Mayor Yap distributes financial aid to the brgys.
Mayor John Geesnell Yap II
The Tagbilaran City Government led by City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II allocated P 400,000 in financial assistance to each of the City’s 15 barangays, according to a report from the City Media Bureau.
Mayor Yap said the funds could be used to augment the Coronavirus disease (Covid) response in the barangays,
“During this pandemic, various expenses will put a dent in the budget, specifically during lockdowns. Thus, we saw it fit to allocate financial assistance to the barangays. This additional budget will help them to address their budgetary concerns and at the same time continue the initiatives which they have planned for,” Mayor Yap said.
Along with the financial assistance, hazard pay will also be given to the barangay workers involved in the mitigation and management of Covid pandemic in the City.
A major shift in the budget transpired during the onset of the pandemic. There are projects and plans that have been re-evaluated to accommodate more pressing concerns such as the Covid response.
It should be remembered that Tagbilaran City provided relief goods in four tranches during the City’s Enhanced Community Quarantine. Cash incentives were also provided to the solo parents, nursing mothers, and PWDs. Food coupons were also given to public school elementary kids.
The City Health Office also gave free real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests to all the incoming Tagbilaranons.
Moreover, the City Government also provided free flu vaccines to all of its employees in order to curb the spread of Covid.
The barangay health centers were also provided with vitamin supply.
Despite the impact of the pandemic, key programs and projects of the City Government still pushed through.
The giving of financial assistance to the barangays is another major initiative of the City Government to hasten development amidst the health crisis.
Tagb eyes full roll out of QR codes for contact tracing
Engr. Jerry Dumalag scans his quick response (QR) code at Alturas Mall. The Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) is one of the business establishments which availed itself of the QR code verifier application from the City Government. AGC has its own system that is linked to the City Government’s database. The system eliminates the need to fill out medical health forms. The QR code automatically provides the necessary information for contact tracing purposes. Contributed photo
Around 115,511 people, as of May 31, 2021, already got their respective quick response (QR) codes as 466 business establishments applied to get the QR code verifier application coming from the City Government, a report from the City Media Bureau says.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) eyes on providing QR codes to all Tagbilaran residents, 3 years old and above. The CDRRMO also provides the QR code to Boholanos who transact business in the City.
This initiative is pursuant to Executive Order No. 41 Series of 2020 signed by Mayor John Geesnell Yap.
This system will help streamline the contact tracing process for confirmed Coronavirus disease (Covid) patients by using digital technology to identify possible close contacts, at the same time eliminating the need to fill out traditional health declaration forms when people enter public and private establishments located in Tagbilaran City, the City Media Bureau reveals.
Once the QR code is scanned and verified, the database will show the whereabouts of an individual in a certain establishment at a certain time. The system also informs authorities about individuals who are supposed to be under quarantine. The scanner will send an alert to the establishment if an individual is under quarantine. The QR code is designed to be stored in your mobile phone or print it like an ID.
Mayor Yap said that this project is a major leap towards adjusting to the new normal.
“The QR code would help us in our fight against Covid. By observing strict health protocols like wearing our masks, washing our hands, and observing physical distancing, and QR codes, we can proceed with our daily transactions. This will assure customers they can visit and transact with establishments, safely. Aside from facilitating faster contact tracing, these QR codes can give our businesses the much-needed boost”, Yap said.
The CDRRMO already deployed 466 verifier applications to business establishments within Tagbilaran City.
One can still get a QR code by visiting City Hall, according to the City Media Bureau.
The contact tracing system was developed by Revosys, a Tagbilaran-based developer.