First PRC Molecular Laboratory in Region 2 now open
November 19, 2020 – The first Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Molecular Laboratory in Region 2 to expand the testing capacity of COVID-19 is now open in the City of Ilagan, Isabela.
Located at the Isabela Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Complex, the PRC Molecular Laboratory was blessed and inaugurated earlier today, November 19, 2020, led by Senator Richard Gordon, Chair and Executive Officer of the PRC with Gov. Rodito Albano III, Vice Gov. Faustino Dy III, Cong. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, LPGMA partylist representative Allan Ty and local officials of Isabela. The inauguration was also witnessed by Iloilo City lone district representative, Congresswoman Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda, Mr. Robert Kaufman of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo.
Cong. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano and PRC Isabela Chapter Chairman said that the Molecular Laboratory, equipped with two (2) PCR machines and one (1) RNA extractor can process up to 2,000 tests a day in the fight against COVID-19.
“You can get the swabbing in other areas and they can be brought here. Puwede kayong mag-swab sa Abra, sa Quirino at dalhin dito and it can be finished within 24 hours,” Sen. Gordon said. He also said that the PRC will set-up a warehouse facility with payloader and other equipment to service Region 2.
“Matagal ko ng minimithi ito at palakpakan ninyo ang inyong mga leaders at naitabi nila itong lugar na ito para maitayo natin kaagad,” Senator Gordon said. The senator lauded the leadership of Gov. Rodito Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino Dy III. “I’m very proud of them because they create unity in our community. The Dys and Albanos are models of unity, solidarity and teamwork,” he added.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo said that the year 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone especially in Isabela because amidst the fight against COVID-19, the province was hit by Typhoon Ulysses. Rabiya donated one hundred thousand (P100,000.00) pesos cash to the Provincial Government of Isabela for the typhoon victims.
“I’m very much honored to see people working together, people who are willing to give time and effort just to have this fight against COVID-19 virus. And one visible and tangible program that we have is this Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory which is the backbone in order for us to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” Miss Mateo said.
Gov. Rodito Albano III expressed his gratitude to Senator Gordon and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo. “Sa ngalan po ng Isabela, Ninong Dick, Miss Universe hayaan ninyo kaming magpasalamat. Inspiradong-inspirado po kami sa inyo at makakaasa kayo na ang Isabela ay babangon. Babangon po kami,” the governor said.
Gov. Albano pushes the creation of the Department of Water
November 15, 2020 – Gov. Rodito Albano III recommended the creation of the Department of Water during the visit of Vice President Leni Robredo earlier today at the Provincial Capitol, City of Ilagan, Isabela for her rescue efforts and bringing aid to worst-stricken areas affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.
“Madam Vice President, ito yung recommendation namin na sana magkaroon ng creation of Department of Water and Disaster Resilience Department. Sa Department of Water lang kami concern kasi para lahat ng water agencies magkaisa na saka para magkaroon ng isang datos lang,” Gov. Albano said.
Gov. Albano recommended the creation of the Department of Water that will oversee the collection of data of water resources and its management so that proper action from the national and local levels will be properly taken as far as flood mitigation and control is concerned. “Kasi hindi tayo makakapag-program ng ating mga gustong gawin kung walang datos. Kung magkakaiba yung datos, hindi natin mako-collate, hindi natin mapapag-aralan at hindi tayo makakapag-recommend ng proper action kasi walang data,” the governor said.
Prior to this, some citizens blamed the Magat Dam following the release of floodwaters that caused massive flooding in low-lying areas in Isabela and Cagayan. “Sinisisi yung dam. Walang kasalanan yung dam kasi kung hindi mag-release yung dam, mamamatay lahat ng tao dito, pag pumutok yung Magat Dam. So kailangan nila talagang mag-release,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Jimmy U. Rivera gave his Situation Update on the damages caused by Typhoon Ulysses in the province.
Rivera said that Isabela reported 3 deaths due to drowning and 2 missing persons. At least 392 barangays were affected from the 14 municipalities/cities of Santo Tomas, City of Ilagan, Cauayan City, Delfin Albano, Echague, Santa Maria, San Isidro, San Pablo, Gamu, Cabatuan, Naguilian, Quirino, and Reina Mercedes. As to damage report, an estimated cost of P143,981,942.62 in agriculture covering damage in crops such as corn, rice, high value crops, fisheries, livestock and solar irrigation system affecting 36,520 farmers.
“Hindi po exact ito gawa ng hindi pa makalakad ang ating mga Municipal Agriculture Officers gawa ng baha,” Rivera said.
Vice President Leni Robredo lauds local officials in Isabela
November 15, 2020 – Vice President Leni Robredo visited the Province of Isabela earlier today to oversee the extent of damage in line with her rescue efforts and bringing aid to worst-stricken provinces on the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.
Vice President Robredo lauded Governor Rodito Albano III, Vice Governor Faustino Dy III and the local officials of Isabela in their able leadership and proper management in disaster preparedness.
“Mas mapalad pa din kayo dito kasi areglado lahat. Alam ninyo ang gagawin. Maayos ‘yung pamamalakad. Hindi lahat pinapalad ng ganoon. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong opisyal, siyempre sa pamumuno ni Gov, Vice Gov, sa lahat ng officials na parating maganda ‘yung leadership na pinapakita. Iyon ‘yung pinakamahalaga sa mga sakuna,” Robredo said.
Robredo distributed relief packs to typhoon victims in a ceremony held at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. “May dala kami. Pero yung dala namin mas simbolo siya na kaisa nyo kami. Simbolo siya na pinaparamdam namin sa inyo na sa oras ng kahirapan, kasama nyo kami. Mahalaga na ang national government pinaparamdam sa inyo na hindi kayo iiwanan, na hindi kayo nakakalimutan,” she said.
Governor Rodito hinihikayat lahat ng mga magulang na ipabakuna ang kanilang mga anak na may edad lima pababa para labanan ang TIGDAS, RUBELLA at POLIO
READ: Statement of support of Gov. Rodito T. Albano to DOH's MR-OPV Supplemental Immunization Campaign
