Members of the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force of Lanao del Norte convened to present updates and actions taken by the respective agencies that have help in containing the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the province in line with the Executive Orders issued by Governor Imelda ‘Angging’ Quibranza-Dimaporo for the safety and health of the residents that are also in accordance to Presidential Proclamations No. 922 and 929 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Governor Angging in her opening statement expressed her sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire and Protection for their active involvement and support to the effort of the Provincial Government from the start of this fight against COVID-19.

Though the war against COVID-19 is not yet over, still the Provincial Chief Executive took the opportunity to personally thanked Brigadier General Facundo O Palafox IV, Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade; Police Colonel Rene P Solidarios, PNP Provincial Director; and the representatives of Captain Dexter V Torres, Coast Guard Acting Station Commander; and Supt. Richie E Fabre, the Provincial Fire Marshall for being an esteemed partner of the Provincial Government.

Lyndon G. Calica, the Incident Commander and the Provincial Information Officer, informed the body that the Provincial Government through the IMT in coordination with the AFP and PNP immediately identified nine (9) key regional and provincial borders for the establishment of the Quarantine Checkpoints, conducted road disinfection, monitoring of medical needs of the Provincial Hospitals and the Isolation Facility at Old Kapatagan Provincial Hospital, coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry in monitoring the prices of basic goods and prime commodities, and initiated series of relief distribution for the residents of the municipalities, to name a few.

The strong partnership with the AFP and PNP is one of the key strengths of the Provincial Government, including trained PGLDN employees to form part of the IMT, Sufficient Logistic Support and the Top Management Support led by Governor Angging and with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan chaired by Vice Governor Maria Cristina ‘Cristy’ N. Atay, Provincial Administrator Ms. Sittie Aminah Quibranza Dimaporo, the IMT Deputy Responsible Officer and the ever-supportive District Representatives, 1st District Congressman Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo, and the father of peace and development, 2nd District Congressman Abdullah ‘Bobby’ Dimakuta Dimaporo, the Incident Commander said.

While Dr. Teresa M. Reponte, the Deputy Incident Commander and the Acting Provincial Health Officer, shared that more patients can now be accommodated in the Isolation Facility at Old Kapatagan Provincial Hospital for the bed capacity has increased from 6 to 18, and said that the facility is divided into three (3) Zones-Sterile, Buffer and Contaminated with different entrance and exit.

In order to further protect the general public from the virus and to avoid local transmission in public or private hospitals, each municipality and barangay are encouraged to have their isolation facility.

The strict implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine and the presence of the Quarantine Checkpoints help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the communities. The AFP, PNP, PCG, and the BFP are always ready to respond to any threat that disrupts the peace and order in the province.

Engr. Anecita R. Lendio, Head of the IMT Planning Task Force and the Provincial Planning Development Officer, presented the NorMin TF for COVID-19 Resolutions Needing LGU Support and Actions Taken/to be Taken/Done, such as an Executive Order of the Provincial Governor for the Reconstitution of the PGLDN Inter-Agency Task Force, to create the Task Forces for COVID-19 with the structure composition, and the implementing mechanisms that are aligned with the regional and national issuance, requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass an ordinance penalizing discrimination against health workers, COVID-19 patients-PUIs, PUMs, Suspected, Probable and Confirmed.

DILG Provincial Director Bruce A. Colao was also present at the meeting and shared valuable inputs that could strengthen the effort of the Provincial IATF in containing the COVID-19 in the province.

Before the adjournment, Governor Angging thanked the members of the Provincial IATF for tirelessly performing their respective duties and responsibilities and called on all to continuously work together to win the fight against the unseen enemy, COVID-19, and with God’s mercy and guidance we will come out victorious.

The meeting was held at Macapagal Training Center, Governor Arsenio A. Quibranza Provincial Government Center compound on April 24, 2020. PIO-LDN