Displaced PUV drivers line up as a beneficiary of the provincial government's recovery program for displaced workers. To become part of the program, they must ensure they are fit to work and meet the minimum health protocol. (Lei Adriano)
By Leilanie G. Adriano (Staff Reporter)
Laoag City—As the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic rages, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc called on the public anew to stop discriminating patients and their relatives as well as people working on the frontline against COVID-19.
“It [discrimination] is something that is very sensitive but let us try to be very understanding, especially to our frontliners,” Mr. Manotoc appealed during his virtual press conference.
Despite the recognition they receive for their heroic sacrifices, health workers face social stigma, harassment, and denial of service, among others.
On April 20, 2020, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Ordinance (PO) No. 22-2020, as amended by PO 30-2020, to penalize residents who violate lockdown protocols, including the prohibition of discriminatory acts against COVID-19 patients, frontliners, and their relatives.
Any form of discrimination is punishable with a fine of PHP5,000.00.
Also, Section 18 of Governor’s Executive Order 87-2020 ensures the safety and welfare of frontliners, stating: “Employees/personnel of the different agencies who serve as frontliners and assist in the implementation of prevention measures of COVID-19 spread shall be given all the benefits provided for by law and shall be protected from all kinds of discrimination.”
“As long as we practice health measures, we would be safe," Mr. Manotoc stressed.
On June 26, 2020, the Department of Health announced that they have shifted to a "symptoms-based" approach in following discharge and recovery protocols.
According to the World Health Organization's new criteria, patients are no longer infectious 10 days after the onset of symptoms and at least three additional days without symptoms.
Thus, patients are no longer required to undergo mandatory repeat tests before they are discharged from a medical facility.
PGIN employees receive COVID-19 hazard pay
Meanwhile, asthe hazard pay issue hogged national limelight, the Ilocos Norte provincial government here distributed the hazard pay of all its employees, regardless of their employment status.
Supplemental Budget No. 3 and 4 of the Provincial Government allocated over PHP15.7 million for the payment of mandatory obligations, COVID-19 hazard pay, and incidental expenses of various offices through Provincial Appropriation Ordinance No. 025-2020 and Provincial Appropriation Ordinance No. 029-2020, respectively.
“Through Governor Matthew’s [Manotoc] initiative, nabigyan ang lahat ng permanent, casual, and job employees from PGIN, including government hospitals ng COVID-19 hazard pay. Ito ay simpleng pasasalamat ng provincial government sa mga empleyado para sa kanilang serbisyo lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemiya,” provincial budget officer Evangeline Tabulog disclosed.
Aside from the hazard pay, the provincial government will also provide a “special risk allowance” for unidentified beneficiaries, in accordance to the Department of Health’s Memorandum No. 2020-0153.
Last year, the provincial government also allotted over PHP4 million from the Supplemental Budget No. 5 for the Magna Carta hazard pay, which benefited medical workers.
Moreover, the provincial government provided all its employees with COVID-19 relief packs on May 2020.
Displaced PUV drivers back on the road
Displaced public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the province are excited to be back on the streets again as they try to embrace the “new normal”.
For Derick Asuncion, 35, of Brgy. San Guillermo in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, driving all types of vehicles had been his way of life ever since he was employed as a bus driver for more than a decade now. Being on the road while seated in front of the steering wheel makes him earn a living as he makes sure daily commuters get to their destination safe and sound.
“Driving makes me feel alive and it has sustained me and my family needs over the years. Then COVID-19 came. I don’t know if we can back to normal again,” said Mr. Asuncion as he has been unemployed for more than four months now since the start of enhanced community quarantine in March.
Mr. Asuncion is just one among the hundreds of displaced drivers in the province who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council under the Ilocos Norte provincial government, Atty. Nikki Pilar, MINC resource person reported that their office is launching a recovery program for the affected PUV drivers who were displaced during the ECQ.
"The program will be a partnership between the provincial government and delivery service entities in Ilocos Norte in which they will employ the displaced PUV drivers as delivery riders,” she said.
As of this posting, the MINC is inviting interested drivers ages 21-60 years old who are physically fit to work and in good health condition to apply and be part of this initiative.
Ms. Pilar said a memorandum of agreement is being prepared between the delivery entities and the provincial government for the employment of these affected drivers who will serve as delivery riders in various parts of the province.
Due to limited mobility caused by COVID-19 pandemic, door-to-door delivery services became in demand to be able to access food and non-food items in the province.
On a rotation basis, Ms. Pilar said there will be a schedule for each driver to deliver an item to a customer and the driver’s earning is based on commission basis.
A draft resolution authorizing the governor to enter into a MOA with the partner delivery entities is currently under deliberation at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Once approved, displaced drivers like Mr. Asuncion hope they will be back on the street again albeit for a different reason. (With reports by Stewart C. Ocampo and Blessing Angel V. Agliam)