J. YU Chairperson Regional Development Council IX Governor,

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan i MESSAGE

The year 2020 has welcomed us with something that we were all caught unaware of – a health crisis that has left everyone dumb- founded/perplexed and had governments of every nation grappling in securing the lives of their citizens.

Apart from infecting millions and claiming thousands of lives all over the globe, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 has also paralyzed almost every industry, affecting a great number of livelihood and has put economies at a compromise with its ill-effects. In the , the imposition of Enhanced and General Community Quarantine in every local government unit has immensely affected the day-to-day operations of businesses and other industries that drive the economy.

This serious threat to the health and lives of the people, and the severe disruption in the economic activities have led to the declaration of the State of Public Health Emergency by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 922 and the State of Calamity through Presidential Proclamation No. 929.

However, the need to strike a balance between protecting the health and safety of our citizens and revitalizing our economy is inevitable. Albeit challenging, I believe this can be achieved via a collaborative effort among all agencies, local government units and stakeholders.

My utmost gratitude and commendation to the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX and the Commit- tee on Rehabilitation and Recovery of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRMC) IX for the drafting and passage of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program. This whole-of-gov- ernment approach of bringing back better and stronger communities is essential not only to rebuild the lives of our people and our economy, but also necessary to mitigate the future impacts of this pandemic.

As we begin the transition of living under the “new normal” amidst the continuous threat of COVID-19, we also face new challenges in adapting to the minimum health standards to ensure the safety and security of our loved ones and the community. Certainly, we still have a long way to go in dealing with this crisis as the COVID-19 positive cases continue to rise still without the presence of a viable vaccine. Let us continue to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions as we try to restore normalcy in our daily undertakings.

As Chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council IX and the Regional Task Force on COVID-19, it is my fervent hope that we remain steadfast in delivering our mandates to the public we serve. Let us FIGHT AS ONE and HEAL AS ONE for a safer, adaptive and COVID-19 resilient Zamboanga Peninsula.

MANUEL LUIS M. OCHOTORENA Head, Regional Task Force on COVID-19 Zamboanga Peninsula Chairperson, RDRRMC IX Regional Director, Office of Civil Defense IX ii ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan PREFACE

The Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program (RRP) was formulated based on Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Di- saster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, as well as, the We Recover As One report of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases – Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF – TWG for AFP) led by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

As mandated in the RA 10121, NEDA Regional Office IX, as Vice-Chair for Rehabilitation and Recovery of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), coordinated the preparation of the RRP to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The RRP addresses the impact of COVID-19 on economic, social, infrastructure, environment and gover- nance sectors. The proposed interventions cover the period 2020-2022. The RRP is outlined as follows: (a) Introduction; (b) Rehabilitation and Recovery Framework; (c) Assessment of the Effects of COVID-19; (d) Strategies; (e) Financial and Investment Requirements; (f) Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism; and (g) Communication Strategy. The RRP also contains the list of programs, projects and activities proposed by the various line agencies.

The formulation of the ZamPen RRP was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the members of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX and its sectoral committees, as well as, the members of the Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) IX. May I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude and appreciation for the cooperation and valuable contribution of the various regional line agencies, local government units and the private sector in coming up with this document.

The Zamboanga Peninsula RRP was approved jointly by RDC IX and RDRRMC IX on 13 May 2020. May we all continue to support the implementation of the development priorities of the region, particularly the RRP, to realize the aspirations of our constituents to fully recover from this pandemic as we move toward a safer, healthier and more resilient Zamboanga Peninsula under the new and better normal.

God bless and keep all us healthy and safe.

PHLORITA A. RIDAO Acting Vice-Chairperson, RDC IX Acting Vice-Chairperson for Rehabilitation and Recovery, RDRRMC IX OIC-Regional Director, NEDA IX

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan iii iv ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan v vi ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message of RDC IX Chairperson i Message of RDRRMC IX Chairperson ii Preface of RDC IX Acting Vice-Chairperson iii Joint RDC IX – RDRRMC IX Resolution iv Table of Contents vii List of Tables x List of Figures xi List of Acronyms xii

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1 Background 3 1.2 Legal Bases 6 1.3 Rationale 6 1.4 Objectives 6 1.5 New Normal 7 1.6 The Program 9

Chapter 2. Rehabilitation and Recovery Framework

2.1 Long- Term Goal 14 2.2 Outcomes 14 2.3 General Strategies 14 2.4 Cross-Cutting Issues and Concerns 14

Chapter 3. Assessment of the Effects of Covid-19

3.1 Social Sector 17 3.1.1 Health 17 3.1.2 Nutrition 24 3.1.3 Education 25 3.1.4 Social Welfare 26 3.1.5 Labor Welfare 27 3.1.6 Housing 29 3.2 Economic Sector 29 3.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery 30 3.2.2 Industry and Services 33 3.2.3 Science and Technology 36 3.2.4 Tourism 36

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan vii TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.3 Infrastructure Sector 37 3.3.1 Transportation 38 3.3.1.1 Land Transportation 38 3.3.1.2 Sea Transportation 39 3.3.1.3 Air Transportation 39 3.3.2 Water Supply 39 3.3.3 Communications 40 3.3.4 Power and Energy 40 3.4 Governance Sector 41 3.5 Environment Sector 48

Chapter 4. Strategies

4.1 Social Sector 51 4.1.1 Health 51 4.1.2 Nutrition 53 4.1.3 Education 54 4.1.4 Social Welfare 55 4.1.5 Labor Welfare 56 4.2 Economic Sector 57 4.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery 57 4.2.2 Industry and Services 58 4.2.3 Science and Technology 58 4.2.4 Tourism 59 4.3 Infrastructure Sector 60 4.3.1 Transportation 60 4.3.1.1 Land Transportation 60 4.3.1.2 Sea Transportation 60 4.3.1.3 Air Transportation 61 4.3.2 Water Supply 61 4.3.3 Communications 61 4.3.4 Power and Energy 61 4.4 Governance Sector 62 4.5 Environment Sector 65

Chapter 5. Financial and Investment Requirements 69

Chapter 6. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism 75

viii ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 7. Communication Strategy 79

List of Annex 83

Annex 1 - Issuances on Covid-19 in Region IX Annex 2 - List of Programs, Projects and Activities Annex 3 - Directory of Economy Cluster Committee, Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee, Regional Development Council, and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ix LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page No.

Chapter 3 – Assessment of Effects of Covid-19

3.1 Number of Cases, Region IX, as of 18 May 2020 18 3.2 List of COVID-19 Accepting Hospitals, Region IX, as of 12 May 2020 20 3.3 Bed Capacity and Occupancy Rate of COVID-19 Hospitals, Region IX, as 21 of 14 May 2020 3.4 Number of Dedicated Mechanical Ventilators for COVID-19, Region IX, 21 as of 14 May 2020 3.5 Total Number of Health Facilities and Health Personnel Trained on Con- 22 tact Tracing, as of 14 May 2020 3.6 Number of Functional Ligtas COVID Centers, Region IX, as of 14 May 22 2020 3.7 Inventory of Available PPEs and Other Logistics, as of 14 May 2020 23 3.8 Status of SAP funds disbursed in Region IX 27 3.9 Status of SAP-AICS Beneficiaries for Informal and Low-Income Families in 27 Region IX 3.10 TUPAD Implementation as of 12 May 2020 28 3.11 CAMP Implementation as of 12 May 2020 28 3.12 PPEs Produced and Distributed by FabLabs in Region IX 06 April –11 35 May 2020 3.13 Summary of the Number of LGUs Utilizing LDRRMFs 46 3.14 Crime Statistics, Region IX 47

Chapter 5 – Financial and Investment Requirements

5.1 Investment Requirements for the Government’s Response to COVID-19 71 crisis, Region IX by sector, 2020-2021

x ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page No.

Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 Location and Number of Covid-19 Cases in Zamboanga Peninsula 4

Chapter 2 – Development Framework

2.1 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program Framework 13

Chapter 3 – Assessment of Effects of Covid-19

3.1 Speed of Outbreak, Region IX, as of 19 May 2020 18 3.2 LGU Epidemic Classification Framework 19 3.3 Map of Distribution of Covid-19 Risk 19 3.4 Critical Care Utilization Rate, Region IX, as of 19 May 2020 21 3.5 LGU Compliance Rate 42

Chapter 5 – Financial and Investment Requirements

5.1 Sectoral Share to Total Funding Requirement 70

Chapter 6 – Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism

6.1 RPMES: Overall System Framework 76

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan xi LIST OF ACRONYMS

AFP Anticipatory and Forward Planning AOR Areas of Responsibility ARBO Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BHERT Health Emergency Response Team BJMP Bureau of Jail Management and Penology

BLEP Barangay Line Enhancement Program BNPC Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities BPP Balik Probinsya Program CAMP COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program CARES Calamity Rehabilitation Support CDRR Committee on Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery CDT Case Doubling Time CHED Commission on Higher Education CLGOO City Local Government Operations Officer COSME Collaboration of SMEs COVID-19 Corona Virus Disease CPP-NPA Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army CSC Civil Service Commission CUR Critical Care Utilization DA9-RADDL Department of Agriculture IX Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Labo- ratory DAR Department of Agrarian Reform DBP Development Bank of the Philippines DepEd Department of Education DHSUD Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government DOH ZPCHD Department of Health Zamboanga Peninsula- Center Health Development DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways DRRM Disaster Risk Reduction Management ECQ Enhanced Community Quarantine EHHEP Expanded Household Electrification Program EO Executive Order ER Energy Regulation ESP Emergency Subsidy Program ESU Epidemiology and Surveillance Units FASSSTER Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using a Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler for Early Detection of Diseases FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FRPG Fisheries Regulatory and Protection Group GCQ General Community Quarantine GRDP Gross Regional Domestic Product xii ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan LIST OF ACRONYMS

HEAL Help via Emergency Loan Assistance for LGUs IATF Inter-Agency Task Force ICT Information and Communications Technology LBP Land Bank of the Philippines LCE Local Chief Executive LCR Local Civil Registrar LDRRMF Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund LDRRMO Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer LEO Local Engineering Officer LGU Local Government Unit LHO Local Health Officer LPMC Local Project Monitoring Committees LSWDO Local Social Welfare and Development Officer MAM Moderately Acute Malnutrition MDM Management of the Dead and Missing Person MLGOO Municipal Local Government Operations Officer MSME Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises MTL Mobile Training Laboratory MW Megawatt NAT National Achievement Test NC Negosyo Center NDRRM National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management NEDA National Economic and Development Authority NFA National Food Authority NHA National Housing Authority NNC National Nutrition Council PDL Persons Deprived of Liberty PESA Philippine Economic Stimulus Act PM Particulate Matter PPA-PMO Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office PPE Personnel Protective Equipment PPP Public Private Partnership PSP Private Sector Participation PUI Patient Under Investigation PUM Person Under Monitoring QRF Quick Response Fund QTP Qualified Third Party RbME Results-based Monitoring and Evaluation RDC Regional Development Council RDRRMC Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council RESPONSE Rehabilitation Support Program on Severe Events RITM Research Institute of Tropical Medicine RM Results Matrice ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan xiii LIST OF ACRONYMS

RPT Real Property Taxes RPMC Regional Project Monitoring Committee RPMES Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System RRP Regional Recovery Program RTEC Regional Technical Evaluation Committee RTF9-EC Region IX Task Force on COVID-19- Economy Cluster RT-PCR Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction SAM Severely Acute Malnutrition SAP Special Amelioration Program SBCorp Small Business Corporation SETUP Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program SPMC Southern Philippines Medical Center TNA Technology Needs Assessment TTI TESDA Technology Institutions TTMF Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities TUPAD Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program TVI Technical-Vocational Institutions TWG Technical Working Group UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund WHO World Health Organization WFP World Food Programme ZCMC Medical Center ZIA Zamboanga International Airport ZCRC Zamboanga City Reformatory Center ZC Zamboanga City ZDN ZDS Zamboanga del Sur ZS

xiv ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan xv

Chapter 1

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 1

Introduction 1.1 Background

The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus experienced mild to moderate respiratory illness and recovered without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer tended to develop serious illness. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes (www.who.int). The virus already claimed many lives and affected many people in many countries, including the Philippines.

On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 07 March 2020, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed (www.who.int). Due to the sharp increase of COVID-19 cases in the country, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, by order of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, issued a Memorandum on 16 March 2020 directing the Local Government Units (LGUs) to adopt, coordinate and implement guidelines on the management of COVID-19 disease, particularly on the imposition of an Enhanced Quarantine and Stringent Distancing Measures over the Entire Luzon, including the National Capital Region.

The first case of the COVID-19 in Zamboanga Peninsula was confirmed in Zamboanga City on 24 March 2020 by the DOH-ZPCHD. The case was that of a 29-year-old male resident who arrived in the City on 13 March 2020 after visiting Metro . The province of Zamboanga del Sur announced its first two cases on 30 March 2020. On 04 May 2020, the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Zamboanga del Norte, that of a case of a 63-year-old Norwegian who arrived in City on 02 March 2020. In late April 2020, Zamboanga City began to experience a rapid rise in the number of cases in its prisons. By 04 May 2020, most of Zamboanga City’s cases were from inmates and personnel of the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC). Three of the confirmed cases were Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel while two inmates died from COVID-19. An outbreak at the prison had already been declared by the city government.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 3 As of 18 May 2020, the Department of Health Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development (DOH-ZPCHD) reported a total of 147 confirmed cases. Of which, 141 were from Zamboanga City, 5 from Zamboanga del Sur, and 1 from Zamboanga del Norte. The high number of positive cases among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center mostly accounted for the number of COVID-19 cases in Zamboanga City. Only the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and City reported zero COVID-19 case. The region recorded three deaths and eight recoveries.

The Patient Under Investigation (PUI) and Person Under Monitoring (PUM) classifications were changed to Suspect, Probable and COVID-19 confirmed cases through DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0012.

In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, LGUs in ZamPen issued Executive Orders (EOs) adopting community quarantine measures, either enhanced or general, in their respective locality to minimize and contain the spread of the virus:

• Gov. Victor Yu of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur issued the following Executive Orders: (i) EO 2020-06 “An Act Declaring the Province of Zamboanga del Sur under Community Quarantine Suspending All Incoming Travel by Land, Sea, and Air from Abroad, Manila, and other Provinces” effective 15 March 2020; (ii) EO 2020-09 “Declaring an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Zamboanga del Sur” effective 18 March 2020; and (iii) Memorandum Order No. 2020-47 dated 12 April 2020 stating that the “Effectivity of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in ZDS continues and subsists until same shall be lifted”. The Governor later issued a memorandum placing Zamboanga del Sur under General Community Quarantine effective 01 May 2020.

• In the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Gov. Roberto Y. Uy issued on 15 March 2020 Executive Order No. 20-24 “Imposing General Community Quarantine in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte from 17 March 2020, 12:00 noon until 14 April 2020”. On 12 April 2020, the Governor further issued a Memorandum Order declaring that the “General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Zamboanga del Norte shall continue until 30 April 2020”. Zamboanga del Norte continued to be in GCQ starting on 01 May 2020.

4 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan • Gov. Wilter Y. Palma of the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay issued the following: (i) Resolution No 2020-7340 “A Resolution Declaring the entire Province of Zamboanga Sibugay under Strict Community Quarantine” starting 17 March 2020, effective indefinitely; (ii) Executive Order No. 1011-03-23- 2020-010 “An Executive Order Declaring Extreme Community Quarantine in the entire Province of Zamboanga Sibugay in order to prevent the entry and spread of COVID-19 effective 25 March 2020”; and, (iii) Memorandum dated April 11, 2020 extending ECQ in Zamboanga Sibugay until 30 April 2020. On 01 May 2020, Zamboanga Sibugay was placed under GCQ based on IATF recommendation.

• Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco of Zamboanga City issued the following: (i) Executive Order No. BC 552-2020 “An Act Strengthening the Precautionary Measures to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19 in Zamboanga City”; (ii) Executive Order No. BC 553-2020 “An Act Declaring an Enhanced Community Quarantine in Zamboanga City for the Impending Spread of COVID-19” effective 20 March 2020; (iii) Executive Order No. BC 558-2020 “Act strengthening the declaration of an Enhanced Community Quarantine effective 24 March 2020”; and (iv) Memorandum dated 12 April 2020 extending ECQ in Zamboanga City until further notice.The ECQ status of Zamboanga City was extended from 01 May 2020 to 15 May 2020 upon the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Zamboanga City was under General Community Quarantine on 16 May 2020.

During the quarantine period, the LGUs initiated measures to alleviate the plight of their constituents who lost their means of livelihood and income due to the closure of establishments where they were employed, the stoppage of public transportation operations, and the suspension of public infrastructure projects, which were implemented for their safety and protection also.

Other LGU initiatives included distribution of food packs to vulnerable families living below the poverty line, to frontliners, and to those manning checkpoints; distribution of medicines to medical and government frontliners; implementation of the Cash-for-Work Program intended to alleviate the habal-habal and jeepney drivers, sikad-sikad operators, and bus conductors; provision of mobile vendors in areas under preventive lockdown; distribution of easily grown vegetable seedlings; purchase of vegetables, spices and eggs from vendors for distribution to families of identified PUMs/PUIs lasting for 14 days until the PUM/PUI was cleared; fleet of taxis providing free transport for patients with chronic diseases requiring chemotherapy, regular dialysis and physical rehabilitation.

The LGUs were also engaged in COVID-19 efforts with regional government line agencies. With the support of Department of Trade and Industry, more products were made available to the public such as canned goods and other basic supplies and commodities. The “Kadiwa on Wheels” was a joint project of the Department of Agriculture, National Food Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the City Government of Zamboanga through the Office of the City Agriculturist.

Other efforts included the production of improvised face masks for distribution to barangay residents; initiation of health protocols such as the placement of disinfectant foot mats, hand washing, and body temperature checks at entry points of public areas and buildings; mandatory wearing of face mask and business owners providing alcohol in their respective establishments.

Other LGU-initiated health protocols included the provision of improvised foot mat for vehicles and people at checkpoints, regular disinfection in public places such as public markets and bus terminals, enforcement of one-entrance-one-exit policy in public markets, imposition of limits on a number of persons inside public markets,installation of disinfectant tank in every barangay, and issuance of scheduled quarantine passes to limit the number of people outside their homes.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 5 1.2 Legal Bases

On 08 March 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 922, declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the entire Philippines, and prompting a whole-of-government approach in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

To mitigate and contain the transmission of COVID-19 and to mobilize the provision of basic necessities to sectors adversely affected by the ECQ, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 11469, or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”. The law mandates all government agencies and LGUs to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat.

The National Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases passed Resolution No. 16 on 27 March 2020 creating a separate IATF Technical Working Group (TWG) for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (AFP). It is composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as Chair, and the DA, DTI, DOH, DepEd, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) as members. The IATF TWG for AFP was directed to develop detailed recommendations in the rebuilding of consumer and business confidence and the resumption of a new normal state of economic activities, including strategic stockpiling.

The Committee on Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery (CDRR) of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) IX passed Resolution No. 002, series of 2020 on 30 April 2020 approving the Guidelines on the preparation of Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program.

1.3 Rationale

There is a need for a comprehensive plan containing strategies and interventions that will allow people to rebuild their lives and build back stronger and more resilient communities from the pandemic. A comprehensive approach enhances the effectiveness of recovery efforts, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure that public interventions bring the desired results.

NEDA, as Vice-Chair for Rehabilitation and Recovery of the Regional per Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Act, is mandated to lead in the formulation of a Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan for Zamboanga Peninsula.

1.4 Objectives

The overall objective of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program is to address the adverse effects brought about by COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate the transition and adaptation of Zamboanga Peninsula to the “new normal”.

Specifically, the Program aims to:

1. Assess the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the region’s economy, infrastructure, livelihood, industry, health and education, among others; 2. Recommend mitigating measures/remedial actions in the short and long terms; 3. Recommend policies, measures and funding sources to implement the proposed programs and projects; and 4. Propose implementation mechanisms and coordination arrangements to implement the RRP.

6 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 1.5 New Normal

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the new normal as a world that is healthier, safer and better prepared. Among the characteristics of the new normal are: a) Political

i. Increased attention towards managing multi-dimensional risks such as health emergencies and natural hazard events ii. LGUs are taking on greater responsibility to deliver public services especially on health and social safety nets iii. There will be greater need for targeted interventions iv. There will be more drastic demand for disaggregated data b) Economic

b.1) Macro-economy i. Visible contraction in the global economy that will affect the national and regional economic performance due to slowdown in overall trade

b.2) Agriculture and Fisheries i. Greater emphasis on food security ii. Increased consumer demand for health food iii. High demand for technologies that prolong food shelf-life iv. Reduced demand from institutional buyers

b.3) Industry and Services i. Production to focus on essential goods ii. Reconfiguration of working arrangements and schedules iii. Implementation of WHO-standard hygiene and sanitation protocols including public transportation vehicles iv. Greater role of e-commerce v. Heightened risk of financial insolvency of firms vi. Reduced load factor in public transport to strictly observe physical distancing vii.Strict imposition of travel restrictions

b.4) Changes in demand for household final consumption expenditure i. Higher household demand for health products, health-boosting goods, soap, hand sanitizer, alcohol, face masks, internet, electronics, utilities (electricity, gas, water), bicycles and motorcycles. ii. Lower household demand for durables, non-essentials, tourism and travel

b.5) Changes in demand for investments i. Higher investment demand for delivery vans, motorcycles, digital connectivity, electronics equipment ii. Lower investment demand for air transport and office space.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 7 c) Social

i. Physical distancing observed and implemented ii. Adjusted class schedules and delivery modes evaluated iii. Increased demand for medicines, vaccines, and PPEs for health workers iv. Increased demand for health facilities, hospital beds for ICU, other services and treatment v. Increased need for mental health care services vi. Increased demand for social protection programs among displaced workers and vulnerable groups vii. High number of displaced workers and loss of jobs viii. Increasing number of returning OFWs due to economic slowdown in host countries ix. Non-observance of traditional funeral practices especially for COVID-19 deaths d) Technological

i. Breakthrough invention and discovery of COVID-19 vaccine ii. Intensified use of advances in medical research iii. Increased demand for health-related technologies and innovations iv. Increased demand for modern agricultural machineries v. Innovative technologies on processing and packaging to increase shelf life of food vi. (Also identified under infra) Need to strengthen cybersecurity vii. Higher demand for digital payment platforms e) Infrastructure

i. Higher demand for stable, fast/high-speed internet ii. Higher priority for investments in ICT and digital infrastructure facilities iii. Higher demand for stable, reliable and steady supply of power iv. Higher demand for clean and potable water due to intensified advocacy on hand washing v. Strict monitoring of compliance of public transportation to physical distancing vi. Subsidies for mass transport and transport franchise operators due to reduced passenger capacity per trip f) Legal

i. Implementation of the quarantine protocols may result to restrictions on fundamental freedom ii. Balancing of data privacy and public health interests for COVID-19 patients and contact tracing processes iii. Consumer protection under e-Commerce Law vis-à-vis unfair business practices during crises iv. Citizen protection under the Cybercrime Act v. Strategic stockpiling of critical and essential materials vis-à-vis hoarding g) Environment

i. Cleaner air quality during lockdown may not be sustained once quarantine protocols are lifted because of the expected higher volume of vehicles ii. More hazardous wastes are generated especially from hospitals iii. Positive behavior on protecting the environment and public health iv. New interest in urban agriculture and gardening

8 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 1.6 The Program

The succeeding chapters of the Program deal with the following:

a. The Recovery Framework; b. Assessment of the effects of COVID-19; c. Strategies and Policy Recommendations needed to obtain desired outcomes; d. Financing and Investment Requirements on identified Programs, Projects and Activities for addressing COVID-19; e. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism; and, f. Communication Strategy.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 9 10 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Chapter 2

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 11

Recovery Framework

The General Framework for Post Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery was adopted in the formulation of the Regional Recovery Plan. The framework seeks to align sectoral or thematic outcomes with medium term outcomes for disaster risk reduction and the country’s long-term goal of having safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino communities.

The framework also provides a basis for designing the monitoring scheme for the recovery program, particularly on how program and project outputs contribute towards the attainment of the goal of building back better and fully restoring economic and social conditions in Zamboanga Peninsula under the new normal.

Figure 2.1 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program Framework

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 13 2.1 Long-Term Goal

Consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Framework, the long- term goal of Zamboanga Peninsula for recovery from COVID-19 is to have a safer, adaptive and resilient Zamboanga Peninsula that is protected from the risks and can cope and recover quickly from disasters and pandemic. This goal incorporates the principle of build back better, where post pandemic reconstruction shall not only be restoration to its pre-pandemic condition but incorporating a higher level of resiliency standards and adapting to a new and better normal.

2.2 Outcomes (Medium-Term)

The over-all expected outcomes of the RRP implementation are the following: the socio-economic conditions in Zamboanga Peninsula are restored, new/better normal standards are supported and practised in all sectors, and the region is highly resilient to natural and man-made disasters, including disease outbreaks and pandemics.

Consistent with “We Recover as One” Report of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases – Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF – TWG for AFP) led by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the expected sector outcomes of the RRP are as follows:

1. Economic: support services to workers and MSMEs provided. 2. Social: social protection services available; health care system and facilities improved/ upgraded; and alternative educational system considered. 3. Infrastructure: implementation fast tracked; transport system is available, reliable, and affordable; adequate supply of water; and reliable power supply. 4. Governance: government agencies, LGUs and business sector worked collaboratively and harmoniously toward the achievement of the RRP’s goals and expected outcomes. 5. Environment: air quality improved and health care and infectious wastes properly managed.

2.3 General Strategies

The general strategies identified for economic, social, infrastructure, governance, and environment outline the over-all approaches on how the expected outcomes shall be achieved. The specific strategies are the programs and projects proposed for the areas and sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.4 Cross-cutting issues and concerns

Consistent with the national policies, the issues of the vulnerable groups as well as concerns on culture sensitivity, gender and social inclusivity, poverty reduction, and peace and security, among others, are incorporated in the recovery program.

14 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Chapter 3

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 15

Assessment of the Effects of Covid-19 3.1 Social

3.1.1 Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the country’s health system to its limits, fighting to contain the spread of the virus and protecting the lives of millions of Filipinos. Thousands were infected and lives were lost, including frontline medical workers. The human to human transmission puts lives at risk, prompting the national and local government units to declare enhanced or general community quarantine measures in a bid to flatten the curve and give time for the health system to increase its capacity and capability to respond to the epidemic.

While the health system works on getting more testing kits, personal protective equipment, more laboratories established or accredited, more human health resources capacitated and other epidemic response measures, people are encouraged to adapt to the new normal by practicing social distancing, wearing of face mask, cough etiquette, proper sanitation and hygiene, and staying at home to slow down the transmission of the virus.

COVID-19 Cases

In Zamboanga Peninsula, the first case of the COVID-19 was confirmed on 24 March 2020 by the DOH Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development (ZPCHD).

As of 18 May 2020, the ZPCHD reported a total of 147 confirmed cases. Of which, 141 were from Zamboanga City, 5 from Zamboanga del Sur, and 1 from Zamboanga del Norte. Ninety-three percent or 132 out of the 141 reported cases in Zamboanga City occurred in the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center. Infected patients included personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Persons Deprived of Liberty. Only the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela City reported zero COVID-19 case. The region recorded three deaths and eight recoveries.

The PUI and PUM classifications were changed to Suspect, Probable and COVID-19 confirmed cases through DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0012.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 17 Data generated by Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using a Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler for Early Detection of Diseases (FASSSTER) showed that as of 19 May 2020, the case doubling time (CDT) of the region was 7.51 days and critical care utilization (CUR) rate was 29.46 percent. This classified the region under Initiation Phase of the Community Quarantine Classification and Decision Tool. This tool used health parameters, such as CDT and CUR, and other modifiers like health system capacity, security, social and economic to help decision makers implement timely interventions. However, a closer look at the classification of the provinces and cities in the region showed that only Zamboanga City was classified under Initiation Phase while the rest were in Recognition Phase.

Other COVID-19 data in the region are shown in Table 3.1.

18 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 19 Capacity of Health Care System for COVID-19 Response

The Zamboanga City Medical Center TB Reference Laboratory started to function as a COVID-19 testing laboratory on 06 May 2020. It used Xpert Xpress for SARS CoV2. As of 14 May 2020, 445 tests were conducted and 78 of these yielded positive results. The Department of Agriculture IX Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (DA9-RADDL) was certified by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) and started RT-PCR tests on 18 May 2020. The DOH Molecular Laboratory and Philippine Red Cross Zamboanga City Chapter COVID-19 Testing Center in Zamboanga City were still ongoing at various stages of development, as well as, the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center Molecular Laboratory in City.

Three hospitals in the region were identified by DOH as COVID-19 Referral Hospital. These were the Zamboanga City Medical Center, Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center and Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center with a total bed capacity of 199 beds. As of 12 May 2020, more than 43 percent of the total beds were occupied. Other COVID-19 accepting hospitals were identified throughout the region with a total bed capacity of 219. Out of these, 64 were occupied or an occupancy rate of 29.2 percent. Two out of the 29 mechanical ventilators dedicated to COVID-19 patients were being utilized as of 14 May 2020. Data from FASSSTER, as of 19 May 2020, showed that the region was still on the safe zone in terms of critical care utilization rate of mechanical ventilators, ICU beds and isolation beds.

A total of 266 health personnel throughout the region were trained on contact tracing as of 14 May 2020. These included 16 doctors, 185 nurses, 49 medical technologists and 16 other health personnel. The region had 104 health facilities with trained personnel on contact tracing.

20 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 21 Functional Local Isolation and General Treatment Areas for COVID-19 cases or Ligtas COVID centers were also established throughout the region. Ligtas COVID center is a type of community isolation unit within a barangay, municipality, city or province where contact, suspect, probable and confirmed cases with mild symptoms, whose home environment could not support physical distancing, could be temporarily housed for quarantined or isolation and which was linked to a health care institution for referral purposes.

Functional step down facilities and facilities for repatriates were also established in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte and the City of Zamboanga. Step down facilities are Level 1 hospitals, infirmaries or Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMF) which could accommodate confirmed COVID-19 patients who tested negative or clinically recovered or patients who meet the criteria specified by DOH. These facilities would help ease the services rendered by COVID-19 referral hospitals and maximize the health resources, as well as, ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to the patients.

Issues and Concerns

A number of inter-sectoral concerns need to be addressed by the whole of the nation as the government prioritizes the health and lives of the Filipino people.

Inadequate number of human health resource, health facilities, medical equipment including Personal Protective Equipment, test kits

22 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Early detection and diagnosis would enable provision of appropriate care and treatment to COVID-19 patients, early isolation of suspect cases, and effective contact tracing. However, as there was no COVID-19 testing laboratory in the region until May 14, 2020, results of the swab tests were delayed as these were sent to RITM in Metro Manila and Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

Based on one scenario modelled by the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team where a COVID-positive person could infect two others, it was shown that it was beyond the capacity of most hospitals in the provinces to handle the peak of COVID-19 cases should there be no significant reduction in the transmission of the virus. Based on the said model, the region would have 126 COVID patients requiring hospitalization and 32 critical cases requiring ICU. It should be noted however that the study identified 45 ICU beds for the region. Other models where a positive person could infect 2 to 3 persons also showed an increase in the number of cases needing critical care.

The ability of the region to handle the number of COVID-19 cases also depended on the number of attending healthcare personnel. In the same study, it was identified that there were 2.5 doctors, 9 nurses, 1 medical technologist and 8.9 beds available per 10,000 population in the region. The number of doctors was below the WHO standard of 10 per 10,000 population. It should be noted that these health personnel also attended other patients and not only those with COVID cases. Further, quarantined healthcare workers reduced the number of available healthcare personnel at a given time.

As of 14 May 2020, the inventory of the region’s personal protective equipment (PPE) is shown on the Table 3.7.

With the limited health personnel, health facilities, it would be proper to increase the capacity and capability of the region’s health system to face this pandemic and other emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases.

Weak functionality of local Epidemiological and Surveillance Units

RA 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Concern Act mandates that functional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (ESU) shall be established at all levels, in coordination with the DOH. Among the tasks of the ESU are to report notifiable diseases and health events of public concern, provide reliable information, and conduct disease surveillance and response activities.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 23 The DOH–ZPCHD requested Regional Development Council (RDC) IX during its 168th meeting to enjoin local government units to establish ESUs in their localities. RDC IX passed Resolution No. 019, series of 2020, in this regard.

Non-disclosure of relevant information by suspect or COVID-19 patients

Although identified as a prohibited act under RA 11332, the non-disclosure of relevant information by patients endangers not only the frontline medical personnel but also delays the provision of appropriate medical intervention.

Poor health seeking behavior

There is a need for change in the health seeking behavior of the Filipinos.

Discrimination towards health workers and patients coming from barangays with confirmed COVID-19 cases

Reports on alleged eviction of health workers from boarding houses and refusal of treatment by hospitals for patients coming from barangays with confirmed cases have reached the Regional Task Force on COVID-19. This was despite the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that hospitals should not turn away patients especially in this time of public health emergency.

3.1.2 Nutrition

During the community quarantine period, the nutrition status of the vulnerable groups would likely to get worse due to the constraints on food access and a shift to increased consumption of processed foods.

National Nutrition Council (NNC), the lead agency for the Nutrition Cluster, issued two advisories, Nutrition Cluster Advisory Nos. 01 and 02, s. 2020, to LGUs, NGOs and other civic organizations with nutrition services.

The first advisory enjoins LGUs to promote good nutrition, prioritize provision of assistance to barangays, cities, municipalities with high rates of under nutrition, and promote and protect exclusive breastfeeding for 0-6 month-old babies. The second advisory further enjoins LGUs to optimize the use of local fresh produce by buying them directly from the farmers, fisher folk, limit donation of processed food, and promote home gardens and distribute vegetable seeds. The NNC also strongly advised that food packs should be culturally- sensitive, especially on food packs to be given to Muslim communities.

LGUs are reminded to activate their local nutrition committees and formulate Nutrition in Emergencies Plan to ensure that the nutritional status of the vulnerable populace will not deteriorate or worsen due to the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19.

Issues and Concerns

Limited surveillance of the nutritionally-at-risk groups affected by the ECQ (under-five, pregnant or lactating mothers, elderly, PWDs)

The impact of COVID-19 may aggravate the nutritional status of the poor and vulnerable groups of the under-five children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly. Even during the imposition of community quarantine, the nutrition status of the most vulnerable groups should be protected considering the high incidence of malnutrition in the region. 24 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan In the joint statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and WHO on 17 April 2020, the governments across the Asia Pacific are called upon to protect the nutritional status of the most vulnerable groups while implementing infection control measures.

Thus, as a whole, the general public are encouraged to be more aware of the importance of eating meals with variety, moderation, and balance, with emphasis on the consumption of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables as natural food sources of vitamins and minerals. The public is also encouraged to engage in physical activities daily for 30-60 minutes.

3.1.3 Education

Barely a week after the confirmation of the first local transmission of COVID-19 in the Philippines, the government imposed several measures to mitigate the spread of the disease. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte placed the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine on 16 March 2020. Within 24 hours, he declared the entire country under a state of calamity for a tentative period of six (6) months.

Several Local Government Units declared suspension of classes in all levels immediately after confirmation of COVID-19 cases in their respective jurisdictions. As the disease swept across the country, classes in all levels were eventually suspended.

On 16 March 2020, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued guidelines for public schools in the administration of final examinations and computation of grades. Graduation ceremonies were cancelled or postponed in all levels.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), on the other hand, advised higher education institutions to implement distance education methods and online classes to continue with the academic term despite the suspension of classes. Meanwhile, some state universities and colleges (SUCs) / higher education institutions (HEIs) responded to the crisis with the manufacture of PPEs and sanitizers in their own school laboratories.

Even before the President declared an ECQ in the entire Luzon, but with his approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) resolution to raise the Code Alert System for COVID-19 to Code Red Sublevel Two (2) on 12 March 2020, TESDA administration immediately ordered to suspend classes and conduct of competency assessment in all technical-vocational institutions (TVIs), TESDA technology institutions (TTIs), and assessment centers until 12 April 2020 in the National Capital Region. Other Regional Offices were directed to adhere to the pronouncements of the respective LGUs on the suspension of classes. TESDA Region IX adopted the suspension of classes and conduct of competency assessment as a measure for the management of COVID-19 health situation.

Issues and Concerns

Impact of prolonged closure of basic, higher, and technical education to most disadvantaged students and their families

While school closure and class suspension were immediate measures to control the spread of the virus, prolonged closures would adversely affect socioeconomically disadvantaged students and their families, whose only access to education was the school itself. The disruption aggravated the already existing challenge to deliver and address the needs of specific learners, particularly those belonging to the unreached and underserved groups in the region.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 25 High stake examinations that determined advancement to higher education like the National Achievement Test (NAT) was affected, and the possibility of low enrolment once schools reopen was high.

Few opportunities for at-home-learning

When schools closed, learning was moved from classrooms to homes. Parents were tasked to facilitate continued learning experience for their children. Parents with limited education, resources and materials would struggle to perform this task.

Alternative platforms for at-home-learning was not present, and a learning continuity plan from school-to-home learning was yet to be established.

Accessibility to alternative options like distance learning was a challenge especially for those without means to connect or access online

While DepEd responded to the challenges brought by COVID-19 to the education system through the launch of DepEd Commons, an online platform for school teachers and learners to support distance learning modalities, majority of the student population was not ready to apply home learning programs due to lack of preparation, facilities, and infrastructure. Students, especially those in less fortunate conditions, lacked the devices and internet access to participate in online learning platforms. Region IX had the lowest number of unique users of the DepEd Commons.

Home-learning program is not a long-term substitute to face to face teaching and practical skills training

Home-learning programs, although beneficial as alternative to in-school classes in this trying time, cannot replace the learning experiences from day-to-day work. Work-based learning, as that of technical education and on-the-job trainings for higher education, requires real-life and practical work scenarios to connect learned theories to the real world and develop skills and competencies.

3.1.4 Social Welfare

The implementation of the ECQ in the region affected the access of the most vulnerable sector to basic services and employment. Income in every household in the vulnerable sector was affected depriving them of the means to earn and provide for their daily basic needs.

The government was able to implement emergency measures to address the needs of the affected households. Special Amelioration Program (SAP) was provided to families belonging to the vulnerable sector. Aside from the programmed cash assistance through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), an additional P5,000 cash assistance to 4Ps and non-4Ps households was provided by DSWD through the Local Government Units (LGUs).

In-kind assistance was provided by the LGUs to the affected households, such as food packages, in several tranches throughout the quarantine period.

As of 13 May 2020, a total of PHP3.017 billion was received by SAP beneficiaries in the region. Of which, PHP1.055 billion was received by 94.24 percent of the targeted 313,862 4Ps member beneficiaries and PHP1.962 billion by 97.3 percent of the targeted 403,185 non-4Ps member beneficiaries.

26 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Issues and Concerns

Some qualified families were not able to receive the relief assistance

There were reports that relief packages were not properly distributed to qualified beneficiaries. SAP forms were also given to unqualified families. The reported irregularities were forwarded to DILG for investigation.

Senior citizens gainfully employed were not able to work due to the mandatory quarantine

Some families were dependent on the older members as breadwinners who were gainfully employed and were fit to work. However, due to the restrictions on senior citizens to go out during the quarantine period, household income and their capacity to access and provide basic needs were affected.

Delay in the pay-out of amelioration packages

The delivery of the SAP and relief packages tothe qualified beneficiaries was hampered due to the lack of manpower in the LGUs. The huge number of target beneficiaries was also a factor for the delay in view of the need for thorough verification of eligible beneficiaries. LGUs took a lot of time in identifying eligible beneficiaries considering the reports on errors in the administration of the program and since they were liable to shoulder the costs if released to unqualified beneficiaries.

3.1.5 Labor Welfare

The labor sector was among the most severely affected sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. The enforcement of ECQ in the region caused temporary business closures and work suspensions.

Work-from-home arrangement was implemented by both private and public offices to avoid disruption of services and loss of income and abate the impact of work suspension and closure of establishments.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 27 The government provided amelioration packages to assist workers and establishments affected by the work suspension. The COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), intended for the formal sector, provided PHP5,000 to affected workers. Meanwhile, Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD) was intended for the informal sector which provided a 10-day employment package equivalent to 100 percent of the prevailing highest minimum wage in the region. The nature of work under the TUPAD program was disinfection/sanitation of the workers’ houses and their vicinity.

DOLE IX was able to provide support to 15,298 TUPAD beneficiaries amounting to PHP48.19 million since the implementation of work suspension. The implementation of TUPAD was set to be transferred to DSWD.

Out of the 2,200 establishments that applied for CAMP in the region, only 758 or 34.4 percent were granted assistance, and 34.56 percent out of the 38,165 workers who applied were provided with such assistance. There were still 2,768 establishments and 83,364 workers to be accommodated by DOLE when its implementation would be transferred to the Department of Finance (DOF).

Issues and Concerns

Decline in revenues of sectors included in the work suspension

The closure and suspension of operations of business establishments and offices resulted to reduced employment and income in the labor force. The number of displaced workers increased particularly those workers under the “no work-no pay” scheme.

28 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Repatriation of OFWs

Filipinos working outside the country were also affected by the closure and suspension of operation of businesses. The pandemic caused a large number of OFWs to be repatriated from other countries adding to the number of displaced workers in the region.

Transfer in the implementation of CAMP to the Department of Finance

Workers and establishments who were not accommodated by the program were affected by its transfer to DOF. There was apprehension that the implementation would be more tedious under DOF due to additional documentary requirements needed as compared to that of DOLE’s.

3.1.6 Housing

The effects of COVID-19 had lesser impact on housing as compared to other sectors that had gone through closures, lockdowns, and quarantines.

Nevertheless, the suspension of housing projects may have caused a dip in sales of construction materials and the displacement of construction workers. DOLE had its CAMP and TUPAD programs to address this issue.

Families that were living in the evacuation shelters had difficulty complying with the social distancing and self-isolation measures.

In response to the pandemic, the National Housing Authority (NHA) crafted a memorandum suspending its collection of amortization or lease payments from residential account holders in all existing NHA Projects. The moratorium would cover payments from 16 March -15 June 2020. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was also crafting guidelines on the incorporation of health standards in land use planning to be implemented by the regional offices when they would conduct technical assistance to the LGU.

3.2 Economic

The COVID-19 global health emergency is not only a predicament of the health and medical sector but it has also drastically developed into an economic crisis. In Zamboanga Peninsula, in view of the community quarantine imposed by the local government units, the COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed the economic and consumption activities which threatened food security, family income, and business continuity.

The cooperation of the government, private sector, and the public is necessary and critical towards mitigating losses and adapting to the emerging “new normal” come post-outbreak.

The “We Recover as One” report was prepared by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases – Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning led by the NEDA. Readying the country toward the new normal, the report contained proposed priority polices, strategies, and legislative agenda which were largely based on the results of the online surveys, consultations, and meetings conducted. It included estimates on the impact of the ECQ imposition to the gross domestic product. For Visayas and , NEDA’s assumption was that the lockdown period was based on the average number of ECQ days of the provinces in the regions. The other assumptions used were the following:

a. For agriculture: income losses from unsold produce based on rapid assessment survey. b. For industry: 100 percent of construction, mining, quarrying, and manufacturing firms, except for ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 29 food-related manufacturing, were locked down. c. For services: 79.7 percent of retail and wholesale trade establishments are locked down (based on the rapid assessment survey of business); and revenue losses from the tourism and private schools. For tourism, it was assumed that there would be a 60-day interruption in service based on the assumption that a modified community quarantine would be implemented after 30 April 2020, where people were still hesitant to travel. For rental, it was assumed that no loss would be incurred since rental fees and charges were deferred rather than waived during the ECQ as clarified by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The total estimated losses due to the imposition of ECQ in the region was PHP4.91 billion or 1.26 percent of the projected 2020 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

3.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery

One of the main concerns faced by every Filipino in battling against the pandemic is ensuring the availability of food on the table. This concern is coupled with worries on sustaining the family finances amid the fear of losing jobs due to the suspension of operation of business establishments.

The result of the business rapid assessment survey for agriculture and fisheries sector conducted by NEDA showed that PHP5.8 million was lost from unsold produce in Zamboanga Peninsula. The unsold produce was broken down as follows:

Produce Amount (PHP) Cereals 977,000 Livestock 2,003,000 High-Value Crops 2,301,000 Fisheries 600,000 Total 5,881,000

In spite of the losses on unsold produce, the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided assurance that supply of basic food commodities, e.g. rice, corn, vegetables, fish, and meat products, was available to the people. As of March 2020, the country’s rice stock inventory reached 2.18 million MT while corn inventory was 793,280 MT.

The National Food Authority (NFA) IX reported that, as of 23 March 2020, the region had enough rice stock inventory that was expected to last for 27 days. Also, there was enough supply of fruits, vegetables, meat, and fishery products.

Between 15 March and 08 May 2020, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) IX issued a total of 4,935 local transport permits to 1,216 traders. The region traded a total of 22,962 MT of fish and fishery products with an estimated value of PHP1.75 billion. The fish products transported were chilled fresh fish, dried fish, canned and bottled sardines, among others which were transported within the region, , Dumaguete, Davao, de Oro City, , Valencia City, Iligan City, , , Butuan City, General Santos City, and the National Capital Region.

It is vital that production and distribution capacity in the supply chain should not be limited to ensure enough food supply. It is also crucial that bottlenecks in the supply chain be detected early on so that proper interventions can be acted upon accordingly.

30 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan The government issued policies that would guarantee that the households would have access to safe and affordable food. For instance, the DA has been implementing the Food Resiliency Protocol identifying the food items that must be allowed unhampered and unimpeded movement in all quarantine checkpoints, provided that proper documentation is presented to the authorities.

DA IX and BFAR IX issued a total of 4,562 food passes, as of 30 March 2020, to food producers, manufacturers, traders and importers. The food pass was a privilege given to suppliers and truckers that go to, from, and/or pass through boundaries not limited to the region, during the community quarantine period to ensure smooth passes along checkpoints.

Due to limited market demand for fish and in view of the implementation of curfew, BFAR IX observed a decrease in capture (municipal) and aquaculture activities of fisherfolk. As such, BFAR IX issued fisherfolk, fishing operator and aquaculture farmer pass to ensure unhampered and unimpeded fish production in the region.

BFAR IX also identified the following challenges attributed to the ECQ imposition: (a) decrease in volume of fish sold in the market due to lesser number of traders; (b) some fish vendors opted to stop operation due to low market demand; (c) decrease in number of fish carriers/traders hauling fish and fishery commodities from other provinces due to low market demand and low buying price. In response, BFAR IX, together with agri- preneurs from fresh and value-added fishery products participated in the Kadiwa on Wheels or the Rolling Market which visited strategic barangays in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur. BFAR IX also issued local transport permits and food lane pass to ensure continuous fish production in the region.

The contagion had also affected the agrarian sector, where many of the agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations, as well as, communities were caught unprepared. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) IX observed that since Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) were owner-cultivators of agricultural lands with an area of three hectares and below, and others were leaseholders, they were among the hardest-hit or vulnerable sectors. The implementation of the community quarantine measures helped them relatively safe from infection, but it also kept basic needed supplies/support services from reaching them. Moreover, it restricted the marketing of their farm produce, as well as, curtailed operations of farm activities using machineries and equipment collectively owned by the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs).

In support to the ARBO as frontliners in the food chain, DAR IX issued ARB IDs for the purpose of facilitating their access to subsidies, relief and other support services and programs not only of the DAR but other NGAs, LGUs, private and public sectors. A total of 10,834 IDs were distributed to 9,545 ARBs and 1,287 leaseholders.

Moreover, DAR IX issued Quarantine Accreditation Passes to facilitate marketing of ARBOs products (RFM palay, milled rice, assorted vegetables crops and poultry products, copra, tablea, coffee, condiments, noodles, sweetener, rubber, dairy products) with total sales of PHP2.3 million. The rice products were mostly bought by LGUs for distribution. Market matching of ARBOs with buyers, facilitation of marketing contracts and purchase orders, and coordination of delivery and transportation were also conducted.

DAR IX also identified the following concerns in the agrarian reform sector of the region: difficulty in doing fieldworks (e.g., ARB ID distribution; coordination with ARBs/ARBOs/ partners) due to lack of transportation facilities (limited PUVs/public transport). In Zamboanga del Norte, ARBOs engaged in buy and sell of rubber products stopped buying cuplumps because the price was fluctuating. ARBOs copra trading was reduced during ECQ period from 40,000 kilos per month to 27,000 kilos. ARBOs credit businesses were also affected ranging from PHP150,000 monthly net income, down to PHP40,000 during ECQ.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 31 Some poor coconut farmers who availed of PCA’s participatory coconut planting program were disqualified from receiving SAP assistance (Salaan, Zamboanga City) and planting calendar was dependent on the release of funds. To increase income of coconut farmers, intercropping of short gestation crops, i.e. corn, mungbean, sweet potato, and vegetables, and farm product consolidation, for economy of scales, were considered. KADIWA were also sustained for easy market accessibility and logistics assistance. Fertilization program was maintained to improve coconut productivity. Livestock raising of small ruminants, swine and poultry was initiated to increase production of meat and poultry products. PCA IX has been providing financial assistance/incentives to farmer-participants on intercropping and livestock/poultry raising.

Issues and Concerns

Food security

Food security and safety shall be the utmost concern of the consuming public. There must be a continuous operation, both in the production and post-production sides. Small farmers and fisherfolks need to have access to affordable finance to further strengthen local production. Issues in the food supply chain must be addressed in a timely manner.

Unhampered delivery of food products

Harmonized interpretation by local government units and security forces on quarantine imposition is fundamental in the movement of agricultural produce. Otherwise, hampered delivery of produce would likely result to increased food waste due to spoilage of highly perishable commodities, lower farmgate price of agricultural/fishery products, and higher retail price of food commodities.

Despite the policies issued by the national government on unrestricted movement of food supply during the state of public health emergency, it was reported by DA IX that there had been instances that some LGU checkpoints would demand presentation of x-ray results. Some truckers or drivers/helpers were apprehensive that they would be quarantined upon their return trips, hence restraining movement of goods. To address this concern, the Economy Cluster of Region IX Task Force on COVID-19 (RTF9-EC) passed Resolution No. 002, series of 2020, “Requesting the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, and Concerned Local Government Units to Have Uniform Guidelines on the Medical Documentary Requirements for Transport Pass of Drivers and Helpers.”

The different interpretation on policies regarding the quarantine imposition also caused delays to some fish traders in local checkpoints. As a response, the Fisheries Regulatory and Protection Group (FRPG) personnel of BFAR IX conducted 24/7 borders control to ensure that the movement of food coming in and out of Zamboanga Peninsula adhered to pertinent guidelines. The food passes issued by DA IX and BFAR IX were also honored even without the vehicle pass issued by local chief executives.

According to PCA IX, restrained movements of coconut lumber and copra resulted to deterioration of product quality (i.e. molds formation/increase free fatty acid), decrease in price of commodity due to poor quality product, decrease in farm activity, and low farm-gate price of buko due to scarcity of transport facilities and the spike in demand for fresh buko during Ramadan season.

Changes in consumer demand

People are expected to be more health conscious suggesting the possibility of shifting preference to safer and nutritious food. There is also an expected reduction in dine-in services that would result to decreased demand for agricultural items such as meat and high-value crops from such establishments. In terms of transacting 32 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan for food commodities, people would tend to rely more on online/digital transactions. Interest in urban agriculture is also seen to increase.

In order to address the concern on the lack of PPE, face masks and other medical needs, there will be higher demand for agro-industrial products like rubber and fiber, as well as, those used for soaps and disinfectants.

3.2.2 Industry and Services

The total foregone revenue in manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and construction in the region were PHP1.45 billion, PHP31.62 million, and PHP329.91 million, respectively. For manufacturing, it was assumed that there was no work interruption in the food subsector.

The region’s total estimated revenue foregone for motor vehicles, personal household goods, and wholesale and retail trade was PHP1.82 billion.

For the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, the various executive orders (EO) on community quarantine issued in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, and Isabela City adversely affected them. The MSMEs were closely monitored by DTI Provincial Offices since the commencement of ECQs. Many MSMEs in the region had to temporarily close due to the coronavirus pandemic. During the lockdown period, from mid-March until end of ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 33 April 2020, the MSME Development Report showed that there were 27,940 MSMEs in full operation. Meanwhile, there were 5,965 MSMEs with limited operation and 10,344 MSMEs were closed and had no operation. There were 2,509 MSMEs which continued to produce food products, basic necessities and essential products to cater the needs of the constituents in the region.

The monitoring activities that constituted the Bayanihan Act (RA 11469) Report covered the following indicators: (1) SME/Industry Operations, and (2) Consumer Welfare Protection.

Issues and Concerns

The inability of manufacturing firms to fully operate in the region during the COVID-19 outbreak was due to the imposition of ECQ by the Local Government Units. As a result, the following issues were encountered:

a. Disruptions in the delivery of raw materials; b. Lack of raw materials (for MSMEs producing face masks/face shields); c. Delayed shipments; d. Cancelled export or import orders; e. Loss of buyers or suppliers; f. Constrained logistics; g. Key products and essential supplies in supermarkets and grocery retailers initially went out of stock as many consumers bought in bulk; h. Thirty to 50% capacity utilization of sardine companies; i. Decrease production and increase costs of food MSMEs; and j. Closure of non-essential businesses, hence, no income for such businesses.

To mitigate or reduce these problems and their negative effect to the producers and consumers, several policies and directives on MSME Assistance and Consumer Welfare Protection were issued.

a. DTI MC No. 20-08: Ensuring unhampered movement of cargo and transit of personnel of business establishments allowed to operate during ECQ, addresses the following issues/concerns: delivery of raw materials, late shipments, export or import orders, loss of buyers or suppliers, and increase in logistics cost.

b. DTI MC No. 20-07: Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying, ensures availability of basic commodities at a reasonable price and protects consumer against hoarding and profiteering. Hence, there is adequate supply of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) in the region.

c. JMC No. 2020-02: Guidelines on the Operations and Incentives of Covered Enterprises Engaged in the Manufacture, Importation, and Distribution of Certain Products, and for Other Purposes, Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11469, Otherwise Known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.” This memorandum circular provides guidelines to liberalize the granting of incentives for the manufacture or importation of critical, or needed equipment or supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

d. DTI MC No. 20-12: Guidelines on the Concessions on Residential Rents; Commercial Rents of MSMEs, grants a 30-day grace period on residential and commercial rents.

e. MC No. 20-15: Extension of Operating Hours for Retail Establishments Authorized to Operate During the Enhanced Community Quarantine. To spread the flow of customers in keeping with the social distancing directives and enable the establishments to increase the number of people served daily, all retailers engaged in the sale of basic necessities and prime commodities, essential goods 34 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan and medical products covered by RA No. 11469, are allowed to operate up to a maximum of twelve (12) hours.

DTI-IX continued to implement the following initiatives:

Consumer Protection:

a. Regular enforcement and price monitoring were conducted in the supermarkets, grocery stores, and public markets in all cities and provinces.

b. DTI-IX officials met with the business establishments (retailers, stores, and pharmacy owners) to ensure that they comply with the Price Freeze Order. They were also provided copies of the Anti- Panic Buying and Anti-Hoarding Order to make sure that the supply of goods is adequate for the consumers in the region.

c. Copies of the List of Products/Commodities under Price Freeze were distributed to all business establishments and posted at the DTI-IX official Facebook page and Negosyo Center (NC) Facebook pages.

d. The allowable volume of quantity of commodities and medical supplies to be purchased were posted at the DTI-IX official Facebook page and Negosyo Center (NC) Facebook pages.

e. DTI-IX, in close coordination with the IATF through the LGUs, ensured the continued flow of goods to and from the City in compliance with the MC 20-08 on the Unhampered Movement of Cargoes.

f. The Diskwento Caravans-Rolling Stores were conducted region-wide to provide consumers access t o basic commodities.

As of 30 April 2020, DTI IX was able to roll 14 Diskwento Caravans cum Rolling Stores region- wide. These were participated in by 16 different retailers and served 34 barangays. Around 3,552 households were able to benefit from these activities that generated a total of PHP1,633,791 in sales.

g. Medical and surgical masks were out of stocks in most pharmacies. Hence, the DTI-IX helped the local manufacturers of face masks and face shields, through its SSF cooperators and FABLABs (Fabrication Laboratories).

As of 30 April 2020, the three FABLABs in Region 9 were able to provide face shields, face masks and other PPEs to 278 beneficiaries composed of hospitals, health centers, banks, restaurants, Barangay LGUs, PNP, BFP, and BJMP.

The table below shows the PPEs that were produced and distributed by the FABLABs in the region:

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 35 MSME Assistances:

a. The Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) offered a loan moratorium to its borrowers in Zamboanga Peninsula.

b. The Negosyo Centers in the region offered free online trainings for the potential and existing MSMEs run by business counsellors. These online trainings could be accessed on Facebook and YouTube with topics on Entrepreneurial Mindset, Businesses Registration Procedures, and Productivity Trainings (5S), among others.

c. An initiative for the MSMEs was also in place specifically those that were affected by the pandemic. The business counsellors of the 55 Negosyo Centers disseminated the launching of the Reboot Package for the MSMEs offered by the agency.

MSMEs were encouraged to engage and take advantage of free online webinars such as (a) access to e-commerce platforms and enablers, (b) loans, (c) discounts from delivery platforms.

3.2.3 Science and Technology

There was difficulty in accessing appropriate raw materials for fabrication of innovative PPE for frontliners. There was no existing DOH-accredited laboratory in the region which could facilitate a faster turnover period for COVID-19 swab results. Swab specimens had to be sent to laboratories in NCR for the laboratory tests which caused delay in accessing the results. The recent operationalization of two PCR-based testing centers in Zamboanga City had somehow addressed this issue.

There was also no research and development initiative in the region in the development of innovative technologies which could assure the safety of frontliners against COVID-19 (ex. swab booths, face shields).

There is a need for harmonized integration of mechanisms to facilitate efficient transfer of essential goods and services across boundary checkpoints.

Majority of the DOST - SETUP MSME-beneficiaries had ceased or limited operations during the ECQ.

Issues and Concerns

a. Need for accurate/scientific data and information to ensure effective and efficient planning and decision-making; b. The pandemic has distorted the supply chain which impacted the production/ manufacturing sector; c. Some businesses were disrupted during the COVID-19, thus the need for Business Resiliency Plan, to minimize the risks of business disruptions, and enable continuity of operations; and d. Limited local capability for research, development and innovation on COVID-19 related concerns;

3.2.4 Tourism

Through the years, the tourism sector has been considered as one of the most resilient industries but its resilience is dependent on individual income which is a major factor for travel.

The total estimated losses in the tourism industry in the region amounted to PHP1.27 billion. Foregone revenue was computed using estimated daily tourist arrivals from the 2018 annual tourist arrivals multiplied 36 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan by 2017 daily tourist expenditure, multiplied by days of interrupted service, which is 60 days.

Tourism-related consumption is at the bottom of the hierarchical order and it is the first to be given up when the budget becomes constrained. COVID-19 has caused economic downturn in the top tourism markets for Philippine destinations including the region and it is expected that the flow of tourists coming from said markets will have a slow recovery, given the new normal environment and imposition of new protocols to manage the situation.

The increase in tourism related expenditures is directly proportional to the economic growth of existing and potential tourism markets for Philippine destinations. Due to possible resurgence or reinfection and in the absence of massive vaccination, travel restrictions will likely to continue, hence demand for tourism and travels will be relatively low.

Travel and tourism were severely affected by the onslaught of COVID-19. Tourism traffic only consisted repatriation of stranded tourists. Arrivals dropped down to zero as tourism establishments had to temporarily close and other tourism services suspended in compliance with the guidelines on the ECQ imposed by the government. During the lockdown period, there were 55 non-operational accredited accommodation establishments in the region.

To cushion tourism related businesses from incurring more losses due to decreased demand for services, the reduction of labor was expected and loss of income at localities operating community-based tourism. Those who would be displaced would have to compete with the new graduates who would be looking for jobs in other sectors.

Issues and Concerns

a. Travel restriction is likely to continue, hence demand for tourism and travels will be relatively low; b. Enormous economic impact of COVID-19 to travel and tourism- the sectors severely affected by the lockdowns; c. Expected slow recovery and the resumption of tourism-related businesses under a new normal environment; d. The resiliency (recovery phase) of the sector will be dependent on the rate of how global economies recover from COVID’s economic blow; and e. Expected employment emaciation and loss of income at local communities as a result of the decreased demand in tourism services.

3.3 Infrastructure

Infrastructure development plays a vital role not only in economic development but also in health security and epidemic preparedness. The existing pandemic reveals that increasing infrastructure spending remains imperative. Critical infrastructure has to be sustained as they provide the enabling mechanisms across all sectors.

The infrastructure sector being one of the biggest employment providers due to Build, Build, Build Program of President Duterte, was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. The construction/upgrading/rehabilitation/ preventive maintenance of infrastructure projects was suspended. The lockdown that resulted to the closure of various infrastructure projects was mainly due to the reduction in labor movement/manpower mobility and the disruption in the supply chain of construction materials.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 37 Based on the report of six implementing agencies in the region, namely: Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Agrarian Reform, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office of Zamboanga del Norte, a total of 980 projects were suspended. This resulted to about 16,000 laborers who were rendered out of work and an estimated foregone income of about PHP203.627 million.

Because of COVID-19, there was higher demand for water due to the need for frequent hand washing. Residents, particularly in Zamboanga City, complained of difficulty in fetching water from communal faucets due to ECQ especially in areas where there was a rationing scheme on water distribution.

Digital connectivity demonstrated its importance during the COVID-19 crisis. It was helpful in delivering information when transport services were curtailed. Employees of agencies who worked from home resorted to the use of internet to ensure non-disruption of work deliverables. The need for a quality stable power to sustain the system was evident, as frequent fluctuations continued to challenge the populace of Zamboanga City and the rest of the region.

Key projects, especially those mitigating climate change, should also receive continued or even enhanced financing support so as not to put long-term economic or environmental sustainability at risk.

3.3.1 Transportation

The transportation sector provides the physical support to stimulate economic growth, and it serves as a foundation for sustainable development in the region. With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of ECQ and lockdown, some land, seaport and airport operations/activities, as well as, ongoing airport/seaport development projects were suspended. It also hampered the procurement of construction materials for ongoing and new projects which caused delays in the implementation of these projects. During the crisis, the delivery of basic services and movement of basic and prime commodities like food and medicines should not be jeopardized. Government had to implement or adopt a pliable approach to ensure that the needed necessities and services were quickly and efficiently delivered and reached communities, particularly in those vulnerable and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Immediate measures or short-term solutions that would address any disaster or pandemic should be identified and adopted in order not to worsen the situation. While activities brought by infrastructure like roads, airports and seaports also served as the avenue to diseases like COVID-19, improvement had to be accelerated to provide better connectivity to ensure that delivery of essential goods and services would not encounter delay.

3.3.1.1 Land Transportation

The implementation of vital road and bridge projects was suspended due to COVID-19. The halt in the construction of road infrastructure projects affected a huge number of construction workers.

With the lockdown, the operations of all public land transportation such as mass transits, buses, taxis, vans, jeepneys, tricycles, and motorcycles were suspended, except the trucks, cargo vans, among others, used for delivery of agricultural products, manufactured foods, and medical supplies/equipment. This proved difficult for residents who were dependent on public transport when going to groceries and markets. On the other hand, among the positive impacts of the lockdown were clean air, lower price of fuel, and ease of traffic.

38 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 3.3.1.2 Sea Transportation

Port of

The Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) of Zamboanga del Norte posted a significant drop, both inbound and outbound passengers during the first quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of ECQ and lockdown. In March 2020, incoming passengers were only 23,235. This was 34.28 percent lower than the 35,355 passengers in February 2020. A decrease of 51.06 percent, i.e., from 34,601 in February 2020 to 16,934 in March 2020, for outgoing passengers was also noted. Other indicators, such as number of vessels/ship calls, cargo throughput (MT), and container traffic in twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) showed a slight decrease. Losses were likely as against the 2020 target while revenue/ income was also affected. Workforce was also reduced and adopted a work-from-home arrangement due to community quarantine measures.

Port of Zamboanga

The PPA-PMO of Zamboanga suffered a substantial decrease in incoming passengers from 107,539 down to 57,972 in February and March 2020, respectively, or equivalent to 46.09 percent decrease. Outgoing passengers remarkably decreased also by 42.57 percent, i.e., from 118,624 in February down to 68,121 in March 2020. Reduction in the number of vessels/ship calls, cargo throughput (MT) and container traffic in twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) was also noted. However, other facilities within the port should be continually upgraded specially to meet the demand of the business group.

3.3.1.3 Air Transportation

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation No. 922 declaring the country under a state of public health emergency. Likewise, IATF Resolution 11 banned unnecessary travel and enforced more stringent measures to stop the spread of the virus. As a result, all incoming and outgoing commercial flights in airports of the Cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, and Pagadian were suspended to contain the spread of the virus. Incoming and outgoing number of aircrafts and number of passengers of the three airports showed a significant decrease. For Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA), a total of 529 and 342 incoming aircrafts in February and March 2020, respectively, showed a decrease of 35.35 percent, while outgoing flights registered a 34.78 percent decrease from 529 down to 345. Cargo throughput in MT, both loaded and unloaded for ZIA, posted a decrease, while airports of Dipolog and Pagadian posted a slight increase for unloaded cargo. This was attributed to the shipment of goods, medical supplies/equipment, personnel protective equipment (PPEs), provision of sweeper flights for stranded passengers and medevac flights for wounded personnel and cadaver.

The region’s inter- and intra-transport connectivity is not yet fully integrated. Despite the remarkable performance of the land, air and sea transportation subsectors before the pandemic, there are still pressing issues/concerns that need to be addressed. The upgrading of the secondary airports to accommodate night landing flights; acquisition for the lot in Mercedes-Talabaan area for the proposed transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport; and settlement of disputes over a parcel of the runway of the Pagadian airport should still be prioritized.

3.3.2 Water Supply

The need for frequent hand washing to prevent contamination as recommended by the WHO would be a challenge to other areas with least access to safe water. The ideal 24/7 supply of water is not yet attained in many areas. Residents, particularly in Zamboanga City, complained of difficulty in fetching water from ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 39 communal faucets due to ECQ especially in areas where there was rationing in water access and distribution. The schedule of their quarantine pass did not jibe with the schedule for water rationing. The water districts and the local government units had to closely coordinate and make necessary adjustments on the matter. Without proper public health infrastructure such as for clean water and sanitation, residents would remain vulnerable to such health risks.

3.3.3 Communications

The COVID-19 crisis led digital connectivity to become a necessity. Over the years, the role of information and communicaitons technology (ICT) grew bigger as most people had become more dependent on its serviceability. Large portion of the global population were living under imposed restrictions, and were required to enforce physical distancing. Learning to live differently- how to socialize, shop, worship and collaborate- became common. Everyone depended on the ability to connect distantly, from obtaining important information and health guidance, adapting supply chains worldwide, to supporting health services, among others.

As the crisis continues, critical challenges require immediate actions to improve efficiency in healthcare delivery and epidemic control. It is apparent that public health infrastructure needs to be supported by robust ICT.

3.4.4 Power and Energy

The existing issues on unstable power continue to beset Zamboanga City and other areas in the region as fluctuations and unscheduled power outages are still experienced by all sectors. Stable power is a basic necessity especially in the face of this adversity; thus, it should also be given top priority. Power/energy supports the functions of almost all economic, social and governance development endeavors, including digital infrastructures and health services, among others.

Issues and Concerns

The infrastructure sector is faced with the following challenges.

Transportation

a. The implementation of several infrastructure projects in the region was delayed significantly. Construction projects were stalled, as physical presence of workers was required for this undertaking. Projects that were suspended due to COVID-19 resulted to huge losses, including loss of jobs. b. High cost of port services posed potential deterrence in the use of seaports. c. Reduced logistic operators at seaports. d. Slow loading and unloading of cargos at seaports due to inadequate personnel and lack of facilities e. Suspension of all modes of public transportation due to ECQ, except those used for delivery of basic necessities. f. The 50 percent passengers’ capacity of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) may discourage drivers/ operators from operating as they would not be able to meet their quota. g. Need to reconfigure current PUVs to implement the social distancing policy. The use of “habal- habal/angkas” would have to be discouraged or not allowed until such time a cure for COVID-19 is developed. h. Delay in the procurement of construction materials by contractors. i. Delay in the processing of biddings/procurement of services for new projects.

40 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Water Supply

a. Water supply should be assured especially during the pandemic to avoid people from crowding in communal areas to fetch water. Many areas in the region are still with Level II water supply. b. Inadequate supply of water was experienced during the pandemic due to insufficient water sources and dry spell which started in January 2020.

Communications

a. Majority of the people in the region have no access to internet services as there as still many areas with no or limited access to telephone lines. b. Slow internet connection and limited internet accessibility affected the work or study from home measures, among others. c. Cyber security risks/data privacy issues. d. Proliferation of misinformation or fake news about COVID-19 issues on social media or online platforms. e. Telecom operators faced with traffic growth, congestion, network continuity and security issues.

Power and Energy

a. Unstable energy supply wreaks havoc to appliances (i.e., refrigerators, televisions, computers, etc.,) that are critical during the community quarantine. It also affects the quality of digital/on-line connections. b. Energy projects that have long gestational period should receive continued or even enhanced financing support to address the long overdue issues on the unreliability of power.

3.4 Governance

Good governance is key to effectively and efficiently manage the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its social and economic consequences in affected communities. It is the role of government to strike a balance between protecting health and minimizing socioeconomic disruption.

With the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country and recognizing the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to address the crisis, President Duterte issued Proclamation No. 922, series of 2020, which declared a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines. This is to capacitate government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to immediately act to prevent loss of life, utilize appropriate resources to implement urgent and critical measures to contain or prevent the spread of COVID-19, mitigate its effect and impact to the community, and prevent serious disruption of the functioning of the government and the community. On 16 March 2020, the entire Philippines was placed under State of Calamity through Proclamation No. 929, series of 2020.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) was also convened to address the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Regional and Local Task Forces on COVID-19 were also created to manage the spread of the virus in the region. Along with the national government’s efforts in this regard, the LGUs in the region issued pertinent EOs and Ordinances to prevent the entry and reduce possible transmission of COVID-19 in the region. The LGUs suspended classes and mass gatherings; restricted travels by land, air and sea; and declared community quarantine in their respective areas, among others. A list of these issuances is found in Annex 1.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 41 Proactivity of LGUs

The region recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on 24 March 2020 in Zamboanga City, which was followed by two cases in Zamboanga del Sur on 30 March 2020. A review of the aforementioned issuances suggested the proactivity of the LGUs in handling the COVID-19 threat. Such forward looking approach was critical in forestalling the contagion in the LGU’s respective areas of responsibility (AOR). The implementation of community quarantine by the provinces early on was seen as a factor in preventing transmission in most of their cities and/or municipalities. However, some LGUs mandated the implementation of an ECQ despite the absence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in their AOR.

Imposition of Community Quarantine

With the mandate of promoting health and safety of their constituents, LGUs in the region implemented mobility restriction measures immediately following the issuance of Proclamation Nos. 922 and 929. With inadequate information and varying interpretation of national guidelines on the implementation of community quarantine at the onset, LGUs imposed mobility restrictions with different degrees as could be gleaned from the same issuances mentioned above. While those issuances highlighted the sense of accountability and responsibility of the local chief executives (LCEs), they were deemed to be mostly driven by the tendency to protect their areas, and not based on scientific measures and/or models. The varying degree of restrictions hampered interzonal movements.

Moreover, the implementation of community quarantine in a specific area by one LGU was reported to hamper inter-LGU movements, especially that residents of neighboring LGUs were not aware beforehand of the imposed community quarantine.

42 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Compliance with National Issuances

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX, in the exercise of its oversight function, has been closely monitoring the compliance of LGUs with the issuances of the national government. Figure 3.5 shows the level of compliance of the LGUs in the region with these issuances as of 28 April 2020. The figures showed a positive response by the LGUs to the policy direction established at the national level. The establishment of COVID-19 Task Force and Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT), reactivation of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council/Committee, Local Price Coordinating Council, and Local Solid Waste Management Council made the LGUs structurally ready to handle the crisis. Putting the organizational structure in place was crucial in implementing any activity in a coordinated manner; thus, preventing waste of time and resources. While structural preparedness was one thing, the capacity of the structure to function as designed was of another matter.

With limited resources and expertise to formulate vaccine or medicine to kill the virus, the government continued its efforts to flatten the curve in the area of prevention and mitigation. LGUs serve as the arm in making these things happen. All LGUs in the region already established their respective COVID-19 Task ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 43 Force and with a functional BHERT. Generally, LGUs in the region had been doing well in preventing and mitigating local transmission of the virus. They stay on guard to maintain the zero-case status and limit, if not prevent, community transmission particularly in areas with already confirmed cases.

Temporary Shelter for Health Workers

In view of the discrimination experienced by healthcare workers, DILG issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-072 on 12 April 2020 in line with item H of Resolution No. 19 of IATF-MEID, which denounced in the strongest terms acts of discrimination against healthcare workers, OFWs, and COVID-19 cases, and enjoined LGUs to address such. Section 5.1 of the Circular provides as follows:

“LGUs are enjoined to provide for free, and/or extend assistance in securing, temporary shelter/ accommodation for health workers deployed in Provincial/City hospitals and other public health facilities catering to COVID-19 patients, whether hired by the LGU or by the National Government. Said venue/ establishments should be proximate to the designated hospitals of the health workers, and should be reasonably accessible to them.”

Based on the report of DILG IX, some LGUs were not yet compliant with the said directive. Many health workers were exposed to high risks in the performance of their duties. Support from the government was necessary to keep the healthcare system function optimally. Following the said Circular was one way of extending support to the health workers.

MDM Team Organization

The City and Municipal LGUs were expected to organize their respective Management of the Dead and Missing Person (MDM) Team pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-063 dated 27 March 2020. The MDM Team, composed of but not limited to City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (C/MLGOO), Local Civil Registrar (LCR), Local Health Officer (LHO), Local Social Welfare and Development Officer (LSWDO), General Services Officer (GSO), Local PNP, Local BFP, Local Engineering Officer (LEO), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (LDRRMO), and Punong Barangays, of the city/municipal LGU, together with the reputable funeral parlor, shall manage the proper disposition of the human remains and management of the bereaved family.

As of May 2020, only 46 percent of the LGUs in the region had organized their respective MDM Team.

Considering the novelty of the virus, LGUs lacked the technical expertise to comply with standard procedure in the management of human remains.

Mandatory Wearing of Face Mask

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-071, dated 09 April 2020, enjoined LGUs under ECQ to strictly implement mandatory wearing of face masks by all their residents in public areas, whenever they were allowed to go out of their homes, at all times. Those not covered by the ECQ were encouraged to implement the same measure. Per DILG IX report, all LGUs in the region fully complied with this directive. With the prevailing shortage of surgical face masks in the market, many individuals used alternative face masks made of cloth. Workers of some establishments who were permitted to open wore face shields aside from the face masks. This practice put an extra layer of protection to the workers and boosted the confidence of the buyers at the same time because of lesser chances of transmission of the virus from the workers.

44 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan PPE for LGUs’ Frontline Workers

COVID-19 had caught everyone unprepared. Its nature necessitated strict use of PPE, not just by medical and health care personnel, but also by the general public. This situation brought the demand curve to move right significantly, causing shortage of supply with the supply curve unable to cope.

This might be one of the reasons why a quarter of LGUs in the region was not able to provide PPE to their respective BHERTs. As frontline workers, individuals composing the BHERTs should likewise be adequately protected. The same should also be observed for individuals manning the barangay entrance and exit checkpoints.

LDRRM Fund Utilization

As provided in Section 21 of Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, not less than five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) to support disaster risk management activities. Of the amount appropriated, thirty percent shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund (QRF) or stand-by fund for relief and recovery programs in order that situation and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, may be normalized as quickly as possible. It further provides that unexpended LDRRMF shall accrue to a special trust fund solely for the purpose of supporting disaster risk reduction and management activities of the LDRRMCs within the next five years.

The proclamation of State of Calamity throughout the Philippines provided the LGUs with access to QRF, bolstered by the enactment of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, which allowed utilization of more than five percent of the amount allocated for calamity fund, among others.

Majority of the LGUs in the region tapped these LDRRMFs, including the aforementioned Special Trust Fund. Shown in Table 3.13 is the summary of the number of LGUs utilizing said funds as of 06 May 2020.

The figures show that LGUs have relatively still enough resources to be used in addressing the present crisis and any unfortunate events in the near future.

LGUs seemed to have different criteria in the distribution of food packs. Some barangay LGUs distributed relief goods to all their residents, while others only to those severely affected. While LGUs have the leeway to identify the recipients, utilization of these funds should be done prudently, considering the historical trend of other calamities in their areas.

Work-From-Home Arrangement

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-062, dated 22 March 2020, provides for, among others, the implementation of Work-From-Home arrangement in LGUs in Luzon under ECQ. Notwithstanding thereof, about half (51%) of the LGUs in the region issued a policy on Work-From-Home arrangement. This was one good precautionary measure to lessen the exposure of their employees to COVID-19.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2020, dated 07 May 2020, with the subject “Revised Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements and Support Mechanisms for Workers in the Government during the Period of State of National Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic.” This Circular, which covered the LGUs, sanctioned the implementation of Work- From-Home arrangement and made its applicability to retroact on 16 March 2020. ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 45 Funeral Parlors and Cadaver Bags

Section 4.6 of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-063 provides that LGUs shall designate and commission reputable funeral parlors and crematoria to handle the remains of confirmed COVID-19 cases and PUIs, and provide financial assistance to cover the logistics, fuel, salary and other expenses that will be incurred which include transfer/transport of human remains.

As of 28 April 2020, the region had 43 funeral parlors that were willing to accept those under PUIs and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of this number, three funeral parlors were already oriented on universal standard, and transmission-based precaution. There were only 682 cadaver bags as of the date – Zamboanga del Sur: 274; Zamboanga del Norte: 341; and Zamboanga Sibugay: 67.

Peace and Security

The implementation of community quarantine did not only effectively reduce local transmission of COVID-19, but also crime incidents in the region. In April, index crime was reduced by half compared to the number of cases in January 2020. The total crime volume in April was also about 50 percent less compared to January 2020.

The border checkpoints in national roads, as well as, in entrance and exit checkpoints at the barangays, with primary focus on the implementation of community quarantine measure, were also seen to contribute in the drop of crime incidents in the region.

The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) resumed/continued its atrocity

46 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan despite the unilateral ceasefire by the government. A recent encounter in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay resulted to a death of a CPP-NPA.

Disposition of Cases

The disposition of cases was likewise affected by the implementation of community quarantine. The DOJ- Public Attorney’s Office was placed on an “on-call” status where only inquest cases and urgent legal services were being attended to. Regular cases that were not urgent in nature were put on hold until the ECQ would be lifted, as people were ordered to stay at home. Also, courts were closed, except for urgent cases such as posting of bail bond.

Others

Private entities such as ZCGEMCO, AIMCOOP, Banco Cooperativa de Zamboanga, Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Ipil Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and many others helped in alleviating the COVID-19 crisis by donating goods, such as rice, bottled water, grocery items, and medical supplies like face masks and disinfectants, to frontline workers, as well as, to their respective cooperative members.

Regional Line Agencies likewise extended support services to help frontline workers and facilitate delivery of frontline services, such as DOST IX distributing essential supplies and disinfectants, alcohol, face shields, and gloves to Zamboanga City Medical Center and Hospital de Zamboanga; DTI IX through its Shared Service Facilities Cooperators and Fabrication Laboratories facilitated the production of face masks and face shields; DAR IX, MARINA IX, BJMP IX, PNP IX, PAF, and many others, provided vehicle support in various ways.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 47 Issues and Concerns

The following are the issues and concerns affecting governance: a. There is a need to enhance the technical capabilities of LGU personnel in managing COVID-19. b. LGUs need to strengthen its decision-making based on evidence and scientific tool/s to be best guided when to put public health and safety above the economy and when to strike a balance between the two. c. No mechanism for inter-LGU information dissemination. d. Implementation of social distancing in government offices requires re-configuration of workstations and may necessitate continued work offsite arrangement. e. There is a need for greater transparency in view of the great amount poured in by the government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. f. Tightening of fiscal space, which requires realignment of funds, further trimming down of operational expenses, cancellation of some programs, projects and/or activities, among others. g. Traditional transaction and mode of payments heightens the chance of COVID-19 transmission with the resumption of business operations. h. Public participation needs to be mainstreamed in disaster response. i. Resurgence of COVID-19 will further drain available public funds. j. Lower revenue collection. k. Decreased rate of disposition of cases.

3.5 Environment

The implementation of lockdown and ECQ resulted to an improved ambient air quality measured in terms of particulate matter (PM) 10 monitoring.

Based on the daily air quality monitoring data captured by the ambient air monitoring station at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Compound, Brgy. Tumaga, Zamboanga City, the average PM10 for the period 14 February - 19 March 2020 (before quarantine) was recorded at 11.57 ug/Ncm, while the average PM10 on March 20 - April 27, 2020 (ECQ period), was recorded at 10.78 ug/Ncm, posting a decrease of 0.79 ug/ Ncm. The prescribed standard for PM10 should not be higher than 60 ug/Ncm. This was brought about by the less flow of traffic due to limited public transport operation.

On the management of health care and infectious wastes, particularly on the disposal of hospital hazardous and infectious wastes, the region does not have a registered treatment storage and disposal facility. Nevertheless, there is continuous monitoring of hospitals that are designated as COVID-19 centers, especially on their proper disposal of healthcare wastes. Hospital wastes are disinfected in accordance with DOH protocol prior to their storage in septic vault. COVID-19 related wastes are stored in a separate septic vault, and disinfection of such is also being done.

Issues and Concerns

The possible impact of COVID-19 to the environment are identified as follows:

1. Need for management of health care and infectious wastes (e.g. disposable masks); 2. People may opt to use own vehicles as social distancing becomes new normal, hence possible air quality deterioration; and 3. Increased demand for water due to practice on hand washing and sanitation in households, workplaces and establishments, among others. Due to shortage of water during summertime, it is suggested that water districts to look for alternatives to supply the increasing demand of water. 48 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Chapter 4

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 49

Strategies 4.1 Social

4.1.1 Health

Moving towards the new normal, the following strategies are recommended:

Increase capacity and capability of the health system to respond to epidemics and other infectious diseases

Increasing the capacity and capability of the health system entails establishment of more health facilities, isolation/quarantine facilities, laboratories and other medical equipment. A counterpart funding scheme between LGUs and DOH may be considered on the establishment of local isolation facilities. Human health resources should also be increased, properly compensated, trained and equitably distributed in all areas of the region.

Conduct of widespread testing

Widespread testing is key to successful response to COVID-19. It enables early detection and diagnosis, establishment of effective quarantine systems, effective management and treatment protocols, conduct of research and epidemiological studies and ensures easy mobility of human health resource.

Strengthen the functionality of local Epidemiological & Surveillance Units (ESUs) at all levels (from the municipal to the regional level)

As provided by RA 11332, local ESUs should be provided with trained human health resource, as well as, adequate resources including equipment, communication, logistics, laboratory supplies and reagents, personal protective equipment and health insurance to effectively carry out their functions.

LGUs are encouraged to use evidence-based surveillance tools in forecasting possible cases and scenarios on the spread of COVID-19 in their localities. FASSSTER can be used to predict the number of peak cases and peak dates in a given scenario, as well as, project the effect of interventions such as community quarantine, social distancing and increased testing and health management capacity on the total number of cases, deaths and recoveries. Other data that FASSSTER generates include case doubling time, critical care utilization rates for mechanical ventilator, intensive care unit and isolation beds, along with a map visualization of scenarios. These data can be used to manage the spread of the pandemic in an area. ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 51 Establish a Contact Tracing System

As contact tracing is one of the response actions of the ESU to control infection, the development of IT- enabled contact tracing applications would help expedite the identification, screening and provision of appropriate intervention to Filipinos who have been in close contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Protection of the data privacy rights of confirmed cases or contacts should always be considered.

Symptom-reporting tools are also available. FASSSTER comes with TanodCOVID which enables individuals to easily and safely report their symptoms that they suspect to be COVID-19 related to their local health authorities using SMS or text messaging. LGUs can also view the clustering of these reporting individuals to determine if an outbreak might occur and thus allow for early interventions.

LGUs are also encouraged to use Staysafe.ph which is adopted as the official social-distancing, health- condition-reporting, and contact-tracing system through IATF Resolution No. 27 series of 2020. Staysafe.ph allows the LGUs to monitor and track the health conditions of its locals and immediately respond to their needs. A symptoms heat map can also be viewed which can help the LGU in providing timely response and mitigation.

Strengthen coordination among concerned agencies on data sharing and feedbacking

Coordination among agencies is vital in building the confidence of the people in the ability of the government to protect their personal data amidst the effort to quickly isolate and quarantine those who are COVID-19 positive and suspect cases.

Intensify public health campaign to encourage social distancing, wearing of face mask, good hygiene practices

The public must be able to understand why certain measures like social distancing, wearing of face masks, proper sanitation and hygiene practices should continue even after the lifting of community quarantine. Public health campaigns on the most accessible form of media should continue to encourage people that by protecting themselves, they are also protecting others.

Strengthen implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programs in schools and communities

Implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene programs in schools and communities to continue giving access to children and communities safe water, basic toilets and promote good hygiene practices such as frequent washing of hands. These seemingly simple acts help prevent the spread of diseases.

Invest in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases

Continued investment in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCD) will save lives and prevent immature deaths. In the Philippines, DOH reported that 68 percent of deaths were due to NCD. Persons with NCD such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease are also vulnerable to succumbing to COVID-19.

Promote use of IT in the delivery of primary care consultations

Optimize the use of information technology in the delivery of primary care consultations through digital medicine platforms that would limit the number of persons physically visiting the hospitals during health emergencies. 52 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Invest on PhilHealth benefit packages for inpatient care of probable and confirmed COVID-19 cases

Social health insurance coverage for the emerging diseases should be sustained. The PhilHealth had already issued guidelines on benefit packages for testing for SARS-CoV-2, inpatient care of probable and confirmed cases, including those in the community isolation units.

Ensure massive awareness and community engagement through multiple platforms

Utilize media placement, social media posting including out of home advertisement to eliminate culture of discrimination towards health workers and COVID-19 patients.

Strengthen planning and implementation of recovery responses, policies and measures at all levels of governance

Empower LCEs at all levels (down to barangay level) to plan and implement recovery responses, policies and measures after thorough analysis of a village’s, town’s, or community’s demographic vulnerability characteristics such as population density and number of senior citizens living alone and/or with other household members in housing units less than 20 square meters in floor area. If left unaddressed, these variables will continue to challenge the implementation of physical distancing and the prevention of COVID-19 transmission more difficult.

4.1.2 Nutrition

Provision of essential nutrition services to the nutritionally-at-risk groups (infant and young children, pregnant and lactating women, elderly, PWDs)

Essential nutrition services should continue to be provided without disruption to the vulnerable groups, especially those that support the health of maternal, infant and young children. Timely and appropriate intervention to these vulnerable groups can save lives and improve health and nutrition of children and their mothers. Key to this is a functional local nutrition cluster. The local nutrition cluster is expected to conduct nutritional assessment, ensure timely and appropriate delivery of quality package of nutrition interventions to affected population, and ensure that food provided and distributed are nutritionally adequate.

NNC IX will take on the task of gathering data on the number of moderately and severely acute malnourished (SAM and MAM) children throughout the region in the coming weeks to see the impact of COVID-19 control measures on the nutrition status of the children in the region and provide appropriate nutrition interventions.

Policy Recommendations

a. Passage of a comprehensive law strengthening the national response and preparedness for health emergencies and pandemics b. Review salient provisions of RA 10121 on increasing contingency budget for the management of health-related concerns c. Review Magna Carta for Health Workers toward increasing benefits d. Passage of Magna Carta for Barangay Nutrition Scholar

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 53 4.1.3 Education

Design/conceptualize the Learning Continuity Plan per schools division

To ensure the continued schooling of students while the country deals with the pandemic, a continuity plan must be put in place and shall include curriculum changes, grading methods, teaching skills, operations, and communications.

Implement safe back to school’s standards

While ensuring student learning as an important responsibility, teachers and administrators are also focused on another essential priority - student safety and health. Once students are back in class, the school and its staff are responsible for the safety and well-being of students while on school grounds. DepEd shall implement a “safe back to school program” which shall consist of health standards that ensure the safety of everyone in areas that will already allow physical attendance in schools.

Develop education technology interventions for distance learning

School closures due to COVID-19 revealed deep gaps in the education system. Educational administrators and policy makers need to introduce much-needed innovation and adopt new technology to ensure that all children and youth have equitable access to learning in times of crisis. To ensure learning is not disrupted, government must provide immediate support by addressing the digital divide. Online education contents must be available for use without incurring costs related to data transfer. In addition, networked devices and gadgets must also be available in the hands of more teachers and students.

Equip teachers and administrators with tools and processes to provide flexible learning options and blended learnings to students

Technology tools and processes, when effectively integrated into the curriculum, can extend learning to households and are useful in times of crisis. A well-integrated technology tools and processes can only be effective if partnered with thoroughly trained teachers and readily available variety of tools.

Adjustments to the school and academic calendar; participation of parents and communities to the new normal in education

Part of the new normal in the context of education sector is the adjustment of the school and academic calendar to ensure safety of learners without jeopardizing the quality of education. Under the new normal, students would be spending more learning time at home. Hence, parents, guardians, and communities shall have greater share of the responsibility in helping to educate students.

Emerging and infectious diseases research in the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

Encourage SUCs to engage disease-related researches into their respective research thrusts and priorities.

Expand the implementation of TESDA Mobile Training Laboratory (MTL)

The MTL is a training delivery model designed to implement technology-based training programs in far-flung communities of the country’s 10 poorest provinces through portable boxes containing tolls and equipment, mock-ups and training packages in designated places in the community as a venue of training.

54 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 4.1.4 Social Welfare

Intensify implementation of supplemental feeding program

Children are among the vulnerable individuals, and ensuring their nutritional status is essential. After the lifting of ECQ and the resumption of classes, day care students can be provided with nutritious food packs instead of daily hot meals.

Ensure proper implementation of cash assistance programs to vulnerable sector

The identification of qualified beneficiaries and timely distribution of cash assistance programs to the vulnerable sector is much needed in order to ensure proper implementation. The provision of the required manpower in order to accommodate the targeted beneficiaries in the shortest possible time and efforts should be exerted to correct the administration of the program to reduce irregularities.

Increase pension for senior citizens

In order to ease families’ dependence from gainfully employed older persons, the increase in the pension for senior citizens should be considered.

Adoption of clear policy/guideline to ensure protection of high-risks individuals

There should be a clear policy or guideline to be adopted in order to protect high-risk individuals, such as old and immuno-compromised persons, to make sure that they are protected and not deprived of access to necessities such as food and medicine even after the lifting of ECQ.

Ensure implementation of sustainable livelihood programs for the vulnerable sector

Continued and intensive implementation of the existing sustainable livelihood programs of DSWD should be in place. Coverage should be given to qualified beneficiaries – the poor, vulnerable and marginalized households and communities in order to improve their socioeconomic conditions.

Implementation of the Balik-Probinsya Program.

The generation of job opportunities in the implementation of the Balik-Probinsya Program would have positive impact on the marginalized and vulnerable sectors in terms of improving their chances to be employed.

Policy Recommendations

Increased pension for senior citizens

One of the most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic are senior citizens. A number of them were still gainfully employed but were not able to go to their work because of the restrictions during the ECQ. For pensioners, the existing pension scheme is not enough to cover their needs. A similar policy has been endorsed to Congress authored by Senator Sonny Angara, Senate Bill 133. The proposed bill covers the increase in the pension of senior citizens. It may be revisited and modified to be more responsive to the needs of the senior citizens as manifested during the implementation of ECQ.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 55 Implementation of special services for the vulnerable groups

To minimize the exposure of older persons/senior citizens, PWDs and high-risk individuals, special services may be offered to them such as designating a specific time for them at groceries and pharmacies, e.g., one or two hours after opening or before closing time. Procurement and delivery system may be developed in order for them to access their needed supplies such as food and medicine without going outside their homes.

4.1.5 Labor Welfare

Provision of emergency funds/loans for businesses and temporary suspension of business-related payments/bills

The provision of emergency funds/loans for businesses, as well as the temporary suspension of business-related payments such as rental, loan, and utility bill payments, will mitigate the adverse impacts of COVID-19 to the businesses. Such measures will help the businesses keep afloat and minimize, if not prevent, loss of jobs.

Ensure proper distribution of amelioration funds to displaced workers

The distribution of amelioration/support funds to displaced workers should not be hampered and should be properly executed. Implementing agencies should ensure that the financial support is given to eligible beneficiaries in a timely manner.

Strengthen cash-for-work program

The cash-for-work program should be continued and strengthened to provide temporary employment to affected workers even after the ECQ.

Re-skilling and re-tooling programs for workers

There is a need to re-skill, retool and upskill workers, OFWs in particular, in order to address the skills needed by the industries to meet the demands brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implement staggered working hours to maintain appropriate social distancing

In order to protect the health of the workforce, particularly those immuno-compromised workers, implementation of staggered working hours and work-from-home scheme is encouraged even after the ECQ is lifted.

Implementation of the Balik-Probinsya program

Majority of the recorded COVID-19 infections were concentrated in highly urbanized cities and the national capital. The generation of jobs in the provinces through the implementation of the Balik-Probinsya program will help in the distribution of workers all over the country and contribute in the prevention of possible disease outbreaks in the future. Underemployment and shortage of job opportunities in the provinces will also be addressed by the program.

56 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 4.2 Economic

4.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery

With food security as the primary objective, there are two main strategies to respond to the identified issues and concerns for the agri-fishery sector, namely: (1) to increase production of food and other basic necessities while strengthening the supply chain, and (2) provide access to finance for farmers and fisherfolks.

Increase production of food and other basic necessities while strengthening the supply chain

The following are specific action points that need to be undertaken to provide safe and secure food amid COVID-19 outbreak, as well as, in shifting to the new normal:

a. Address supply chain disruptions to avoid food wastage. There is a need to ease up logistic constraints on food and raw material delivery. The region should also venture to farm product consolidation for economy of scale. b. Improve agri-fishery sector productivity to ensure stable supply of basic necessities and prime commodities. Concerned agencies need to revisit government programs for enhancement to ensure continuity of agriculture/food production. For instance, aside from productivity, income of coconut farmers may be pursued through intercropping of short gestation crops i.e. corn, mungbean, sweet potato, and vegetables. Also, in order to increase income of rubber farmers, intercropping of short gestation crops may be pursued, e.g. banana, coffee, cacao and vegetable, as well as, integration of livestock (chicken and goat). There is also a need to increase production of meat and poultry products via livestock raising of small ruminants, swine, and poultry. c. The canning industry shall be encouraged to consider automation in their production system. d. Further develop the potential of champion products of the region (coconut, rubber, abaca, mango, processed fish, and seaweeds) through processing. e. In terms of research and development, there is a need to enhance processing/increase shelf life of agricultural and fishery produce. f. Aside from food supply, there is also a need to increase production of essential goods and facilities for health promotion and improved sanitation.

In support to affected ARBs, DAR IX prepared and submitted project proposals for the realignment/ modification of their funds towards interventions to ensure the continuity of agricultural production, livelihood, and income of ARBs during this public health crisis. Likewise, the proposed interventions will help achieve sustained supply of adequate, affordable, and safe food necessary in maintaining good health of the family and the community.

Provide access to finance for farmers and fisherfolks

Providing access to affordable finance for small farmers and fisherfolk will enable them to continue participating in the sustainability of food supply in the region.

Aside from farmers and fisherolks, the following loan programs of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), may also be tapped by qualified beneficiaries:

a. DBP Rehabilitation Support Program on Severe Events (DBP RESPONSE) b. Help via Emergency Loan Assistance for LGUs (HEAL) Lending Program of LBP c. Calamity Rehabilitation Support (CARES) Program of LBP

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 57 4.2.2 Industry and Services

Access to finance

a. Provide access to business (especially MSMEs) financing and financial services. b. Encourage banks and non-bank financial institutions to grant their borrowers a temporary grace period for loan payments or to restructure the loan accounts of their borrowers. c. Provide sufficient credit guarantees to support banks’ lending especially to SMEs. d. Continue low-interest/no collateral credit assistance and expand agricultural insurance coverage.

Strengthen resiliency of MSMEs

The Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. suggested the following to strengthen the resiliency of MSMEs:

a. Request all government and private financial and banking institutions to postpone principal and interest loan repayments. b. Offer subsidized loans to select businesses like agriculture and SMEs. c. Encourage utility providers, including electricity (ZAMCELCO) and water distributors (ZCWD), and telecommunications and internet services providers (PLDT, Smart, Globe) to trim charges by 5 percent for individuals and SMEs. d. Ease rental expenses for individuals through residential loans or eviction freezes. e. Encourage or provide temporary abodes for homeless. f. Provide guidance for businesses to shift towards remote operations. g. Support the shift of SMEs towards remote operations through provision of expanded WiFi coverage and loans to procure equipment necessary for telecommuting.. h. Waive business taxes for all businesses for one year, so that they can channel these funds to help their employees in need and for the purchase of PPEs. i. Waive Real Property Taxes (RPT) for all commercial and industrial properties, especially the RPT of MSMEs for the year 2020, ending on 31 December 2020, and thereafter decrease RPTs due to recession environment and possible devaluation of property. j. Give preference to the agricultural products of the local farmers, fisher folks, and livestock producers over the usual processed food (canned goods and noodles) k. Reduce and postpone government contributions by employees such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth.

The Zamboanga ICT Council recommended the establishment of an online application (similar to Grab Food) wherein people may order food and other necessities from a particular MSME, which will be delivered using motorcycles.

4.2.3 Science and Technology

Strengthening the capacities of MSMEs and adopting the new normal business processes for Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) through the following initiatives:

a. Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), review and technical evaluation of project proposals and project monitoring and evaluation shall be conducted via digital / on-line platforms. b. Extending the refund of i-fund granted to SETUP beneficiaries to 5 months moratorium. c. S and T Consultancy Services through the DOST One Expert: Interactive web-based nationwide pool of S&T experts; d. Enabling Collaboration of SMEs (COSME) through ICT-based support mechanisms in production 58 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan and marketing; e. E-commerce Platform via DOST OneStore: Bringing quality S&T products at your doorsteps; f. Providing easier and faster access to a network of nationwide and few international testing and calibration laboratories through the DOST OneLab Program; and g. Smart Food Value Chain Analysis for priority / champion commodities of the region.

Enhancing Collaborations on Health Research, Development and Innovations through the following initiatives:

a. Provision of accurate and updated science-based data and information on COVID-19 to ensure effective and efficient planning and decision-making of LGUs through the adoption and implementation of Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance Using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler for Early Detection of Diseases or FASSSTER. A web-based disease modeller providing a rich layout of integrated information that will facilitate in understanding the spread of COVID-19 in the country, region, province, city and municipal levels. b. Deployment of RxBox Technology. A telemedicine device capable of capturing medical signals through built-in medical sensors, storing data in electronic medical record, and transmitting health information via internet to a clinical specialist. c. Deployment of Specimen Collection Booths to selected LGUs; d. Provision of PCR-based testing kits on COVID-19 to selected LGUs; e. Production/manufacturing of innovative PPEs for health workers and other frontliners; and f. Provision of technical and financial support to local health and medical researchers and inventors.

4.2.4 Tourism

a. Promote tourism and goodwill in the region by providing repatriating tourists the best Filipino brand of service to maintain that Filipino hospitable touch and impress a memorable experience despite COVID-19; b. In collaboration with Local Health and Tourism Offices, work on protocols and interventions to ensure the compliance of tourism related establishments to the highest sanitation standards through regular sanitation/disinfection of accommodation, tourism-related establishments, tourist transport services, as well as, provision of sanitation/disinfecting devices to these establishments; c. Collaborate with local government units in the identification of programs for tourism disaster/ pandemic preparedness and management; and d. Institutionalize local and regional coordination policies and protocols with partner agencies and stakeholders during the onset of disaster or pandemic.

Policy Recommendations

a. Passage of the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) to include the following provisions as suggested by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

i. Inclusion of the upstream and downstream of agriculture, as well as, land transportation sector as among the critically-impacted industries; ii. A system should be in place to ensure that the subsidy proposed under the PESA would go to the intended beneficiaries; iii. Inclusion of the Department of Health and the Food and Drugs Administration as agencies involved in regulatory relief; iv. Inclusion of those in the agriculture and fishery sectors in the availment of loan guarantees under the Philippine Guarantee Corporation; ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 59 v. Considering that potential MSME borrowers, mostly do not have technical capacity to meet banks’ documentary requirements, the DOF and BSP should endeavor to ease the requirements for MSMEs; vi. Increase the loan allocation for agri-fishery, as well as, provide grants to the sector to cover production and post-production; and vii.Give emphasis on the role of innovation in the development process.

b. Revise DTI Circular Order 20-04 to waive payment of rentals during the quarantine period in view of the declaration of the extension of the ECQ in Zamboanga City by the national government or until it is lifted. c. Recommend to the Office of the President the utilization of the interest earned from the Coco Levy Fund to provide assistance to coconut farmers who were affected by COVID-19.

4.3 Infrastructure

Despite the pandemic, the sector shall resume implementing development programs and projects following the “new normal” guidelines. Among them would be the wearing of face masks, social distancing, installation of hand washing and disinfection facilities at project sites, hiring of nurses/medical practitioners by the contractors, testing of workers for COVID-19 prior to entering the work site, and workers to be housed onsite for the whole project duration. The following are the specific strategies for the infrastructure sector:

4.3.1 Transportation

4.3.1.1 Land Transportation

a. Accelerate the implementation of road and bridges infrastructure projects to provide better connectivity. b. Review public transport regulations. c. Ensure safe transportation system to quickly, safely, and securely move people and goods through the region and country. d. Reconfigure current Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) to implement the social distancing policy. e. Ensure that all public transport modes to operate at reduced capacity. f. Provide government subsidies to PUVs. g. Repair and construction of vital infrastructure (e.g., flyover, widening) considering traffic reduction in streets and highways.

4.3.1.2 Sea Transportation

a. Improve inter-modal connectivity between Zamboanga Peninsula and other parts of Mindanao and the country. b. Improve seaport facilities and operations of municipal ports in the region. c. Fast track port delineation for Pagadian Port, as well as, the development and uprading of its facilities within the port, including other municipal ports. d. Fast track the completion of the feasibility study for Panguil-Pagadian Waterway project for efficient water transport. e. Fast track the bidding process for arrastre and stevedoring services at Zamboanga Port. f. Development of access road to decongest the seaport. g. Continual upgrading of other facilities within the seaport to meet the demand of the business group.

60 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 4.3.1.3 Air Transportation

a. Construction of new Zamboanga International Airport in Mercedes-Talabaan b. Settlement of disputes over a parcel of the runway of Pagadian City Airport c. Improvement of airport facilities and operations d. Installation/operationalization of night landing facilities of all airports in Region IX

4.3.2 Water Supply

a. Fast track the requirements for proposed water development projects (i.e., impounding dams) to ensure stable supply of water. Investing in long-term water security and access to safe water is essential for public health. b. Persuade the national government to give financial aid to all Local Water Districts nationwide – to cushion the financial and economic impact of any crisis to their operations. c. Forge sustained partnerships with capable and reputable private entities in the implementation of water supply, development, and distribution projects – to ease the financial burdens and bureaucratic restrictions affecting local water districts. d. Institutionalization of a National Emergency Management Program for WDs for emergency response network and resource procurement and pooling – to provide water districts with the means to quickly obtain help and associated services from LWUA, NWRB and other WDs to restore critical operations impacted during any type of emergency. e. Institutionalization of water harvesting facilities in all residential, business, commercial, and government offices.

4.3.3 Communications

a. Enhance internet accessibility and reduce the digital divide. b. Push for internet connectivity in public places across the country and the region through the DICT’s “Free Wi-Fi for All” Program. c. Prioritize data privacy and security considerations. d. Companies, agencies, and businesses should embrace additional guidance and information provided by government agencies and regulators. At the same time, to take steps to maintain a healthy (remote) and secured environment. e. Provide free online trainings/courses. Many individuals are laid off from this crisis, and schools and universities would be implementing flexible learning scheme. f. Use a variety of communication channels and influencers to amplify and provide reliable and accurate information from official health advisories. g. Effective, integrated, and coordinated communication is integral in building a better, healthier future for people all over the world.

4.3.4 Power and Energy

a. Concerned LGUs to avail/access DOE Department Circular No. 2020-04-0008, Rationalizing the Utilization of Energy Regulation (ER) 1-94 funds by host LGUs in response to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. b. Energy projects that have long gestation period should receive continued or enhanced financing support to address the long overdue issues on the unreliability of power. c. Allow Qualified Third Party (QTP) program, enter into Partnership or Joint Venture through Private Sector Participation (PSP) in off-grid and unviable areas. d. NEA and ECs to be steadfast in their commitment to meet the total electrification target. ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 61 e. Alternative power supply facilities shall be provided in remote and upland areas where conventional transmission lines are costly to install. f. Support the establishment of 105-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Zamboanga City. g. Interconnection of submarine power cable from Negros to Dapitan City. h. NEA to continue in its implementation of priority programs and projects, such as the Expanded Sitio Electrification Program for On-grid and Off-grid Areas, Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP), and Expanded Household Electrification Program (EHHEP) for On-grid and Off-grid areas.

4.4 Governance

A whole-of-society approach is not a new concept, but it remains to be harnessed in most aspects of governance especially in disaster response. The strategies of this plan consider the participation of individuals/entities in government efforts in addressing a crisis such as this COVID-19 pandemic.

As stated by the IATF Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning, LGUs bear the responsibility of delivering public services, including nationally-funded programs for health and social safety nets, enforcing the community quarantine directives, and maintaining the uninterrupted flow of essential personnel, goods, and services in their localities. The fight against COVID-19 pandemic has indeed put the LGUs at the forefront. However, LGUs have different levels of technical capacity and capability in carrying out various programs, projects and activities to address the present health crisis.

The following are the identified strategies to stem the spread of COVID-19 and to quickly adapt to the new normal.

Strengthen capacities and capabilities of LGUs as first responders and frontline service delivery units

This may not be a priority of most LGUs as there might have been more pressing concerns confronting them even prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. But LGUs need to scale up their manpower to effectively handle the COVID-19 threat and similar crisis in the future. LGUs may need capacity-building on the management of the dead and the missing, as well as, the operationalization of their respective Epidemiological and Surveillance Units, among others.

Being more knowledgeable on the socioeconomic condition of their constituents, LGUs are expected to plan and implement recovery responses, policies, and measures considering the community’s demographic vulnerability characteristics, among others.

Reinforce evidence- and/or science-based decision-making

The implementation of actions based on evidence and/or scientific models becomes more crucial when said actions affect a great number of individuals. This holds true in making decisions to address the COVID-19 pandemic, as one measure may benefit one group of people at the disadvantage of other group/s. LGUs need to take advantage of web-based and mobile applications developed by concerned government agencies, such as FASSSTER and COVID Tanod of the Department of Science and Technology and StaySafe.PH of IATF-MEID, to aid them in managing COVID-19. Policy notes of reputable institutions, discussion papers released by Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and other similar documents issued by international organizations are replete with information by which LGUs may be aided in their policy-making.

62 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Improve inter-LGUs information dissemination

The prevailing IATF-MEID guidelines empowered LCEs to impose community quarantine to a certain extent, subject to the approval of the corresponding IATF counterpart at the local level. The exercise of this prerogative calls for effective communication to the general public, not just intra-LGU but also across LGUs in the region. This will particularly be more relevant in the new normal, wherein one LGU may place a specific area in its jurisdiction under any form of community quarantine from being free from restriction or from a less restrictive to a more stringent restriction (e.g., from GCQ to modified ECQ or ECQ). Effective information dissemination will lessen, if not prevent, unnecessary hampered movements of individuals, as well as, of goods.

Establish testing center in each province and scale up carrying capacity of hospitals

Unless and until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available, the need for mass testing is still an ideal measure to help contain the virus. In view of the geographical set-up of the region, there is a need to establish testing center in every province to ensure that every case of COVID-19 will be identified at the earliest possible time and appropriate intervention will be immediately implemented. The concerned national government agencies and LGUs should also consider increasing the carrying capacity of hospitals in the region to better prepare for any adverse situation in the future.

Strengthen LGUs digitalization/automation

The importance of ICT has been amplified by the current crisis. LGUs must level up in charting their course toward digitalization/automation, especially because social distancing measure requires reconfiguration of workstations and some workers may need to work offsite due to limited working space. Also, automation provides services to the public in a more convenient and efficient manner. The implementations of electronic business permit licensing system and e-payment systems are examples where LGUs can build on to improve their efficiency and competitiveness.

Heighten transparency measures

The general public demands greater transparency with the response and recovery efforts of the government costing billions of pesos. Cooperation by the public in government drives largely depends on the level of trust and confidence the people has over their local leaders. Hence, public trust and confidence must be upheld especially in this time where support and cooperation by the public are of utmost importance. LGUs may consider using social media to publish their expenditures, list of beneficiaries, among others. City/ Municipal/Provincial LGUs may also set up transparency hotline for citizens to report anomalies at the lower level, taking into consideration the anonymity and protection of the one reporting. RLAs may do the same for their respective programs and projects.

Responsive utilization of public funds

National and local governments need to revisit their expenditure priorities with the view of creating more fiscal space to respond to the present needs. Priority should be given to programs and projects that are relevant, urgent, and critical to contain or prevent the spread of COVID-19, mitigate its effects and impact to the community, and prevent serious disruption to both the government and private operations. The reduction of operational expenditures may be explored upon to increase available funds to implement the programs and projects referred to above.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 63 Promote cashless transaction

Cashless transaction should take new heights. Public and private establishments/institutions may use financial technology and national retail payment system such as InstaPay and PesoNet. These services provide convenient, safe, and secure alternative to face-to-face cash or check transactions. They can be used by individuals for person-to-person money transfers, remittances, bill payments, or payments to merchant accounts for purchases of goods and services. Business establishments may also tap these services in accepting client payments, and in paying their suppliers and creditors, among others. Government agencies may facilitate person-to-government transactions such as tax payments, or government-to-person transactions such as the distribution of monetary benefits under the Social Amelioration Program of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act using the InstaPay and PesoNet. LGUs are encouraged to provide incentives to business establishments utilizing these resources.

Provide platform for public participation

As citizens become more empowered, the government should provide a platform for them to collaborate and contribute ideas. Some LGUs have used social media as a platform for information dissemination. The same platform may be used to solicit ideas from the public as the government does not have the monopoly of knowledge.

Promote participatory disaster response

Time and again, private associations and/or organizations never failed to render assistance during calamities. However, assistance from these entities oftentimes proceeds independently of the government. The limited resources will be maximized and redundancy will be minimized if proper collaboration and coordination between the government and these private organizations are well instituted. As observed, there were volunteers who were refused by local authorities because of fear of being infected with COVID-19, which would unnecessarily burden them instead of being able to help. The existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management mechanism may be explored to streamline participatory disaster response. Establishing a pool of reserved volunteers, similar to the idea of military reserve, may also be considered.

Support MSMEs to optimally operate amidst the health crisis and provide good business environment for new investments to come in

The prolonged sub-optimal operation of businesses will definitely affect public funds in two ways. First, the government will continue to allot funds to cushion the effect of COVID-19 to those who will lose income due to temporary or permanent loss of job, among others. This will further drain public funds earmarked, otherwise, for key programs and projects of the government. Second, the reduced income of business establishments will mean lesser revenue collection on the part of the government. While fiscal and monetary measures are being implemented at the national level, LGUs should also craft measures to stimulate local economy and provide sound business environment to attract new investments.

Institutionalize the adoption of technology in the judicial system

As the present crisis likewise stalled the judicial system across countries, the Philippine Supreme Court issued Administrative Circular No. 37-2020 on 27 April 2020, which allowed pilot testing of hearings of criminal cases involving persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) through videoconferencing. The use of ICT will not only facilitate case disposition, but will also lessen cost both to the government and parties of the cases. Also, the institutionalization of the use of ICT will ensure that the administration of justice will remain unimpeded during similar crisis in the future. 64 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Promote Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program

President Duterte issued Executive Order No. 114 on 06 May 2020 institutionalizing the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program. The Program aims to decongest Metro Manila and promote more robust regional development. The LGUs are encouraged to support the program in formulating policies and implementing the program’s components. These are the suggested strategies aimed to encourage investors to come in and ensure better settlements of residents: (a) operationalization of growth centers as identified in the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Spatial Development Framework and (b) CLUP updating/designating settlement, production, protection and infrastructure areas to influence concentration of people and connectivity of services.

Other strategies affecting governance include:

a. Maintain close monitoring of suspect persons b. Strict implementation of contact tracing c. Strengthen feedback mechanism, including the reporting of updates to ensure quick, if not real time, information dissemination d. Continued strict implementation of social distancing e. Avoid face-to-face dialogue f. Continued implementation of alternative work arrangement g. Fast-track implementation of CBMS h. Fast-track implementation of National ID System

Policy Recommendations

Creation of ICT Department/Division/Unit in the LGUs

One of the hindrances of LGUs to take full advantage of ICT is the lack of technical personnel to handle ICT concerns. This gap will be bridged by creating plantilla positions for ICT Specialists in LGUs. This may necessitate structural review to ensure leaner and more competent LGU personnel. Review of the Local Government Code provisions on Personnel Services (PS) cap Relative to the first recommendation, it may pay to revisit the pertinent provisions on PS limitation, taking into consideration also the increase of the Internal Revenue Allotment of LGUs pursuant to the Supreme Court ruling on Mandanas Case.

4.5 Environment

The identified strategies to mitigate/lessen the impact of COVID-19 to the environment are:

a. Streamline the management of health care and infectious wastes, especially at the community and household levels. There is a need to coordinate with LGUs on proper segregation of their infectious waste at the community and household level; and b. Prioritize the protection and conservation of natural resources, especially in degradation hotspots and critical ecosystems.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 65

Chapter 5

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 67

Financial and Investment Requirements

Timely implementation of programs and projects is critical in mitigating the losses brought about by the imposition of community quarantine as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is also instrumental in preparing the region towards the new normal.

While Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act authorized the President to exercise emergency measures that involved identifying sources of funds programs and projects to combat the global pandemic, the government also opted to be more conservative in dealing with the challenge of providing adequate funds. The Department of Budget and Management released National Budget Circular No. 580 directing concerned government instrumentalities to adopt economy measures by discontinuing release of 35% of programmed appropriations under the FY 2020 GAA starting April 1, 2020. Likewise, at least 10% of total released allotments under certain items in the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses and Capital Outlays are no longer made available for obligation.

The spread of the COVID-19 has shocked governments and created havoc around the world regardless of their economic standing. The Philippines, being a developing country, is striving hard to cope with the damages. The assistance from the private sector in these trying times is significant, particularly in augmenting the necessary financial and investment requirements in addressing the crisis. Hence, complementary initiatives between and among the government and private sectors are imperative.

Investments for medical response should be strengthened to manage if not yet totally stop the spread of the virus. Treatment centers for COVID-19 patients are given priority by assigning and/or establishing quarantine or isolation facilities following the required standards. Programs for the protection of health workers including their benefits should be in place. Emergency subsidy for poor households shall also be implemented to aid their basic needs such as implementation of Social Amelioration Program and the enhanced Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), being badly hit by the pandemic, shall be offered affordable loans from the government as they resume and normalize their operations. The production sector should also be fortified with projects designed to improve its productivity and improve supply chains in order to ensure food security amid the crisis. Innovations to include those for contactless transactions, as well as ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 69 those that involve increasing shelf life of healthy foods, shall be further emphasized by boosting investment in research and development.

The government shall continue providing enabling conditions so that private entities could pour in investments. Digital connectivity shall be supported in order to address the increasing demand for online activities. Construction and repair of roads and bridges shall be continued in pursuit of seamless delivery of food produce and other basic necessities. Infrastructure projects for water and sanitation shall be hastened to respond to the call to maintain hygienic practices at homes, workplaces, and public places.

Projects for peace and development initiatives shall be more evident to keep order and avoid chaos in the communities. Also, advocacy activities and dissemination of the right information shall be given priority investment in order to further encourage public participation in battling against the pandemic.

Multi-purpose buildings (MPBs) in various local government units are also seen as facilities to address the pandemic. The MPBs could be converted into makeshift health facilities and isolation sites should there be shortage of hospitals and health-care facilities in the locality due to the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the buildings could be used as additional evacuation centers in times of disaster or calamity.

Summary of Investment Requirements

As a summary, the region requires an aggregate amount of PHP102.33 billion to carry out programs and projects in response to the COVID-19 crisis (Table 6.1). The environment sector would need an investment amounting to PHP35.42 billion or a share of 35 percent of the total funding requirement (Figure 6.1). The bulk of the investment requirement is for the proposed construction of the Zamboanga City Impounding Dam. The transportation sector requires PHP32.87 billion or about 32 percent. The economic sector requires PHP16.92 billion worth of programs and projects while the social services sector would need PHP13.59 billion. The governance sector PHP3.35 billion. Projects under other projects category amount to PHP179.18 million.

70 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 71

Chapter 6

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 73

Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism

The Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES), as a monitoring tool created by virtue of Executive Order 93, series of 1993, shall also serve as the guide for monitoring the implementation of major programs and projects contained in the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program (RRP) aside from the Regional Development Plan (RDP) and its companion document, the Regional Development Investment Program.

Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX, as the monitoring arm of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX, monitors and evaluates all area development programs, as well as, foreign-assisted projects that are being implemented in the region. The Committee conducts quarterly field validation of various programs and projects of implementing agencies, particularly high impact projects that are considered critical by the RDC. In this regard, the RPMC shall also include in its monitoring coverage the programs and projects included in the RRP.

The activation and engagement of the local project monitoring committees (LPMC) is crucial as they are responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of programs/projects under their respective jurisdictions.

Problems/Issues which impede project implementation and/or operation of specific programs/projects are discussed by the RPMC/LPMCs with concerned entities during their quarterly meetings cum problem- solving sessions. Full disclosure of project documents and implementation at all levels is necessary to come up with appropriate recommendations by the RPMC/LPMC and for guidance/appropriate action of the implementing agencies and concerned parties to facilitate project completion.

The focus of the M&E is on the results or outcome levels as contained in the Results Matrices (RMs) of the various chapters of the RDP as cascaded at the local level, Results-based Monitoring and Evaluation (RbME) system of major programs and projects, and community-based monitoring system of local government units, among others.

The RMs and RbME consist of indicators to evaluate results corresponding to the strategies, programs, and projects in the RDP. Similarly, indicators in the programs and projects identified under the RRP to address the impact of COVID-19 will be monitored. ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 75 Indicators for the enabling program due to COVID-19 shall be formulated to assess the results and outcomes of the implementation of the new programs and projects. The indicators shall be aligned with those that are identified in the Core Regional Indicator System, Results Matrix and Sustainable Development Goals. Baseline data and annual targets shall be provided to measure the progress of the RRP towards addressing COVID-19 and other forms of plague. The LPMCs shall conduct quarterly project monitoring of RRP programs and projects implemented at the local level for submission to the RPMC, and subsequent endorsement to the RTF COVID-19. The RTF COVID-19 shall submit the quarterly monitoring reports to the NTF COVID-19.

Figure 6.1 RPMES: Overall System Framework

76 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Chapter 7

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 77

Communication Strategy Introduction

Consistent with Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022, the ZamPen RRP shall be communicated with all the constituents in the region in the manner most feasible at less cost. It shall utilize all available channels, especially the social media where people, young and old, converse.

Objective

It is envisioned that people will be well informed of the appropriate government interventions to restore economic and social opportunities, health, ecological, and public safety to pre-COVID-19 condition, if not to make it better, especially for the poorest of the poor.

It is also the aim of the Program to let the people understand the government’s efforts to continue to provide the basic social services necessary to prevent the recurrence of the pandemic disease.

Composition

On 01 May 2020, the RDRRMC –Regional Task Force COVID – 19 issued Memorandum No. 33, series of 2020, entitled, “Support the Programs and Activities of Task Group on Strategic Communications on COVID-19” in the region. With this issuance, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX takes the lead role in ensuring that people are informed of the government’s programs and projects to recover from the negative impact brought about by the pandemic virus that has claimed many lives. As chair of the TG-Strategic Communications on COVID-19, PIA IX shall lead in the advocacy campaign all over the region together with other 18 agencies.

Membership, however, shall be expanded to include other agencies such as government-owned and controlled corporations, academe, local government units, non-government organizations, among others, when their presence/contribution is so required.

Meantime, NEDA IX shall act as secretariat of this activity. As the technical secretariat of RDC IX, it shall coordinate advocacy activities to ensure that what have been planned are implemented, and the desired outcome is achieved. ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 79 Methodology

Prior to the formulation of the RRP, the PIA IX has already taken the lead in the Bantay COVID-19 information dissemination drive. Before the issuance of Memo 33, regular briefings were held four times a week live via “Kapihan na Zamboanga” with the cooperation of media friends and followers in Zamboanga Peninsula, and Tawi-Tawi. The first episode aired on 23 March 2020.

PIA IX aired six episodes in March, and 10 episodes from 01-21 April 2020, in collaboration with EMEDIA Mo Solid!, Mindanao Cable Television, RMN DXRZ Zamboanga City, RMN DXPR Pagadian City, Radyo Pilipinas, DXNO Basilan, DXGD Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, PIO Team of Zamboanga City LGU, PNP Regional Office IX, Team Tabak, Victory Zamboanga del Sur Facebook Page, Regional Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Mindanao Communicators Network, and the RIATF 9 with chat groups of the different government agencies, and indo volunteer groups as indo multipliers throughout the region.

To generate support to the RRP:

a. A forum shall be conducted in the provinces and cities. If physical forum is not warranted, it shall be undertaken via videoconferencing; b. Heads of agencies and other experts shall serve as resource persons, highlighting the major goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the RDP to enable the region attain its vision; c. The Local Chief Executives shall also be invited to present their development thrusts of the LGU; d. Translation of the RRP’s vision in the vernacular and developing of messages may be explored; and e. Trainings and Workshops shall be conducted to TG-StratCom on COVID IX for capability building.

Action Plan

Below are the advocacy activities to be undertaken from the second semester of the 2020 until the 1st quarter of 2021, subject to further workshops and planning preparations by the TG-StratCom on COVID-19:

I. Communicating Priority Programs and Projects

a. Utilization of traditional mass media and digital media in the production of news and feature stories, updates, and development of information materials for public dissemination. Thess include press and photo release, radio program, broadcast releases, text blast, TV/radio plugging, video streaming and sharing, development and distribution of IEC materials.

ACTIVITIES TOTAL No. of press releases produced and disseminated 169 No. of broadcast releases produced and disseminated 134 No. of photo releases produced and disseminated 93 No. of Text Blasts produced and disseminated 120 No. of situation report submitted 647 No. of Video streams produced, disseminated/shared 12 No. of social cards produced and disseminated 80 No. of radio program episodes conducted/aired 120

80 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan b. Development of appropriate print collaterals (posters) for dissemination especially to far-flung infiltrated communities and TV and radio ads, and social media collaterals including airtime fees (for radio and TV), and dissemination through PIA IX regular channels.

ACTIVITIES TOTAL No. of TV/Radio Plugs produced and disseminated 169 No. of posters/flyers/tarpaulins produced 134

II. Community Engagement/On-Ground Communication Activities

Engagement with communities through ground and grassroots communication activities through media forums, information-serbisyo caravans, conduct of communication research through situation reports, gathering of issues and concerns, etc. This includes the support given to Presidential Visits and PCOO-led activities.

ACTIVITIES TOTAL No. of Kapihan/Talakayan conducted 11 No. of press briefing/media forum conducted 12 No. of forums conducted/facilitated 6

III. Institutional Development and Capability Building

These are technical assistance provided to government institutions/development organizations through consultancy, content management, sharing of information and expertise, events management and media mobilization, training, inter-agency meetings, and networking with communicators and information volunteers.

ACTIVITIES TOTAL No. of inter-agency meeting conducted/facilitated 30 No. of COMNET meetings/activities attended facilitated 8 No. of CDIO-IVN meetings/activities attended 16

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 81

List of Annexes

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 83

Annex 1. Issuances on COVID-19 in Region IX

Name of LGU Title of Issuances Date Dapitan City, Zambo- Executive Order No. 04 s. 2020 “An Order Prescribing the Policies and Guide- 11 March 2020 anga del Norte (ZDN) lines for the Prevention and Implementation of Precautionary Measures of the Outbreak of COVID-19 in the City of Dapitan” Municipality of Duma- Executive Order No. 07 s. 2020 “An Order Declaring the Suspension of Classes 13 March 2020 linao, Zamboanga del in all levels, from Pre-School to Secondary levels in Public Schools within the Sur (ZDS) Jurisdiction of the Municipality of ” Municipality of , Executive Order No. 20-033 s. 2020 “Suspending All Classes at All Levels in the 13 March 2020 ZDS Municipality of Bayog from March 16-31, 2020” Municipality of , Issued Public Health Emergency Advisory re Covid-19 13 March 2020 ZDN Municipality of Tuku- ZDS - Executive Order No. 2020-05 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Declaring 13 March 2020 ran, ZDS Postponement of Activities and Suspension of Classes at All Levels throughout the Municipality of ” Dipolog City, ZDN Executive Order No. 09-2020 “Immediately Suspending Social Events both Pub- 14 March 2020 lic and Private, to Help Combat the Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) in Dipolog City”

Executive Order No. 10-2020 “Cancellation of Classes in All Levels both in Pub- lic and Private Schools Effective March 16, 2020 until further notice” Province of Zamboan- Executive Order No. 20-23 s. 2020 “Cancellation of Classes in both Public and 14 March 2020 ga del Norte Private Schools in all Levels within ZDN from March 16, 2020 until further notice” Province of Zamboan- ZDS – Executive Order No. 04-2020 s. 2020 “An Order Declaring the Indefinite 14 March 2020 ga del Sur Suspension of Classes in All Levels and Postponement of All Public Activities and Gatherings in ZDS from March 14, 2020 until further notice” Zamboanga City Executive Order No. BC552-2020 “An Act Strengthening the Precautionary 14 March 2020 Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Zamboanga City” Municipality of , Executive Order No. 011 s. 2020 “Providing Guidelines to Contain and Prevent 15 March 2020 ZDN the Spread of COVID-19 in the Municipality of Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte” Dipolog City, ZDN Executive Order No. 09 s. 2020 “Immediately Suspending Social Events and 15 March 2020 Mass Gatherings, both Public and Private, to Help Combat the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in the City of Dipolog and for Other Relevant Purposes” Zamboanga City (ZC Guidelines for the Suspension of Incoming Land, Air, and Sea Transport to Zam- 15 March 2020 DRRMO) boanga City Province of Zamboan- Executive Order No. 2020-06 “An Act Declaring the Province the Province of 15 March 2020 ga del Sur Zamboanga del Sur under Community Quarantine Suspending All Incoming Travel by Land, Sea, and Air from Abroad, Manila, and other Provinces” Province of Zamboan- Executive Order No. 20-24 “Imposing General Community Quarantine in the 15 March 2020 ga del Norte Province of Zamboanga del Norte from March 17, 2020, 12:00 noon until April 14, 2020” Province of Zamboan- Executive Order No. 1011-03-16-2020-009 “An Executive Order Restricting the 16 March 2020 ga Sibugay Movement of People in Order to Prevent the Entry and Spread of COVID-19 in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay”

Executive Order No. 1011-030-15-2020-008 “An Order Imposing a Suspen- sion of Classes beginning March 16, 2020 – April 14, 2020, Temporary Ban of Mass Gatherings and Heightening the Enforcement of Precautionary Measures Against COVID-19 Disease within the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay” Pagadian City, ZDS Executive Order No. 14 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Declaring a State of Pub- 16 March 2020 lic Health Emergency in Pagadian City Heeding the Declaration of a National Public Health Emergency Caused by the Rapid Spread of Corona Virus Dis- ease-2019 (COVID-19) in the Country”

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 85 Name of LGU Title of Issuances Date Municipality of Diplah- Executive Order No. 2020-03-018 “An Executive Order to Immediately Suspend 17 March 2020 an, ZSP all Social Events and Mass Gatherings, both Public and Private, to help Prevent the Contact and Spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in the Municipality of Diplahan and for other Relevant Purposes” Dipolog City, ZDN Executive Order No. 20-22 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Providing for Preventive 17 March 2020 Measures against the Spread and Transmission of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte”

Executive Order No. 11 s. 2020 “Providing Further Guidelines on Social Distanc- ing and Adopting a Calibrated Community Quarantine in the City of Dipolog and for other Relevant Purposes” Municipality of Piñan, Executive Order No. 6 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Implementing Presidential 17 March 2020 ZDN Proclamation No. 922 dated March 9, 2020 and Reiterating the Prohibitions and Protocols in Dealing with COVID-19” Municipality of Mid- Executive Order No. 04 “An Executive Order Creating the Municipal Outbreak 17 March 2020 salip, ZDS Prevention and Response Task Force against Novel Coronavirus in the Munic- ipality”

Executive Order No. 10 s. 2020 “Executive Order Imposing an Indefinite Post- ponement on Mass Gatherings, the Suspension of Classes and Heightening the Enforcement of Precautionary Measures against COVID-19 within the Munici- pality of ” Municipality of San Mi- Executive No. 08 s. 2020 “An Order Directing the Cancellation of Events with 17 March 2020 guel, ZDS Mass Gatherings within Terrestrial Jurisdiction of the Municipality of San Miguel in Relation with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)” Municipality of Laban- Executive Order No. 7 s. 2020 “An Order Directing all Establishments within the 17 March 2020 gan, ZDS Territorial Jurisdiction of the Municipality of Labangan to Execute Safety Precau- tions that can Prevent Transmission of CoVID-19 Viruses”

Executive Order No. 6 s. 2020 “An Order Enforcing Sabayang Paglilinis Kontra COVID-19 Every 7 in the Morning and 5 in the Afternoon as Avoidance Measure on the Possible Transmission of COVID 19 Disease”

Executive Order No. 5 s. 2020 “An Order Declaring the Restriction of Minors to all Internet Shops & Café’s within the Municipality of Labangan by Reason of COVID 19 Public Health Care” Municipality of Godod, Executive Order No. 6 s. 2020 “An Order Instituting the Municipality of Godod 17 March 2020 ZDN under Calibrated Community Quarantine to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in the Municipality” Municipality of , Executive Order No. 13 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Imposing General Commu- 18 March 2020 ZDN nity Quarantine from March 18, 2020 – April 14, 2020” Province of Zamboan- Resolution No. 2020-7340 “Declaring the entire Province of Zamboanga Sibugay 18 March 2020 ga Sibugay under Strict Community Quarantine from March 16, 2020 – April 14, 2020” Municipality of Siayan, Executive Order No. 01 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Providing for the Preventive 18 March 2020 ZDN Measures Against the Spread and Transmission of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Municipality of Siayan, Zamboanga Del Norte” Province of Zamboan- Executive Order No. 2020 s. 2020 “An Act Declaring the Province of Zamboanga 18 March 2020 ga del Sur del Sur Under State of Calamity and Under Enhanced Community Quarantine” Zamboanga City Executive Order No. BC 553-2020 “An Act Declaring an Enhanced Community 18 March 2020 Quarantine in Zamboanga City for the Impending Spread of COVID-19” Municipality of Leon B. Executive Order No. 11 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Directing the Adoption of 18 March 2020 Postigo, ZDN the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 07, s. 2020 with the subject ‘Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements for the Duration of the State of Public Health Emergency Pursuant to Proclamation No. 922” Municipality of Mutia, Executive Order No. 03 s. 2020 “An Executive Order Creating the Municipal 19 March 2020 ZDN Inter-Agency Task Force in the Management or Emerging and Re-Emerging In- fectious Disease (MIATF-MERID) in the Municipality of Mutia, Zamboanga Del Norte”

86 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Name of LGU Title of Issuances Date Municipality of Tigbao, Executive Order No. 02 s. 2020 “An Order Suspending Classes from March 15, 19 March 2020 ZDS 2020 until further notice in All Levels both Public and Private Schools in the Municipality of Tigbao, As well as Cancellation of Gatherings or any Events in this Municipality, Subject to further Guidelines and Directives that may be Issued by the National Government and Province of Zamboanga del Sur to Prevent Community Transmission, Minimize Movement of Persons/Students are abate the Spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)”

Executive Order No. 03 s. 2020 “An Order Declaring the Municipality of Tigbao under Community Quarantine and Providing Guidelines Thereto” Municipality of Siayan, Executive Order No. 02 s. 2020 “Creating the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force for 19 March 2020 ZDN the Management of Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease in the Municipal- ity of Siayan, Zamboanga Del Norte”

Executive Order No. 3 s. 2020 “Adopting General Community Quarantine Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-24 duly Issued by Provincial governor, Roberto Y. Uy and Further Providing Guidelines on Social Distancing and Implementing an Extensive Community Quarantine in the Municipality of Siayan, Zamboanga Del Norte from March 20, 2020, 12:00 noon until April 14, 2020” Province of Zamboan- Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of Executive Order No. 2020-24 19 March 2020 ga del Norte Municipality of Leon B. Municipal Ordinance No. 2020-01 “An Ordinance Imposing Curfew in the Munic- 23 March 2020 Postigo, ZDN ipality of Leon B. Postigo from 8:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Requiring all Establish- ments to Close at 8:00 P.M. due to Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19), Providing Exemptions and Penalties Therefor and for other purposes” Municipality of , Executive Order 08 s. 2020 “General Community Quarantine in the Municipality 24 March 2020 ZDN of Liloy, Zamboanga Del Norte starting 1200H on March 24, 2020.” Zamboanga Sibugay Executive Order No. 1011-03-23-2020-010 “Declaring the Whole Province on 24 March 2020 Province Extreme Enhance Community Quarantine in Order to Prevent the Entry and Spread of COVID 19 effective March 25, 2020” Municipality of Laban- Executive Order No. 09 s. 2020 “Creating the Municipal Expanded Corona Vi- 25 March 2020 gan rus Disease (COVID-19) Inter-Agency Task Force of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur”

Executive Order No. 10 s. 2020 “An Act Declaring the Municipality of Labangan Under the State of Calamity and under Enhanced Community Quarantine” Zamboanga City General Advisory: Lockdown in Barangay Sinunuc as hometown of the 1st Con- 25 March 2020 firmed COVID-19 Case in Region IX. Zamboanga City Executive Order No. BC 559-2020 “An Order Providing for the Temporary Clo- 28 March 2020 sure of the Portion of the Sta Catalina – Talon- Talon Road from the Junction with Veterans Ave. to the Junction with Murga Road (Mt. Apo Lodge)” Source: Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council IX Situational Report # 19, 22 April 2020

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 87 88 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Annex 2. List of Programs, Projects and Activities

Zamboanga Peninsula COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program, 2020-2022 Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) SUMMARY

Sector/Subsector Annual cost TOTAL (in Thousand Pesos) (in Thousand 2020 2021 2022 Pesos) TOTAL (in Thousand Pesos) 18,510,832.81 27,833,090.10 55,985,504.34 102,329,427.25 Economic 3,801,163.53 7,003,317.08 6,114,428.19 16,918,908.80 Production 2,926,341.48 6,680,837.08 5,768,204.47 15,375,383.03 Agriculture and Fisheries 1,046,239.48 1,498,676.08 969,452.72 3,514,368.28 Industry and services 1,880,102.00 5,182,161.00 4,798,751.75 11,861,014.75 Financial Services 811,672.38 216,089.50 237,698.45 1,265,460.33 Employment Assistance 63,149.67 106,390.50 108,525.27 278,065.45 Social Services 7,316,283.00 2,983,126.00 3,289,687.80 13,589,096.80 Health 57,900.00 56,900.00 107,500.00 222,300.00 Nutrition 160.00 160.00 - 320.00 Education 2,204,583.00 2,687,394.00 2,946,695.80 7,838,672.80 Housing 1,047.00 4,617.00 1,437.00 7,101.00 Social Protection 5,052,593.00 234,055.00 234,055.00 5,520,703.00 Environment 461,435.62 3,384,254.44 31,578,473.88 35,424,163.94 Governance 260,593.84 740,689.58 2,348,300.46 3,349,583.88 Transportation 6,492,171.82 13,721,703.00 12,654,614.00 32,868,488.82 Others 179,185.00 - - 179,185.00

Summary Sector Total Cost % Economic 16,918,908.80 16.53 Social Services 13,589,096.80 13.28 Environment 35,424,163.94 34.62 Governance 3,349,583.88 3.27 Transportation 32,868,488.82 32.12 Others 179,185.00 0.18

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 89 P19.00/kg Remarks Computed at NFA IX NFA DA, LGUs DA, LGUs DA, LGUs DA, LGUs DA, LGUs DA, LGUs Responsi - ble Agency

55,885.34 61,181.71 13,398.88 44,335.89 20,088.39 152,855.80 957,334.00 3,514,368.28 TOTAL Pesos) 16,918,908.80 15,375,383.03 (in Thousand 4,898.08 7,343.49 18,628.45 55,877.80 22,365.52 16,207.38 969,452.72 417,354.00 2022 6,114,428.19 6,114,428.19 5,768,204.47 4,452.80 6,675.90 20,332.29 18,628.45 50,798.00 14,733.98 397,480.00 2021 7,003,317.08 6,680,837.08 1,498,676.08 Annual cost (in Thousand Pesos) 4,048.00 6,069.00 18,483.90 18,628.45 46,180.00 13,394.53 142,500.00 2020 3,801,163.53 2,926,341.48 1,046,239.48 Location Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Sector/Subsector/PPAs -Inbred rice Zamboanga Peninsula COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program, 2020-2022 Activities (PPAs) Programs, Projects and Economic Sector Economic Production Agriculture and Fisheries Agriculture IX Department of PRO - BALIK PROBINSYA TO SUPPORT Ap - An Integrated Farming GRAM (BPP): proach (Vegetable-Livestock-Fisheries) Distribution of seeds -Hybrid rice -OPV Corn -Assorted vegetable seeds -Distribution of animals Authority IX National Food Palay Procurement

90 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Remarks PRRI PRRI PRRI PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA Responsi - ble Agency

3,318.75 3,243.75 3,037.50 3,450.00 13,644.66 12,013.50 10,977.75 10,580.82 TOTAL Pesos) (in Thousand 1,440.00 4,548.22 4,004.50 3,659.25 3,526.94 1,106.25 1,081.25 1,012.50 1,150.00 19,952.00 17,374.00 2022 646.00 4,548.22 4,004.50 3,659.25 3,526.94 1,106.25 1,081.25 1,012.50 1,150.00 18,076.00 14,630.00 2021 Annual cost (in Thousand Pesos) 4,548.22 4,004.50 3,659.25 3,526.94 1,106.25 1,081.25 1,012.50 1,150.00 3,874.00 2020 Location Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Regionwide Regionwide Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Regionwide Sector/Subsector/PPAs Production and Distribution of Quality Planting Materials Information Drive: Distribution of IEC and Radio Broadcasting Authority IX Philippine Coconut - Coconut-Based Enhanced Diversification Project Coconut Fertilization Project Annual Crops (1st Phase) Intercropping of Philippine Rubber Research Institute - Technolo Piloting of Rubber Based Farming gies through Rubber Based Farming Systems

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 91 Remarks PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA Responsi - ble Agency

719.49 269.37 1,261.11 1,261.11 4,991.25 3,697.50 4,402.50 1,125.00 1,443.75 1,312.50 1,218.75 1,218.75 33,750.00 31,875.00 30,000.00 23,043.75 TOTAL Pesos) (in Thousand 89.79 420.37 239.83 375.00 481.25 437.50 406.25 406.25 7,681.25 1,663.75 1,232.50 1,467.50 11,250.00 11,250.00 10,625.00 10,000.00 2022 89.79 420.37 239.83 375.00 481.25 437.50 406.25 406.25 7,681.25 1,663.75 1,232.50 1,467.50 11,250.00 11,250.00 10,625.00 10,000.00 2021 Annual cost (in Thousand Pesos) 89.79 420.37 239.83 375.00 481.25 437.50 406.25 406.25 7,681.25 1,663.75 1,232.50 1,467.50 11,250.00 11,250.00 10,625.00 10,000.00 2020 Location Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Norte - Sector/Subsector/PPAs Intercropping of Annual Crops (2nd Phase) Intercropping of Livestock and Poultry Raising (under KEDP) Community/Household Level Coconut Pro cessing (under KEDP) Coconut Intercropping Project (under KEDP)

92 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Remarks IX IX IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA IX PCA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA Responsi - ble Agency 372.00

1,213.71 4,489.16 1,056.57 1,087.50 7,935.93 2,062.50 2,062.50 2,062.50 32,818.50 25,069.68 19,057.23 18,232.59 TOTAL Pesos) (in Thousand 687.50 130.09 352.19 362.50 424.46 687.50 687.50 8,356.56 6,352.41 6,077.53 2,645.31 1,569.96 10,939.50 2022 123.90 352.19 362.50 404.25 687.50 687.50 687.50 8,356.56 6,352.41 6,077.53 2,645.31 1,495.20 10,939.50 2021 Annual cost (in Thousand Pesos) 118.00 118.00 352.19 362.50 385.00 687.50 687.50 687.50 8,356.56 6,352.41 6,077.53 2,645.31 1,424.00 10,939.50 2020 Location Regionwide Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga Sibugay Regionwide Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga City Zamboanga del Norte Regionwide Sector/Subsector/PPAs Technical Support for the rehabilitation of old & Technical unproductive Abaca Farms Participatory Coconut Planting Project (PCPP) -Smallholders Oil Palm Development Project Rehabilitation thru Fertilization Oil Palm Planting with Fertilizer Support Support to the Opening of New Technical Abaca Farms Poultry Raising Authority IX Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Abaca Planting Production & Distribution of Materials

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 93 Remarks 2020 Budget: or Waiting the approval of the 2020 supplemental Budget 2021 - in cluded under 2 Tier IX IX IX IX IX IX PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA PHILFIDA Responsi - ble Agency BFAR IX BFAR 905.11 354.48 498.09

1,008.80 1,308.92 13,240.50 TOTAL Pesos) (in Thousand 5,656.00 313.11 313.11 352.80 123.48 457.76 174.19 4,630.50 2022 117.60 117.60 336.00 298.20 435.96 165.90 4,410.00 2021 Annual cost 2,828.00 (in Thousand Pesos) 113.00 113.00 320.00 284.00 415.20 158.00 4,200.00 2020 2,828.00 Location Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Zambo Sur - Dum ingag Kalawit ZDN Zcity & ZSP Regionwide - Sector/Subsector/PPAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources IX Bureau of Fisheries and Program ALPAS Programs under DA-BFAR I. Fisheries Development Program Aquaculture Sub-Program: Fisheries Pro a. duction and Distribution -Distribution of Milfish seeds/ fingerlings (in pcs) Quality Control & Inspection Conduct of Agricultural research Conduct of Cotton Devt. Program Maintenance of Research Facilities Abaca Disease Mngt. Project LGU Led Livelihood Training LGU Led Livelihood

94 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Remarks 2020 Budget: or Waiting the approval of the 2020 supplemental Budget 2021 - in cluded under 2 Tier 2020 Budget: or Waiting the approval of the 2020 supplemental Budget 2021 - in cluded under 2 Tier 2020 Budget: or Waiting the approval of the 2020 supplemental Budget 2021 - in cluded under 2 Tier Responsi - ble Agency BFAR IX BFAR BFAR IX BFAR BFAR IX BFAR

TOTAL Pesos) (in Thousand 9,000.00 3,000.00 17,500.00 2022 2021 Annual cost 4,500.00 1,500.00 8,750.00 (in Thousand Pesos) 2020 4,500.00 1,500.00 8,750.00 Location Regionwide Regionwide Regionwide Sector/Subsector/PPAs -Distribution of Crablets (Coin Size) -Distribution of Shrimp Fry -Establishment of Aquaparks -Establishment of

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 95 96 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Annex 2. Directory of Economy Cluster Committee, Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee, Regional Development Council, and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

Directory of Regional Task Force on COVID-19 IX – Economy Cluster

PHLORITA A. RIDAO Chairperson, RTF COVID-19 IX Economy Cluster and OIC-Regional Director, NEDA IX Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062) 945-0049; (062) 945-0953 [email protected]

MEMBERS

Local Chief Executives

VICTOR J. YU ROBERTO Y. UY Chairperson RDC IX and Governor, Province of Zamboanga del Norte Governor, Province of Zamboanga del Sur Office of the Governor Office of the Governor Provincial Capitol, Dipolog City Provincial Capitol, Pagadian City (065) 212-3563 062) 214-2944 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] WILTER Y. PALMA MARIA ISABELLE G. CLIMACO Governor, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay Mayor, Zamboanga City Office of the Governor Office of the City Mayor Provincial Capitol, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay City Hall, Zamboanga City (062)333-5557 (062) 991-6703 [email protected] [email protected] SITTI DJALIA TURABIN-HATAMAN DAREL DEXTER T. UY Mayor, Isabela City Mayor, Dipolog City Office of the City Mayor Office of the City Mayor City Hall, Isabela City, Basilan City Hall, Dipolog City (062) 200-7293 (065) 212-2484 [email protected] (065) 212-8393 [email protected] SAMUEL S. CO ROSALINA GARCIA JALOSJOS Mayor, Pagadian City Mayor, Dapitan City Office of the City Mayor Office of the City Mayor City Hall, Pagadian City City Hall, Dapitan City 062) 215-3780 (065) 213-6261 (062) 214-2830 (065) 213-6377 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ANAMEL C. OLEGARIO President, Municipal Mayors League of Zamboanga Sibugay and Mayor, Capital Town of Ipil Municipal Hall, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (065) 333-2361; 0927-394-1775 [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 97 Regional Line Agencies

GILBERT B. GUMABAY OLEGARIO J. MAGAHIN JR Acting Regional Director Branch Head Bureau of Local Government Finance IX BSP-Zamboanga Branch Pagadian City Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City (062) 215-4212; 991-4927 (062) 991-2151 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected];

RAD DONN L. CEDEÑO MARK LOUIE C. MARTIN Regional Executive Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Agriculture IX Department of Budget Management IX Lenienza, Pagadian City Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City 991-3188; 992- 3201; 991-2536 (062) 992-2505 [email protected]; [email protected]; ored_sec@ [email protected] yahoo.com.ph EMILIA P. MONICIMPO, MD MARIA TERESA M. CAMBA Regional Director Regional Director Department of Health IX Department of Information and Communications Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City Technology IX (062) 992-2745; (062) 991-3380 Corcuerra Ext., Port Area, Zamboanga City [email protected] 991 2742 [email protected] PAISAL O. ABUTAZIL ATTY. ROY L. BUENAFE Regional Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Interior and Local Government IX Department of Labor and Employment IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Veterans Ave. Ext., Tumaga, Zamboanga City Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062) 991-2673 (062) 925-0282, 925-1258, 925-0283TF; 925-0252 [email protected] [email protected] MARTIN A. WEE FATIMA S. CAMINAN Regional Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Science and Technology IX Department of Social Works and Development IX Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City Gen. V. Alvarez St., Zamboanga City (062) 991-1024; (062) 992-1114 (062)993-0652; 991-0858; 991-1001; 991-6030 [email protected] [email protected] MYRA PAZ VALDERROSA-ABUBAKAR CEFERINO J. RUBIO Assistant Secretary, Mindanao and OIC-Regional Director Concurrent Regional Director Department of Trade and Industry IX Department of Tourism IX 4th Floor, VHW Building Samboanga Bayanihan Cooperative Bldg., Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City Gen. Vicente Alvarez cor Claveria St., Zone IV, Zam- (062) 955-3237; 991-3238 boanga City [email protected] 062) 993-0030 / 955-2477 [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected] MANUEL LUIS M. OCHOTORENA Regional Director Office of the Civil Defense IX PCCARGC, Balintawak, Pagadian City 991-6361 ZC; 945-0969 PC [email protected]

98 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan RDC IX Sectoral Committee Chairpersons

MSGR. ENRICO V. MONTANO NESTOR R. CARBONERA Chairperson, DevAdCom IX and Chairperson, RSDC IX and Executive Director, ZDN Center for Social Concern Executive Director, Xavier Agriculture Ext. Services and Development Almagro Compound, , Ipil, Zamboanga Ranillo Corner Magsaysay Streets, Dipolog City Sibugay 065 212 7791 062 957 5196; 09189168797 [email protected] [email protected]

PEDRO RUFO N. SOLIVEN ATTY. CARL ANDREW M. RUBIO Chairperson, EdCom IX and Chairperson, InfraCom IX and President, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Industrial Group of Zamboanga, Inc. 2F, Unit 1, MAKENTAR Bldg. BG Investment and Development Corp Bldg. Mayor Jaldon St., Canelar, Zamboanga City Corner T. Claudio and Nuñez Sts, Zamboanga City 062 955 6703 0908 872 1681 09177101959 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 99 Directory of the Committee on Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery IX

MEMBERS

FIRE SSUPT. SYDNEY C. BESAÑA ALVIN R. ARANETA Regional Director Director IV Bureau of Fire Protection IX Civil Service Commission IX Zamboanga City , Zamboanga City 991-5320 955-2765 F; [email protected] 955-5946 [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected] RAD DONN L. CEDEÑO ATTY. RAMON E. MADROÑAL JR. Regional Executive Director Regional Director Department of Agriculture IX Department of Agrarian Reform IX Lenienza, Pagadian City Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City 991-3188; 992- 3201; 991-2536 (062) 955-2155 [email protected]; [email protected]; ored_sec@ [email protected] yahoo.com.ph MARK LOUIE C. MARTIN CRISANTA MARLENE P. RODRIGUEZ OIC-Regional Director Regional Executive Director Department of Budget Management IX Department of Environment and Natural Resources IX Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government (062) 992-2505 Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City [email protected] (062)925-0233; 215-4070; 945-0870; 945-0885 [email protected] [email protected] ISABELITA M. BORRES PAISAL O. ABUTAZIL Regional Director Regional Director Department of Education IX Department of Interior and Local Government IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062) 215-3747 (062) 925-0282, 925-1258, 925-0283TF; 925-0252 [email protected] [email protected] EMILIA P. MONICIMPO, MD ATTY. DENNIS F. ARAOJO Regional Director OIC-Regional Prosecutor Department of Health IX DOJ-Office of the Regional Prosecutor IX Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City Hall of Justice, Zamboanga City (062) 992-2745; (062) 991-3380 991-0257 [email protected] [email protected] ATTY. ROY L. BUENAFE CAYAMOMBAO D. DIA OIC-Regional Director Regional Director Department of Labor and Employment IX Department of Public Works and Highway IX Veterans Ave. Ext., Tumaga, Zamboanga City Tumaga Road., Zamboanga City (062) 991-2673 (062) 933-3008; (062) 993-3005; 991-0626; 990-1813 [email protected] [email protected] FATIMA S. CAMINAN CEFERINO J. RUBIO OIC-Regional Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Social Works and Development IX Department of Trade and Industry IX Gen. V. Alvarez St., Zamboanga City 4th Floor, VHW Building (062)993-0652; 991-0858; 991-1001; 991-6030 Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City [email protected] (062) 955-3237; 991-3238 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

100 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Directory of the Committee on Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery IX

MEMBERS

RUTH T. PAYURAN RUSTICO Q. VIRGILIA Branch Head Regional Director Government Service Insurance System Zamboanga National Bureau of Investigation IX Branch Concuera Street, Zamboanga City Moret Field, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City 992-0910 / 992-5485 062) 955-8235; 955-8237; 991-9761 [email protected] [email protected], [email protected]. ph

ENGR. CLEMENTE A. DAYOT MANUEL LUIS M. OCHOTORENA Acting Regional Manager Regional Director National Housing Authority IX and ARMM Office of the Civil Defense IX Bajamunde Bldg., Santiago District, Pagadian City PCCARGC, Balintawak, Pagadian City [email protected] 991-6361 ZC; 945-0969 PC [email protected] MARY JOANNE I. REYES PBGEN JESUS D. CAMBAY, JR. Department Manager III Regional Director Pag-IBIG Fund Western Mindanao Area Police Regional Office 9 San Jose Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City Camp Abenda, Mercedes Zamboanga City 991-2903, 991-0093 991-3003 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] RUDY MIGUEL LACANDALO DAN M. NAVARRO Acting Head Regional Director Social Security System Zamboanga Branch Technical Education and Skills Development Authority IX Phidco Bldg., Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City Talungon Drive, San Roque, Zamboanga City 63 (062) 993-0418 Fax No. 992-6896 (062) 955-2517 [email protected] [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 101 Directory of Regional Development Council IX

VICTOR J. YU Chairperson RDC IX and Governor, Province of Zamboanga del Sur Office of the Governor Provincial Capitol, Pagadian City 062) 214-2944 [email protected]

MEMBERS

WILTER Y. PALMA ROBERTO Y. UY Governor, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay Governor, Province of Zamboanga del Norte Office of the Governor Office of the Governor Provincial Capitol, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Capitol, Dipolog City (062)333-5557 (065) 212-3563 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ANAMEL C. OLEGARIO MARIA ISABELLE G. CLIMACO President, Municipal Mayors League of Zamboanga Mayor, Zamboanga City Sibugay and Office of the City Mayor Mayor, Capital Town of Ipil City Hall, Zamboanga City Municipal Hall, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (062) 991-6703 (065) 333-2361; 0927-394-1775 [email protected] [email protected]

SITTI DJALIA TURABIN-HAMAN DAREL DEXTER T. UY Mayor, Isabela City Mayor, Dipolog City Office of the City Mayor Office of the City Mayor City Hall, Isabela City, Basilan City Hall, Dipolog City (062) 200-7293 (065) 212-2484 [email protected] (065) 212-8393 [email protected]

SAMUEL S. CO ROSALINA GARCIA JALOSJOS Mayor, Pagadian City Mayor, Dapitan City Office of the City Mayor Office of the City Mayor City Hall, Pagadian City City Hall, Dapitan City 062) 215-3780 (065) 213-6261 (062) 214-2830 (065) 213-6377 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

DOMINGO V. MIRRAR ROBERTO L. UY JR. President, Municipal Mayors’ League of Zamboanga President, Municipal Mayors League of Zamboanga del Sur and del Norte and Mayor, Municipality of Lakewood Mayor, Municipality of Liloy Municipal Hall, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur Municipal Hall, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte 0936-692-8268 (065) 917-5467 [email protected] [email protected]

102 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Private Sector Representatives

MSGR. ENRICO V. MONTANO NESTOR R. CARBONERA Chairperson, DevAdCom IX and Chairperson, RSDC IX and Executive Director, ZDN Center for Social Concern Executive Director, Xavier Agriculture Ext. Services and Development Almagro Compound, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Ranillo Corner Magsaysay Streets, Dipolog City Sibugay 065 212 7791 062 957 5196; 09189168797 [email protected] [email protected] PEDRO RUFO N. SOLIVEN ATTY. CARL ANDREW M. RUBIO Chairperson, EdCom IX and Chairperson, InfraCom IX and President, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Industrial Group of Zamboanga, Inc. 2F, Unit 1, MAKENTAR Bldg. BG Investment and Development Corp Bldg. Mayor Jaldon St., Canelar, Zamboanga City Corner T. Claudio and Nuñez Sts, Zamboanga City 062 955 6703 0908 872 1681 09177101959 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ANTONIO S. RODRIGUEZ LUCILA J. DAGWAYAN PSR-Pagadian City and PSR-Dapitan City and Chairperson, Pagadian City Federation of Multi-Pur- President, United Fisherfolks Association pose Cooperatives Talisay, Dapitan City 2F City Hall Complex, Pagadian City 09156190229 062 214 4831 [email protected] 09129061022 [email protected] VICTORIA M. CAJANDIG MERCEDES LOURDES S. QUISUMBING PSR-Indigenous People Sector and PSR-Zamboanga del Sur and Executive Director Executive Officer, Pikhumpongan Dlibon Subanen, Inc. Pagadian-ZdS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDSI) Foundation, Inc. Purok Waling-waling, Napolan, Pagadian City Taklobo Stage, F.S. Pajares Ave.Pagadian City 09354177352 09399161795 [email protected] 09173009518 [email protected] JOSE J. SUAN ALFREDO L. JAMORA PSR-Labor Sector and PSR-Zamboanga Sibugay and President, Philippine Integrated Industries Labor Union Board Member, Risen Christ Parish Multi-Purpose (PILU-TUCP) Cooperative 34 Molejon Compound, Billiard Drive Libertad, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay Baliwasan Moret, Zamboanga City 09261503395 09292502615 [email protected] 09176383985 [email protected]; zamboaecozone.authority@ gmail.com [email protected] ENGR. ROLANDO A. SOLIVA MIRIAM L. SUACITO PSR-Dipolog City and PSR-Isabela City and President, Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Indus- Executive Director, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. try, Inc. Lazaro Drive, Sunrise Village Chevy Centre, National Highway Isabela City, Basilan Sta. Isabel, Dipolog City 09171009840 065 212 5897 [email protected] 09177240246 [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 103 Regional Line Agencies

GILBERT B. GUMABAY OLEGARIO J. MAGAHIN JR Acting Regional Director Branch Head Bureau of Local Government Finance IX BSP-Zamboanga Branch Pagadian City Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City (062) 215-4212; 991-4927 (062) 991-2151 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]; RODY P. GARCIA RAD DONN L. CEDEÑO OIC-Regional Director Regional Executive Director Commission on Higher Education IX Department of Agriculture IX Baliwasan Chico, Zamboanga City Lenienza, Pagadian City (062) 991-7648; 991-7649; 03162105682 991-3188; 992- 3201; 991-2536 [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected]; ored_sec@ yahoo.com.ph ATTY. RAMON E. MADROÑAL JR. MARK LOUIE C. MARTIN Regional Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Agrarian Reform IX Department of Budget Management IX Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City (062) 955-2155 (062) 992-2505 [email protected] [email protected] CRISANTA MARLENE P. RODRIGUEZ ISABELITA M. BORRES Regional Executive Director Regional Director Department of Environment and Natural Resources IX Department of Education IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062)925-0233; 215-4070; 945-0870; 945-0885 (062) 215-3747 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] PAISAL O. ABUTAZIL MARIA ANNETE F. AQUINO-HERRERA Regional Director Officer In Charge Department of Interior and Local Government IX DFA Consular Office IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government GV Building, Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062) 991-4398 (062) 925-0282, 925-1258, 925-0283TF; 925-0252 [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected] NILO J. GEROCHE EMILIA P. MONICIMPO, MD Director Regional Director Department of Energy, Mindanao Field Office Department of Health IX 3/F Felcris Cenrale, Quimpo Blvd., Davao City Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City [email protected] (062) 992-2745; (062) 991-3380 [email protected] ATTY. ROY L. BUENAFE MARTIN A. WEE OIC-Regional Director Regional Director Department of Labor and Employment IX Department of Science and Technology IX Veterans Ave. Ext., Tumaga, Zamboanga City Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City (062) 991-2673 (062) 991-1024; (062) 992-1114 [email protected] [email protected]

104 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Regional Line Agencies

MYRA PAZ VALDERROSA-ABUBAKAR CAYAMOMBAO D. DIA Assistant Secretary, Mindanao and Palawan Regional Director Concurrent Regional Director Department of Public Works and Highway IX Department of Tourism IX Tumaga Road., Zamboanga City Samboanga Bayanihan Cooperative Bldg., (062) 933-3008; (062) 993-3005; 991-0626; 990-1813 Gen. Vicente Alvarez cor Claveria St., Zone IV, Zam- [email protected] boanga City 062) 993-0030 / 955-2477 [email protected]; [email protected]

FATIMA S. CAMINAN CEFERINO J. RUBIO OIC-Regional Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Social Works and Development IX Department of Trade and Industry IX Gen. V. Alvarez St., Zamboanga City 4th Floor, VHW Building (062)993-0652; 991-0858; 991-1001; 991-6030 Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City [email protected] (062) 955-3237; 991-3238 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

CIRIACO A. CRUZ JR. ABDULYAKIN H. SALUAN OIC- Regional Director Regional Head Department of Human Settlement and Urban Devel- Presidential Management Staff IX opment IX Canelar, Zamboanga City Zamboanga City (062) 991-1668 (062) 990-1142 [email protected] [email protected]

AMINOLA P. ABATON DAN M. NAVARRO Chairperson Regional Management Council IX and Regional Director Regional Director, Land Transportation Office IX Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City IX (062) 992-5650 Talungon Drive, San Roque, Zamboanga City [email protected] (062) 955-2517 [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 105 Special Non-Voting Members

NOEMI B. EDAGA M/GEN GENEROSO M PONIO Regional Director Commander Philippine Information Agency IX 1st Infantry Tabak Division VHW Building Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur [email protected]; 0919-999-8355 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

MANUEL LUIS M. OCHOTORENA REYNALDO O. WONG Regional Director Regional Director Office of the Civil Defense IX Commission on Population and Development IX PCCARGC, Balintawak, Pagadian City Cabatangan, Zamboanga City 991-6361 ZC; 955-2292 945-0969 PC [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

RAUL M. REGONDOLA MARIA TERESA M. CAMBA Chairman and Administrator Regional Director Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority Department of Information and Communications Zamboonga Economic Zone, Zamboanga City Technology IX 991 – 3155 Corcuerra Ext., Port Area, Zamboanga City 991 – 3158 991 2742 [email protected] [email protected]

RAYMOND B. DOMINGO ARSENIO J. LIZASO Regional Head Chairman National Youth Commission IX National Commission for Culture and the Arts 3F VHW Bldg., Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros 992-4851 Manila [email protected] (02) 5272192 [email protected]; [email protected]

106 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Directory of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council IX

MANUEL LUIS M. OCHOTORENA Chairperson, RDRRMC IX and Regional Director, Office of the Civil Defense IX PCCARGC, Balintawak, Pagadian City 991-6361 ZC; 945-0969 PC [email protected]

MEMBERS

FIRE SSUPT. SYDNEY C. BESAÑA, DSC JSSUPT. JOHNSON M. CALUB, DM Regional Director Regional Director Bureau of Fire Protection IX Bureau of Jail Management and Penology IX Zamboanga City Brgy. Lenienza, Pagadian City 991-5320 Contact No: 09396274480 [email protected] [email protected] ANTONIO B. ALFONSO ALVIN R. ARANETA Officer in Charge Director IV Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – Area Center Civil Service Commission IX IX Cabatangan, Zamboanga City Zamboanga International Airport, Zamboanga City 955-2765 F; (062) 991-1394; 9919372 955-5946 [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected] RODY P. GARCIA RUBEN L. CUNANAN OIC-Regional Director Regional Director Commission on Higher Education IX Cooperative Development Authority IX Baliwasan Chico, Zamboanga City Bance Bldg., Urro St., San Jose Dist, Pagadian City (062) 991-7648; 991-7649; 03162105682 (062) 925-0181; 214-1398, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] RAD DONN L. CEDEÑO ATTY. RAMON E. MADROÑAL JR. Regional Executive Director Regional Director Department of Agriculture IX Department of Agrarian Reform IX Lenienza, Pagadian City Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City 991-3188; 992- 3201; 991-2536 (062) 955-2155 [email protected]; [email protected]; ored_sec@ [email protected] yahoo.com.ph MARK LOUIE C. MARTIN ISABELITA M. BORRES OIC-Regional Director Regional Director Department of Budget Management IX Department of Education IX Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government (062) 992-2505 Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City [email protected] (062) 215-3747 [email protected] MARIA ANNETE F. AQUINO-HERRERA MARIA TERESA M. CAMBA Officer-In-Charge Regional Director DFA Consular Office IX Department of Information and Communications GV Building, Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City Technology IX (062) 991-4398 Corcuerra Ext., Port Area, Zamboanga City [email protected]; [email protected] 991 2742 [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 107 MEMBERS

CRISANTA MARLENE P. RODRIGUEZ EMILIA P. MONICIMPO, MD Regional Executive Director Regional Director Department of Environment and Natural Resources IX Department of Health IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062) 992-2745; (062) 991-3380 (062)925-0233; 215-4070; 945-0870; 945-0885 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] PAISAL O. ABUTAZIL ATTY. ROY L. BUENAFE Regional Director OIC-Regional Director Department of Interior and Local Government IX Department of Labor and Employment IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Veterans Ave. Ext., Tumaga, Zamboanga City Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City (062) 991-2673 (062) 925-0282, 925-1258, 925-0283TF; 925-0252 [email protected] [email protected] CAYAMOMBAO D. DIA MARTIN A. WEE Regional Director Regional Director Department of Public Works and Highway IX Department of Science and Technology IX Tumaga Road., Zamboanga City Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City (062) 933-3008; (062) 993-3005; 991-0626; 990-1813 (062) 991-1024; (062) 992-1114 [email protected] [email protected] FATIMA S. CAMINAN MGEN JOSELITO B RAMOS AFP OIC-Regional Director Commander Department of Social Works and Development IX Tactical Operations Command Gen. V. Alvarez St., Zamboanga City (062)993-0652; 991-0858; 991-1001; 991-6030 [email protected] ENGR. ALEX D. JIMENEZ RUTH T. PAYURAN OIC-Regional Director Branch Head Environmental Management Bureau IX Government Service Insurance System Zamboanga , Zamboanga City Branch (062) 985-0428/9 Moret Field, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City [email protected] 062) 955-8235; 955-8237; 991-9761 [email protected] [email protected], [email protected] AMINOLA P. ABATON EFFREY A. BANGSA Regional Director, Land Transportation Office IX Regional Director Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City Maritime Industry Development Authority IX (062) 992-5650 Campaner St., Zamboanga City [email protected] (062) 991-2614; 991-8876 [email protected] [email protected] ZERITA F. CLIMACO HERNANI G. ABDON Regional Director Regional Director Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Mines and Geosciences Bureau IX Board IX Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City Zamboanga City (062) 992-2194/ 992-2086 (062) 955-4009 [email protected] [email protected] MR. PABLITO M. ABAD, JR. ATTY. PINKY GRACE PAREJA Regional Director Regional Director National Police Commission IX National Commission on Indigenous Peoples IX Pagadian City Pagadian City (062) 925-1112 (062) 214-4161, 955-0577 991-4900 [email protected] [email protected] 108 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan MEMBERS

PHLORITA A. RIDAO JOHN ROBERT R. HERMANO OIC-Regional Director Regional Director National Economic Development Authority IX National Food Authority IX PCCARGC Brgy. Balintawak, Pagadian City Gov. Ramos Ave., Zamboanga City (062) 945-0049; (062) 945-0953 (062) 985-0884 [email protected] [email protected] ENGR. CLEMENTE A. DAYOT ARIEL T. PERLADO, MNSA Acting Regional Manager Regional Director National Housing Authority IX and ARMM National Intelligence Coordinating Agency IX Bajamunde Bldg., Santiago District, Pagadian City Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City [email protected] Contact No: 09173358297; 09954870188, 991-1799, [email protected] 991-4378 [email protected] [email protected] ATTY. JURMOBIN T. BADDIRI RADM RENE V. MEDINA Regional Director Commander National Telecommunication Commission IX Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Cabatangan, Zamboanga City Zamboanga City (062) 955-2881; 215-8255 (062) 993-0212; 991-3408; 983-0993 [email protected] [email protected] PETER P. CHENG MR. RODEL L. INCLAN Program Manager III Officer In charge OPAPP-ZAMBASULTA, Zamboanga City PAGASA 09173093072 Zamboanga International Airport, Zamboanga City [email protected] 09265660252, 983-1704 [email protected] [email protected] MARY JOANNE I. REYES COMMO GREGORIO I. ADEL, JR. PCG MMPA (DSC) Department Manager III Commander Pag-IBIG Fund Western Mindanao Area Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao, Naval San Jose Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City Station, Romulo Espaldon 991-2903, 991-0093 Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City [email protected] 993-1004, 09178428446 [email protected] NOEMI B. EDAGA MEWCHUN WS PAMARAN Regional Director Regional Director Philippine Information Agency IX Philippine Statistics Authority IX VHW Building Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City NZU Bldg., Tomas Claudio St., Zamboanga City (062) 2151480, 991-6769 (062) 957 4636, 991 0824 [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ENGR. ARCIDI S. JUMAANI ABDULYAKIN H. SALUAN Port Manager Regional Head Philippine Ports Authority – PMO Zamboanga Presidential Management Staff IX Port Area, Zamboanga City Canelar, Zamboanga City (062) 991-2037 to 2039, 991-0650, 991-2360 (062) 991-1668 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 109 MEMBERS

MS. JOCELYN C. FERNANDEZ PBGEN JESUS D. CAMBAY, JR. Administrator Regional Director Philippine Red Cross-Zamboanga Chapter Police Regional Office 9 Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City Camp Abenda, Mercedes Zamboanga City Contact No. 09979767935, 992-1622 991-3003 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

EDGARDO F. FAUSTINO RUDY MIGUEL LACANDALO Acting Regional Vice President Acting Head Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Social Security System Zamboanga Branch BGIDC Corporate Center, Gov. Lim Avenue, Zambo- Phidco Bldg., Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City anga City 63 (062) 993-0418 Fax No. 992-6896 (062) 992 2739 [email protected] [email protected]

COL. ANTONIO JOHN DIVINAGRACIA DAN M. NAVARRO Commander Regional Director Task Force Zamboanga Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Camp Enrile, Malagutay, Zamboanga City IX 09178510688, 992-5120, 983-0177 Talungon Drive, San Roque, Zamboanga City (062) 955-2517 [email protected]

LTGEN. CORLETO S. VINLUAN, JR, AFP MS. KALMA JlKIRI-ISNAIN, RSW Commander, Western Mindanao Command Executive Director Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City Integrated Resource Development Tritely 955-0048(fax), 983-0412, 983-0415 Tetuan, Zamboanga City [email protected] 955-3294 [email protected] [email protected]

MS. ELSI MOLINA FR. ANGEL C. CALVO, CMF OIC Station Manager Chairman DXMR-Radyo ng Bayan ZABIDA, Inc. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City Sterville, San Jose Gusu 991-3105 Zamboanga City 09177102926, 955-2566

110 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 111 Zamboanga Peninsula COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan 2020-2022

Published by:

National Economic and Development Authority Region IX, Zamboanga Peninsula President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City 7016 Philippines (062)945-0049 [email protected] www. nro9.neda.gov.ph