Karen Davila thanks Governor Sol for quick action
(April 2, 2018)
TV broadcaster Karen Davila expressed her wholehearted gratitude following the speedy action of Governor Sol Matugas with respect to her controversial post in social media which became trending and viral over the weekend.
“THANK YOU for the QUICK ACTION. This will help Siargao with the influx of tourists this summer, also resulting from the possible closure of Boracay. My only intention is to call out government on what must be done. Thank you so much,” wrote Davila.
In a statement, Gov Matugas said that ‘the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte deeply understands and shares the sentiments of Ms Karen Davila on account of the unfortunate incident of her son sustaining bruises while having actual surfing lessons in the Municipality of General Luna.’
“And for that very sad experience, we express our sincerest apologies to the family of Ms. Davila for the hassle and inconvenience brought about by the said incident. Rest assured, we are taking appropriate measures to forestall similar eventualities from happening again,” said the smart-thinking and action-oriented Governor.
Based on the official statement which Davila posted, Gov. Matugas has already issued an Executive Order requiring all Municipal Mayors in the island to provide 24/7 medical assistance for the public thru their RHUs and ensure that there is sufficient supply of medicines, being the frontline in the provision of health services in their respective areas of responsibility.
“To further ensure the safety and welfare of the tourists and locals, we have organized the rescue team composed of trained personnel from the Provincial Health Office and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office on standby in frequently visited tourist areas in the island, including Cloud 9 in General Luna. This team will be able to provide immediate medical response in emergency situations to augment/reinforce the existing health care personnel and doctors of the Rural Health Units in the locality,” it stated.
Gov. Matugas likewise ‘calls on all Local Government Units, both municipalities and barangays, to be proactive in coming up with measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the tourists, in coordination with the Provincial Government, the Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Office, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority and other national line agencies and stakeholders of the tourism industry.’
In addition, ‘the visionary and reformist Governor reiterates her appeal, through the Municipal Government of General Luna, for all beach resort operators to help the local government and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order in their respective establishments by providing security officers and installing CCTVs.’
First aid treatment, according to Gov. Matugas, should also be required from all resort operators and tourism-related establishments, including lifeguards, especially in establishments with swimming pools or along the beach, and they are to immediately coordinate with the government rescue teams in any eventualities.
“Lastly, all tourists are also urged to help the local government in its effort to reduce waste generation in the island as mandated in Executive Order No. 02, series of 2018, “Implementing and Enforcing RA 9003 (Solid Waste Management Act) and Regulating the Use of Plastic Cellophanes, Styrofoam and Plastic Bottles in the Province of Surigao del Norte,” added the idealistic Governor.
On his part, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, said that ‘it is unfortunate that Davila and her family had such traumatic experience in Siargao
“Let me assure her and her family that the government is already addressing the lack of infrastructure in tourist destinations. In the case of Siargao, Governor Matugas, Cong. Bingo and I are already taking steps to address the infrastructure problems she cited, such as the lack of first aid and medical facilities to deal with emergencies and health issues faced by locals and visitors,” said Cong. Alvarez.
He also assured the newscaster that ‘he will make sure that the budget is released for these projects.’
“Second, local government units in popular tourist sites should ensure that tourist facilities in their respective areas are properly maintained. Beach resorts should always have lifeguards on duty and surfing and diving instructors should have proper training and possess the requisite certification. LGUs in coordination with the Department of Tourism should conduct regular inspections of the facilities of tourist destinations to ensure public safety at all times,” maintained the legislator.
Thirdly, added Speaker Alvarez, ‘tourist destinations should have adequate first aid facilities and personnel for medical emergencies. Ambulances should be on standby at all times.’
“And fourth, particularly in the case of Cloud 9 surfing site, it should have adequate lighting at night. Otherwise, there should be no nighttime surfing to prevent any untoward incident,” said the leader of the House of Representatives.
Davila wrote lengthily about how her son contracted abrasions in his body after surfing and braving the seas of General Luna amid the massive and ferocious waves. She also articulated her deep concerns and serious apprehensions about the absence of licensed trainers, certified lifeguards, first aid medicine and pro-active responders, among other issues.
by: John Glenn Platil
TV broadcaster Karen Davila expressed her wholehearted gratitude following the speedy action of Governor Sol Matugas with respect to her controversial post in social media which became trending and viral over the weekend.
“THANK YOU for the QUICK ACTION. This will help Siargao with the influx of tourists this summer, also resulting from the possible closure of Boracay. My only intention is to call out government on what must be done. Thank you so much,” wrote Davila.
In a statement, Gov Matugas said that ‘the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte deeply understands and shares the sentiments of Ms Karen Davila on account of the unfortunate incident of her son sustaining bruises while having actual surfing lessons in the Municipality of General Luna.’
“And for that very sad experience, we express our sincerest apologies to the family of Ms. Davila for the hassle and inconvenience brought about by the said incident. Rest assured, we are taking appropriate measures to forestall similar eventualities from happening again,” said the smart-thinking and action-oriented Governor.
Based on the official statement which Davila posted, Gov. Matugas has already issued an Executive Order requiring all Municipal Mayors in the island to provide 24/7 medical assistance for the public thru their RHUs and ensure that there is sufficient supply of medicines, being the frontline in the provision of health services in their respective areas of responsibility.
“To further ensure the safety and welfare of the tourists and locals, we have organized the rescue team composed of trained personnel from the Provincial Health Office and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office on standby in frequently visited tourist areas in the island, including Cloud 9 in General Luna. This team will be able to provide immediate medical response in emergency situations to augment/reinforce the existing health care personnel and doctors of the Rural Health Units in the locality,” it stated.
Gov. Matugas likewise ‘calls on all Local Government Units, both municipalities and barangays, to be proactive in coming up with measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the tourists, in coordination with the Provincial Government, the Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Office, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority and other national line agencies and stakeholders of the tourism industry.’
In addition, ‘the visionary and reformist Governor reiterates her appeal, through the Municipal Government of General Luna, for all beach resort operators to help the local government and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order in their respective establishments by providing security officers and installing CCTVs.’
First aid treatment, according to Gov. Matugas, should also be required from all resort operators and tourism-related establishments, including lifeguards, especially in establishments with swimming pools or along the beach, and they are to immediately coordinate with the government rescue teams in any eventualities.
“Lastly, all tourists are also urged to help the local government in its effort to reduce waste generation in the island as mandated in Executive Order No. 02, series of 2018, “Implementing and Enforcing RA 9003 (Solid Waste Management Act) and Regulating the Use of Plastic Cellophanes, Styrofoam and Plastic Bottles in the Province of Surigao del Norte,” added the idealistic Governor.
On his part, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, said that ‘it is unfortunate that Davila and her family had such traumatic experience in Siargao
“Let me assure her and her family that the government is already addressing the lack of infrastructure in tourist destinations. In the case of Siargao, Governor Matugas, Cong. Bingo and I are already taking steps to address the infrastructure problems she cited, such as the lack of first aid and medical facilities to deal with emergencies and health issues faced by locals and visitors,” said Cong. Alvarez.
He also assured the newscaster that ‘he will make sure that the budget is released for these projects.’
“Second, local government units in popular tourist sites should ensure that tourist facilities in their respective areas are properly maintained. Beach resorts should always have lifeguards on duty and surfing and diving instructors should have proper training and possess the requisite certification. LGUs in coordination with the Department of Tourism should conduct regular inspections of the facilities of tourist destinations to ensure public safety at all times,” maintained the legislator.
Thirdly, added Speaker Alvarez, ‘tourist destinations should have adequate first aid facilities and personnel for medical emergencies. Ambulances should be on standby at all times.’
“And fourth, particularly in the case of Cloud 9 surfing site, it should have adequate lighting at night. Otherwise, there should be no nighttime surfing to prevent any untoward incident,” said the leader of the House of Representatives.
Davila wrote lengthily about how her son contracted abrasions in his body after surfing and braving the seas of General Luna amid the massive and ferocious waves. She also articulated her deep concerns and serious apprehensions about the absence of licensed trainers, certified lifeguards, first aid medicine and pro-active responders, among other issues.
by: John Glenn Platil
