All cemeteries in PH closed during the ‘Undas’

TACLOBAN CITY-The mayor of Borongan City, Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, is appealing to the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) to allow his constituents to visit the cemeteries during the All Saints and Souls Days.
Agda, however, in his request, emphasized that only fully vaccinated persons should be allowed to enter the cemeteries.
The government through the IATF and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has barred entry to the cemeteries, memorial parks and even columbaria beginning Friday (Oct.29) until Nov.2 as part of measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“(I am appealing to the RIATF) to allow my constituents who are fully vaccinated to enter the cemeteries as a respite for the long limited movement of our people and to be able to pay respect to our deceased loved ones,” the city mayor said.
Agda said that he hopes that the RIATF will heed on his appeal. Otherwise he will follow the order of the DILG and IATF on this matter.
The city mayor said that more than 33,000 of his residents are considered to be fully vaccinated having received their second dose.
Agda also said that they will be needing around 7,000 people for them to achieve herd immunity.
Borongan has only eight active COVID-19 cases out of its 955 total cases.
The RIATF, as of press time, has yet to issue any response to the request of the Borongan city mayor.
Meanwhile, in Ormoc City, Leyte, the wearing of face shields inside business establishments like shopping malls and banks have been lifted by its city government effective Oct.26.
The move, a first in Eastern Visayas and perhaps in the country, was part of the measures of the city under Mayor Richard Gomez easing some protocols as its COVID-19 cases is declining for the past weeks now.
Still the wearing of face masks and observance of social distancing remain mandatory in the city.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) urged local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas to adopt the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) system for a more convenient way of processing business applications during pandemic.
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Bonifacio Uy said in a phone interview Thursday the RDC approved the resolution promoting eBOSS to local governments during its virtual meeting on Sept. 30, 2021.
The eBOSS is a unified online system that eases the process of applying for business licenses and permits by providing a singular platform for the processing of applications, receipt of payments, and issuance of approved licenses, clearances, permits, or authorizations.
The system accepts online or electronic submission of an application; issues electronically the tax bill or order of payment; accepts online payments; issues electronic versions of permits, licenses, and clearances; and provides gateway facility linked to courier service for applicants who prefer to receive a hard copy of permits.
“It will help ensure the swift and contactless processing of documents for local businesses,” Uy said.
Early this year, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Joint Memorandum Circular to guide LGUs and other related agencies in processing business permits, related clearances and licenses in all cities and towns.
This is pursuant to Republic Act 11032, otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Under the joint circular, local governments were mandated to adopt the eBOSS by June 2021.
To foster LGU compliance with the eBOSS, the Eastern Visayas RDC directed that a support system be developed by the ARTA, the DICT, DTI, DILG, and other concerned agencies, according to Uy.
“The said support system includes providing guidelines and standards for the local governments in setting up the eBOSS, providing training and maintenance support for the local governments, making the relevant software available to local governments, and providing policy direction and monitoring the implementation of the standards and policies,” Uy added.
The RDC-8 also recommended the Regional Competitiveness Committee, led by the DTI and the DILG, to initiate an activity to encourage and monitor the transition of all provinces, cities, and towns to the eBOSS system.
“This is needed as this will help encourage economic dynamism and competitiveness in Eastern Visayas,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The RDC issued the reminder to local governments in response to the request of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Eastern Visayas chapter for the RDC to assess and monitor the implementation of processing of business permits and licenses in the new normal.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)

ORMOC CITY- Vice Mayor Carmelo Locsin of this city is confident that An Waray party-list group can secure votes for it to attain three seats at the House of Representatives.
Locsin is the third nominee of the An Waray with incumbent Rep. Florencio ‘Bem’ Noel as its first nominee with Mayor Allan Contado of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar as the second nominee.
Locsin said that though there are around 250 party-list groups vying for congressional seats in next year’s balloting, he is confident that An Waray can still secure three congressional seat.
“I really hope that we’ll be able to get three seats so we can help more,” he said.
Locsin said that his projection for An Waray to get three congressional seats is due to its strong performance for these past years now.
“An Waray is known around the Philippines, especially with its scholarships and medical assistance. In my visits in various parts of the country, the people there said that they will vote for An Waray because they are satisfied with its programs,” the outgoing vice mayor of this city said.
Locsin admitted that he has been visiting to different parts of the country to solicit their support.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)