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► Army rescue child NPA courier in Samar

► 8th ID army chief condemns ruthless acts of NPAs in North Samar

► PIA 8 director tutors Army info officers on news writing

► Leyte tapped to host PRISAA 2010

► NCR retains Palarong Pambansa crown for the fourth consecutive year

► PGMA bats for teamwork as unifying factor for the country during opening of Palarong Pambansa 2009

► Tanauan riders rule the 2nd Nasugbo Nat’l Skimboarding Competition

► 2 NPA camps, war material cache discovered

► NPA leaders and 5 others surrender with high powered firearms

► Gov. Evardone graces 488th Magellan Landing Commemoration

Doc bares no additional A(H1N1) case in Samar has been reported

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
July 4, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Provincial Health Officer Dr. Dulce Cernal bared that Samar has not picked up any new A(H1N1) case.

She added that the confirmed cases of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and his son have been, so far the only recorded confirmed cases. The two have fully recovered and that the son has now returned to school, the health officer stressed.

Reports that also reached her, but has proven negative was a foreigner and his Filipina wife who checked in a hotel in Catbalogan.

As the husband foreigner had fever, the wife decided for them to seek medical attention in Tacloban City. The case though proved negative.

Cernal said that the public should boost their immune system to repulse the virus. She added that the like other viral infection, it destroys our immune system but because it is mild, it can go away after sometime, she just advised the public to give heed to the health advisories periodically aired and printed in the newspapers.

“Hygiene like hand washing and cough etiquette should be observed,” the lady physician stressed.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on Friday reported that the Department of Health (DOH) is further bolstering its mitigation efforts against Influenza A(H1N1) in light of the anticipated rise of cases in the country.

On June 30, Duque convened another DOH Command Conference attended by members of the A (H1N1) Task Force, the DOH regional health directors, the chiefs of hospitals of all the 72 DOH-retained hospitals in the country, and some representatives from the private sector.

“As we anticipate more cases in the coming months, we must institute effective mitigation measures to save lives and prevent deaths and to reduce the impact of the pandemic to our nation and the economy,” Duque said.

With the shift toward the mitigation strategy, the DOH is ensuring that all government hospitals, both at the national and local government levels have the capacity to administer care to high-risk patients where the severe manifestations of the A (H1N1) virus are frequently seen.  This is in accordance with the directives of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week to prepare well-equipped isolation wards in all state-run hospitals throughout the country.

High risk patients include patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, HIV/AIDs, TB, pregnant women and the very young and the elderly.

Duque also called for a meeting with the member agencies of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to engage them, particularly the DILG, in strengthening the involvement of local government units in the A(H1N1) response.   This is to make sure that local governments have surveillance, monitoring and response systems in place and that hospitals and primary health care facilities under their jurisdiction are able to identify, treat and manage A(H1N1) cases.

“We have also requested the NDCC member agencies, especially DepEd, CHED and TESDA and PIA to help us in our nationwide campaign against A(H1N1).  This is to make sure that our information and education activities reach all schools, barangays and provinces in the country,” Duque added.

Come next week, DOH is also set to meet with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and hospital groups like the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) and the Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society (PHICS) to engage all hospitals and healthcare providers in the appropriate treatment and management of A (H1N1) patients according to the set interim guidelines of the DOH.

Meanwhile, Duque announced that 1,709 confirmed A(H1N1) cases have been reported to the DOH from the 1st week of May up to June 27, 2009.  Eighty-six percent (86%) or 1,485 of these cases have already recovered, while the remaining 224 (14%) are still under treatment at present, most of them under home management.

“All cases exhibited mild symptoms with the most common as fever (86%), cough (81%), and nasal congestion (49%),” Duque said, noting however, that there was one reported death.

“The ages of cases range from 5 months to 79 years old, with 18 years old as median age. Most of them belonged to the 10-19 years age group (831 or 49%).  Majority of the cases were male (894 or 52%),” Duque described.

P90 Million for development of Maasin City Airport due for implementation, says Rep. Mercado

By BONG PEDALINO (PIA Southern Leyte)
July 4, 2009

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  The sum of P40 Million has been included in the 2009 budget of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the extension of the runway of this city’s airport at barangay Panan-awan, according to Rep. Roger Mercado.

In addition, Cong. Mercado reported that he had requested the amount of P50 Million for the construction of the airport terminal building, in which P10 Million was already released.

This was revealed by the Southern Leyteño solon in an informal chat with local mediamen at his District Office at barangay Abgao here Thursday morning.

He said he had worked to source funds to extend the runway and have it listed in the DOTC’s 2008 budget, but DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza told him there was no more appropriation for that year.

The DOTC Secretary, however, assured him to program the airport runway extension project for the 2009 allocation, including an initial release for the terminal building.

During the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting last month, Gov. Damian Mercado informed that Sea-Air, a private airliner, had inspected the airport and requested for an additional 300-400 meters of runway.

Gov. Mercado said funding for such an expansion had been secured, the project already bided, coupled with an initial release for work on the terminal building.

He said he was confident within the year or next year, Sea-Air will open its route for a commercial flight at Maasin airport.

Cong. Mercado echoed the confidence expressed by his younger brother.

Defense Secretary graces inauguration of newly completed South Leyte legislative building

By ERNA SY GORNE (PIA Southern Leyte)
July 4, 2009

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  Among the highlights of the six-days 49th Founding Anniversary of the province of Southern Leyte, where no less than Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, Jr graced the inauguration of the newly completed legislative building located right beside the provincial capitol building.

The newly completed legislative building amounted to P19.234 Million.

Secretary Teodoro said he remembered that foremost rationale of his trips to the province three years ago was to address to the needs of Guinsaugon landslide victims but now he is a witness to the visible signs of improvement in the province.

He also noted that the construction of the legislative building is in a way a public investment in infrastructure for the future.

Early this year, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) thru the able leadership of National Secretary Teodoro turned-over to the province the re-channeling of Subangdaku River project of Sogod in the amount of P100 Million.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan awarded to Secretary Teodoro a resolution proclaiming him as Adopted Son of the province of Southern Leyte.

Meanwhile, Provincial Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo said that the legislative building is a long awaited dream come true.  He also acknowledged the speedy support of Provincial Governor Damian G. Mercado that led to the realization of acquiring their own building.

Another Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution was also awarded to Hon. Congressman Roger G. Mercado for their heartfelt appreciation of his financial assistance in the amount of P4 Million in the construction of the legislative building.

39 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in Region 8, now fully recovered, DOH says

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 2, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Department of Health underscored that the confirmed 39 cases of A(H1N1) are now fully recovered.

The Department of Health said that 35 of the confirmed cases are from the quarantined school where the first positive case came from, two are from Samar and another two are from Eastern Samar.

Of the 42 students from the quarantined school who underwent throat swab test, thirty-five were confirmed positive and have been declared to be fully treated.

It would be recalled that 68 students from the Philippine Science High School in Eastern Visayas were quarantined after one student was tested positive. All of these students have been sent home already with special advisory for their parents to know precautionary measures of the disease.

The Department of Health said that it is still on the case containment level and that the most important thing is for the people to know how to prevent the disease.

As of this writing, the Department of Health said that there are about six cases under observation at the EVRMC.

The Tacloban City Health Office informed that it is still monitoring the 163 students who were sent home after their school temporarily closed because of the first positive case.

Of the 163, about 24 have already undergone throat swab test and the results of the same are still being awaited.

The Department of Health maintains its pronouncement that there is no need for the people of Region 8 to panic because those affected with A(H1N1) here are described as mild cases.

However, the people must heed the advisory of the Department of Health, in order to insure that the A(H1N1) will not reach the community level contamination.

Eastern Samar holds Bikathon against global warming

By MARICHU B. BUSA
July 2, 2009

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  In our Provincial Government’s efforts to minimize if not fight the harsh effects of global warming, particularly climate change, Gov. Ben P. Evardone joined forces with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in raising awareness to the causes and effects of global warming by way of activities that could open up the minds of our people in the likely consequence of this weather phenomenon.

The Office of the Governor, in cooperation with DENR, came up with three fun and informative activities in celebration of the Environment Month whose theme this year, centers on ways of better combating climate change.

The 8 km Fun Bike served as the kick-off activity for this whole-day affair, whose second and third part was held at the PGO Conference Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building. The bikathon started at around 4:30 am in front of the Administration building of the ESSU Main Campus and was participated by various biking enthusiasts and environmentalists like the Borongan Bay Bikers Association headed by Engr. Sixto Limbauan, Jr.

Members of other interest groups such as Surfers, Mountaineers and other organizations also were in attendance. Atty. Eduardo Ang, Atty. Rio Afable and Atty. Lionel Titong of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Eastern Samar Chapter also partook in the said activity.

This, in support of our government’s aim to empower our people with sufficient knowledge to better combat and overcome the adverse effects of climate change to our natural environment and more importantly to the well-being of the constituents of our Province.

As he delivered his inspirational message, the Governor expressed his gratitude to all those who eagerly participated. He especially praised the Borongan Bay Bikers Association whose members and officers came and joined the event despite the short-notice. He further encouraged its officers along with its members and everyone present to continuously hold such affair, if not monthly, at least make it a quarterly activity which would involve the bikers for our environment. In return, the Governor pledges to provide logistical support, materials and sustenance to the would-be participants. “Then maybe after such undertakings, we could perform other symbolic gestures in celebration of the month for our environment.”

He also applauded the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for painstakingly coordinating with the Provincial Government in ensuring the success of today’s activities. “I need not over-emphasize the fact that we need to love and embrace our planet Earth and we need to protect our environment,” he concluded.

Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan tradition to go on, gov says

By Provincial Media Relations Center
July 2, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said the province is all the more determined to continue in the coming years what has already become a tradition that is the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals.

This was disclosed by the governor as the 23rd Pintados Festival and the 14th Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals successfully concluded Saturday at the Leyte Sports Development Center.

The governor stated this determination after this year’s festival street parade was marred by some minor incidents that forced the parade and its contingents to traverse a different course from its yearly traditional route and this even in the middle of a temporary restraining order issued by the court two days before the slated street dancing by the joined Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival.

In similar events they hope to stage the next time, the governor said the province can only “expect the worst and hope for the best.’

“This festival has already become a breeding ground of festival champions with our contingents winning big in major national festival competitions so I do not see any reason why we should end this,” Gov. Petilla said during the grand festival presentation at the Leyte Grandstand.

He added that with the thousands who trooped to the Leyte Sports Development Center Saturday and packed the bleachers to the brim some hours before the grand presentation only shows that this event “has already been ingrained in the hearts of the people who would yearly look forward to this cultural affair.”

“An ira siguro pagsamok gud la hini. Buwaon na ako yana kon masiring nga adto nga mga lakat diri adto mga panamok. Ha kada aksiyon namimiling gud ako hin maupay nga rason kon kay-ano nasusugad hito pero adto, waray na gud ako nabibilngan nga rason kondi panamok la adto,” Gov. Petilla said.

The governor was referring to the supposedly rally against water supply in the city and pedicab-race held the same route and the same time the Pintados-Kasadyaan parade was going on.

“In the end bisan ano nga panamok it’s the people who decide. Hira man gihapon namalhin hin puesto para la makit-an an parade.  It aton biling man gud la hini karisyuhan, ngan it nabenepisyo hini it tawo man la liwat,” the governor said.

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals was held Saturday cloaked with a temporary restraining order issued two days before the event after the city refused to issue the organizers a special permit.

With the rally and pedicab-race incident that marred Saturday’s street dancing, the governor said, is a development that the legal experts can look into if it would hold further merit in the organizers’ case for Certiorari and Mandamus with Prayer for Issuance of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction filed before the Regional Trial Court here.

The case was scheduled for raffle among the different branches of this Court Monday, June 29, 2009, the same day Tacloban City is having its Vespers Day for its fiesta celebration.

Pia leads summit for barangay health workers, declares war on 'fake medicines'

By Office of Sen. Pia Cayetano
July 1, 2009

PASAY CITY, Philippines  –  As part of her advocacy to empower the country’s community health workers, Senator Pia S. Cayetano led on Monday the very first Pinay In Action Health and Wellness Summit for some 400 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) from four towns in the province of Pampanga.

The day-long event held at the Earth Park in Candaba town is jointly organized by Cayetano and the “Samahan Laban sa Pekeng Gamot” (SLPG), a multi-sectoral coalition which seeks to raise public awareness on the proliferation and danger of counterfeit medicines.

Local chief executives also helped organize the summit led by Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, along with Mayors Rodrigo "Digos" Canlas, Luis Espino, Rommel Concepcion and of the municipalities of San Simon, Arayat and Sta. Ana, respectively.

One of the event’s main thrusts is to educate BHWs on the dangers of counterfeit medicines and how to identify and report possible fake drugs.

“This is our way of educating and enhancing the skills of our BHWs, who are considered the frontliners in the delivery of basic health services to the community. Through this summit, we get to share with them crucial information on emerging health issues, such as the dangers of counterfeit drugs and what they can do to stop its proliferation,” said Cayetano, one of the authors of the landmark Cheaper Medicines Act (Republic Act 9502) and the soon to be signed law strengthening the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

She said a counterfeit drug contains incorrect ingredients or insufficient amounts of active ingredients resulting in the reduction of its safety, efficacy or purity. It may also refer to a medicinal product which is deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to its identity and source.

She added that the manufacturing, distribution and selling of counterfeit medicines is a crime punishable under Republic Act 8203, or The Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs. Concerned citizens can report any information on counterfeit medicines through the SLPG’s website www.fakemed.ph or to 1-800-10-FAKEMED (3253-633), toll free from anywhere in the country.

The summit also held seminars on cervical cancer awareness; nutrition, health and wellness; and the role of BHWs amid the A(H1N1) crisis.

Tanauan’s Pasaka Festival wins in the Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals 2009

By Provincial Media Relations Center
June 30, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Tanauan’s Pasaka Festival won this year’s 14th Kasadyaan Festival and earned the spot to represent the province in national festival competitions in the coming months while Eastern Visayas State University bagged the crown in 23rd Pintados Festival as thousands jampacked the Leyte Sports Development Center on Saturday to witness the joined Leyte Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals.

Winning a whopping half a million pesos for taking the top plum, the Pasaka Festival was already a crowd favorite during the more than two hours street dancing held around the city, and disappointed Dulag’s Karatong Festival as the latter was gunning to take the crown in this year’s Kasadyaan after winning 5th place in two major national festival competitions just some months back.

Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu said he was surprised by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by their contingent but disclosed Pasaka Festival has been aiming to take the top spot for several years now and earn the opportunity to compete in other festival competition such as the Sinulog in Cebu City and the Aliwan Fiesta in Manila.

“I am very, very happy our contingent won this year because this is one way that we can gain entry to other national festival competitions particularly for the Aliwan Fiesta where contigents can join only per invitation and have to win first in major festivals such as the Kasadyaan,” Mayor Tiu said.

Represented by students from the Tanauan National High School, Pasaka Festival performed a colorful ritual honoring the patron Sr. Sto. Niño for the bountiful catches from the sea. One of Tanauan’s main livelihood is sourced from the sea as it lies facing the marine-life rich Pacific Ocean.

Dulag’s Karatong Festival settled as first runner up for the second time now. It was also a runner-up in last year’s Kasadyaan to the newly-elevated Hall of Fame Buyogan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte.

It earned P300,000 for taking the second spot and would still join in upcoming national festival competition such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu next year. However, it would not be able to represent the province in the Aliwan Fiesta next year as the two spots given by Manila Broadcasting Company, Aliwan’s organizers, are already given to Buyogan Festival as Aliwan’s defending champion, and to Pasaka Festival as this year’s Leyte Kasadyaan Festival grand champion.

Karatong Festival was also judged as the Best in Dance Parade and was awarded with another P100,000 cash prize. Both prizes were received by Dulag Mayor Manuel Sia Que.

Meanwhile, getting the third spot was Bato’s Bato-Balani Festival which was one of the most applauded performance this year. Settling for fifth place last year, Bato’s colorful portrayal of paying homage to their patron as well as their gigantic and vibrant props earned them a spot two notch higher than they captured last year.

Bato Mayor Luis Kuizon was on hand to receive the prize of P100,000 and said he is happy with this year’s success of their Bato-Balani contingent in the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals. The Bato Balani contigent was also judged as the Best in Festival Music which earned them another P100,000.

After being elevated to the Hall of Fame, Abuyog’s Buyogan Festival joined this year only as guest contingent and was awarded P100,000 by the Department of Tourism in the region for winning various national festival contingents, bringing honor and pride to the province and the region.

Buyogan is set to perform in Singapore in the coming months as disclosed by Abuyog Mayor Octavio Traya.

On the other hand, in the Pintados-based category, Eastern Visayas State University bested eight other contingents and won P50,000. Placing second was the contingent SPAS of Sto. Niño, Tanauan, Leyte and placing third was Leyte Normal University. They received cash prizes of P30,000 and P20,000 respectively courtesy of the Pintados Foundation, Inc.

Meanwhile, in the Merrymakers category, Colegio de La Salle won the first place, followed by ACLC and Tacloban Institute of Electronics. They each received cash prizes of P10,000; P7,000 and P3,000 respectively.

Feria claims one life in Catbalogan, Samar

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 30, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  While the family of Ronald and Marlon Canamor rejoices over the return of their next of kin, the family of Lolo Patricio Jaromay grieves over the life of their 77 year old father/grandfather in New Mahayag, Catbalogan.

The brothers Canamor from Libucan Isle were rescued by FB Sto Niño which was cruising past the boys to seek refuge from the turbulent seas when they spotted the two whose fishing boat Amihan had already capsized.

Meanwhile, according to Catbalogan Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Nida Arosa, the 77 year old grandfather had his neck broken by a tree branch as Feria raged on breaking tree branches and twigs.

As of press time, Arosa said it was the only casualty her office has recorded.

Reports that reach Catbalogan were flash floods in Sitio Sto Niño, San Andres killing livestock, damaging houses, furniture and appliances.

The rampaging waters also brought with it tons of debris and mud that extremely soiled the belongings of residents in the low lying areas.

On June 24, the MSWDO distributed emergency family food packs to residents victimized by Feria. Some 393 families availed of a pack consisting of noodles, 3 kilos rice and 4 canned goods.

The provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as instructed by Governor Mila Tan also distributed some two thousand pieces of family food packs.

Arosa said that damages to crops have also been reported in the uphill barangays and she is worried that for the next few months hunger will grip the poor farmers uphill in San Andres, New Mahayag and San Vicente.

There were also reports of destruction of fish pens and mussel farms in nearby Jiabong town.

Arosa said that they are still collating reports and could not ascertain as of this time the estimated damage to crops and other properties.

Military in Region 8 seizes biggest NPA lair in the area

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 30, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Unwavering in its mission to clear the island of Leyte from insurgency, the 19th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, launched two weeks ago, a major combat operations against the CPP-NPA-NDF remnants that operates in the 2nd and 5th districts of Leyte.

The ongoing operations has resulted to three initial encounters and has led to the successful seizure of six enemy encampments that include two of the biggest NPA camps which were overran on June 18 and June 20, 2009.

First Lieutenant Noli Lago, Information Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion, informed that the NPA camps were seized by the military after the NPA members hastily run for their lives leaving behind valuable equipments and documents at the thickly forested mountains in So. Maibga, Barangay Cagbana in the municipality of Burauen in the province of Leyte.

The said enemy camps have makeshift tents and bunkers that can accommodate more or less one hundred NPA occupants, the report stated.

The operating troops lef by 2Lt. Cristopher Badong and 2Lt. Jonathan Ramirez recovered two generator sets and generator rack; five pieces computer hard disk drives; three units of handheld radios; two units computer printer; 559 rounds live ammunition for caliber M14; 29 rounds of live ammunitions for caliber 30 garrand rifle; 51 pieces assorted CDs and DVDs; two liters of engine oil; and nine sacks of communist terrorist documents that include one NDF and one NPA flags.

The military operatives disclosed that the successful operations and discovery of the NPA camps was made possible through the support and cooperation of the people in the locality, particularly the barangay chairman and the other barangay officials of Barangay Cagbana in Buraue, who were instrumental in pinpointing the exact location of the camps.

Lt. Colonel Roberto S. Capulong, commanding officer of the 19th IB, reiterated that the military is committed to eliminate the remnants of the North Leyte Front of the EVRPC to make the island of Leyte insurgency free.

“The problem of insurgency can not be resolved by the Army alone. This is the reason why we’re asking for the cooperation of the people especially the LGU/LGA in order to solve this problem,” the commanding officer said.

Lt. Colonel Capulong also called the attention of the active NPAs to lay down their firearms and return to the folds of the law.

“The government has laid down various programs to help them live a normal and peaceful life, the commanding officer concluded.

On the height of Feria’s wrath

Fishing vessel rescues two-brother fishermen

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 29, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  As Typhoon Feria rouses the usually calm Samar sea, two young fishermen whose outrigger boat has capsized were rescued by FB Sto Niño.

The boat in charge named Dennis De Lena said they had gone off course because the big waves in their usual course pushed them to take a longer but safer path.

Here they spotted the brothers Ronald and Marlon Canamor, aged 18 and 16 both holding on to their capsized boat named Amihan.

The brothers said De Lena narrated that they left Libucan Isle at dawn on June 23, 2009. It was when they were already out at sea when the rough waters started tossing Amihan that they realized there was a storm. The constant tossing eventually damaged Amihan’s hull and turned it over.

The brothers clung to the boat as they prayed for a miracle.

The prayer was answered in two hours when the big waves sent FB Sto Niño to the two desperate youngsters.

De Lena admitted it was risky saving the two as it delayed them and exposed them to more danger, but as a retired soldier, whose mission is to save lives, his noble duty prevailed.

They gave the boys dry clothes and food to eat.

On Wednesday morning, July Umbana, brother of the shipping boat owner went to radio station DYMS to broadcast that they have rescued the Canamor brothers.

Unknown to the boys, their father Tonying had also left a word with Radyo ng Bayan Calbayog announcing that they have lost two boys at the height of Typhoon Feria.

Tonying and a cousin, visibly sunburned, said they sailed to the islands of Daram, Zumarraga and the islets of Rama and Cagutian (all of Catbalogan) to look for the two boys.

Just as they were about to lose hope, a relative heard the public announcement from DYMS.

The reunion of father and sons took place at three in the afternoon of Wednesday on board FB Sto Niño.

Tonying was excited to bring home his sons where their mother was waiting for them but not after profusely thanking De Lena for the noble deed he extended to his two young boys. (with report from Edgar Guya).

4 fishermen rescued, 10 missing still in Eastern Samar

By BRYAN M. AZURA
June 29, 2009

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Four fishermen were rescued on the shores of Guiuan town, this province, three days after having been drifted by strong winds and big waves caused by typhoon Feria.

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) said that those who were rescued are Potenciano Amante, Juan Tabas, Totoy Oroyan, Olimipio Darang and Rogelio Fuentes. The PDCC said that these persons went to sea and go about in their livelihood on June 22 but were caught in the middle of big waves and strong winds due to the coming typhoon. The typhoon made a landfall in Eastern Samar on the afternoon of June 22.

Feria left the province with around 700 houses damaged with Can-avid and Taft towns severely affected. In Can-avid, of the 500 broken houses, 300, mostly made of light materials, had been totally damaged.

The storm, which brought about a wind speed of about 80 kilometers per hour for around 6 hours in the northern part of Eastern Samar, left the province with 10 fishermen missing. Those who went missing were from the municipalities of Borongan, Balangkayan and Guiuan.

Earlier, the governor ordered all agencies concerned including the Philippine National Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army and the Local Government Units (LGUs) along shorelines to make a full blast search and rescue operations for the 10 missing persons.

PNP Provincial Director SSupt. Prudencio Dela Cruz said that the rescued fishermen were found in different locations. Amante, a resident of Campoyong, Guiuan was found on board a motorboat along the seawater of Manicani Bay.

Tabas, Darang and Oroyan, all residents of Baras also of Guiuan, were rescued from a pump boat in the Pacific Ocean while Fuentes of Brgy. 6, of the same town, were rescued along the beach of Brgy. Ngolos, Guiuan.

Governor Evardone said that while he is happy most of the fishermen who were at sea during the typhoon were able to go home safely while others were rescued, he is worried about the fate of the other 10 who are still missing as of press time. Those who failed to return home who were at sea during the typhoon are Angelo Angelio, Manuel Badenas, Dionesio Badenas, Serafin Ramboy, Landoy Lacaba and Ernesto, all of Brgy. Casuguran, Guiuan.

Also in the list of missing fishermen are Manuel Gesite and Jeffrey Contado, residents of Balangkayan. Demy Lariestan of Borongan also is yet to be found.

Governor Ben P. Evardone provided logistical assistance to the family of Lariestan after his relatives volunteered to join the search and rescue operations.

Governor Evardone said that while he is happy most of the fishermen who were at sea during the typhoon were able to go home safely while others were rescued, he is worried about the fate of the other 10 who are still missing as of press time.

The governor already ordered all concerned agencies to make intensive search and rescue operations of the missing persons. The governor also called on the Local Government Units (LGUs) to report right away should they rescue or found a body in their localities.

LIDEF spearheads another Surgical Mission in Southern Leyte

By ERNA S. GORNE (PIA Southern Leyte)
June 28, 2009

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  For the third time, the Limasawa Economic Develoment Foundation (LIDEF) will spearhead another surgical mission for the people from all walks of life come July 13-17, 2009 at the Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH), this was revealed by Luz Mercado, one of the members of LIDEF Board of Directors.

It was learned during a meeting called by LIDEF together with the SOYMPH medical staff with Provincial Health Officer Dr. Joselito Trumata and the provincial government representative Executive Assistant Esledo Hernandez.

The surgical team coming from Manila is headed by Sister Eva Maamo and the Our Lady of Peace Foundation, where at least thirty doctors, nurses and medical staff were expected to join in the mission.

While Dr. Trumata also pledged additional surgeon manpower coming from the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City to augment the surgical team.

Mercado urged all those who needs surgical operations such as hernia, goiter, cataract, cyst, cleft, terridium, myoma, among others, to avail of the free operations and medicines, as well.

She further advised those who wish to take advantage of the free operations to first submit themselves to their respective Municipal Health Officers for the initial screening. However, a surgeon will conduct another screening at the provincial hospital for those recommended from the municipal health offices.

To ensure success, the LIDEF closely coordinated with Office of the Congressional District thru Congressman Roger Mercado and the provincial government with Provincial Governor Damian Mercado.

PCSO marks 75th Anniversary thru “Charity/Lotto Caravan” in Tacloban, Catbalogan

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 27, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  As part of its Diamond Anniversary celebration this year 2009, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office scheduled to conduct a “Charity/Lotto Caravan” in Tacloban City and Catbalogan City this month, Ms. Zenaida Delantar, chief Lottery Operations Manager of the PCSO Tacloban District Office, informed.

Ms. Delantar said that the Caravan will be attended by PCSO General Manager Rosario Uriarte and other PCSO officials from Manila.

A two-day activity in each designated area has been allotted by the PCSO. For Tacloban City, the Caravan will start on June 27 with Press Conference and Briefing of “Kaibigan ng PCSO” at the Leyte Park Conference Hall.

On June 28, a Motorcade will be conducted along the city’s major thoroughfares. This will be followed by a Grand Medical Mission at the Balyuan Convention Center.

The Caravan will also be conducted at Catbalogan City on July 1, 2009. A Press Conference and Briefing on “Kaibigan ng PCSO” will be conducted at the Maqueda Bay Hotel Function Hall.

On July 2, a Motorcade along the major streets of Catbalogan and a grand medical mission at the Provincial Gym will be conducted.

Capping the two-day activities will be a three-hour concert featuring rock bands and other talents from Manila, Ms. Delantar disclosed.

“This is our way of thanking the public for their continued support to the institution’s programs and projects,” Ms. Delantar said.

Kaibigan ng PCSO is a program that will be pursued through the leadership of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to systematize and rationalize the sourcing of volunteer individuals and organizations in partnership with the private sector to advance the charity agency’s health mandate.

By establishing sustainable networks and linkages that will continuously recruit medical and health volunteers as well as generate additional resources, the program will be able to expand the reach of PCSO services that immediately address health concerns of needy Filipinos.

The program envisions that through this mode of intervention on a nationwide scale the corporate responsibility ethic of private corporations and companies will be enhanced, particularly with regard to health issues. It likewise seeks to promote the volunteerism spirit inherent in every Filipino.

The morning after typhoon Feria…

The mud-dening of Sitio Sto Niño, Catbalogan

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 25, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Some 740 families in Sto Niño, Catbalogan are slowly washing off the mud that soiled their clothings, furniture, appliances and even wrecked their motorcycles and pedicabs.

On Wednesday, as PIA with some media allies surveyed Purok 2, Sto Niño, everything is maddening with mud.

Lola Luisa Cabuello, 74 said she had to swim to safety as the raging waters slowly barged into the two-storey house of her daughter.

Cabuello said she has just gone shopping for P5,000 to replenish goods in her mini store only to notice that her stock after the storm is now soled with mud.

One crying woman, admitted that the laundry she carefully washed and ironed due for delivery the following day were all soaking with mud. She is worried that her boss, a physician in town will ask her to pay for the damaged laundry.

Her mother an elderly woman in her 60’s was also mourning for her lost hog.

The flashflood was swift but deadly, rampaging through things that come its way, carrying timber, appliances, pieces of furniture and even motorcycles, sometimes barging into small houses and incurring severe damages.

Mr. and Mrs. Petronilo Garte with three kids in tow had to run to a sturdier house in their neighborhood as the raging waters battered their wooden house with tons of debris and mud damaging all the properties they have saved for the last eight years.

PIA spotted dead turkeys, chicken and even litter awaiting disposal by their grieving masters.

Estrella Anano, another grandmother instructed her son to tie the kids together with them so they won’t be washed away by the floods.

Jun Granados, a technician at DYMS picked up the soiled books and clothings, the latter he and wife washed in the now tamed Antiao River some 10 meters from their two-storey home while a survivor chicken, was still hovering around with wings thick with mud.

His son whispered the bird was to be ‘chicken for dinner’.

It will be a while before the barangay folks of sitio Sto Niño, Brgy. San Andres, Catbalogan will forget the dreadful mudfloods, but Lola Luisa said should another flashflood comes along, she will lock her store and flee to higher grounds not necessarily swimming anymore.

Gov. Evardone orders search & rescue of 10 missing fishermen due to “Feria”

By BRYAN M. AZURA
June 25, 2009

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Governor Ben P. Evardone, PDCC Chairman, already ordered the Philippine National Police and Local Government Units (LGUs) to make intensive search and rescue operations of persons who went missing due typhoon “Feria” that hit the province on Tuesday.

He stressed that the earlier the search is made, the chance of finding them alive is higher. The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of this province reported two more missing fishermen from the municipality of Balangkayan today placing the number of missing persons to 10.

According to Municipal Mayor Arnold Gesite, the two fishermen, Manuel Gesite and Jeffrey Contado, both residents of Poblacion, Balangkayan, went fishing on a motorboat last Monday, June 22 even if weather authorities already cautioned fisherfolks not to go on with their livelihood as it was already dangerous due to the looming typhoon.

Wilma Contado, wife of Jeffrey, said that she was hesitant in letting his husband go as strong winds have started already that afternoon before they left. “We were, however, left without option but to let him go because we only rely on his catch for the needs of our six children,” the wife said in vernacular.

Joel Cacilos of Barangay B of Borongan town also went missing since he left for sea last June 21.

In Guiuan, 7 fishermen, including 3 motoboats, this town, are still nowhere to be found since Monday also. Those who are still missing are Angelo Angelio, Manuel Badenas, Dionesio Badenas, Serafin Ramboy, Londoy Lacaba and Ernesto Bagares, all residents of Brgy. Casuguran, Homonhon Island. A certain Demy Lariestan, also a fisherman from Brgy. Cagusuan, Homonhon Island, went missing also.

On the other hand, the PPDO also reported that 4 fisherfolks had been rescued in Brgy. Culasi, Guiuan. Those found were Norberto Dasig and Jovito Larina from Silago, Leyte and Ben Tayum and Buboy Paha from Brgy. Kikilo, Abuyog, Leyte.

The governor also reiterated that the fishermen should heed the warnings given by weather authorities through radio announcements. It is observed that there are always reported missing persons every time a tropical depression hits the province.

Govenor Evardone also said he already coordinated with nearby provinces where the missing fishermen could possibly have been blown.

Meanwhile, Atty. Byron Suyot, Governor’s Office Chief-of-Staff, said that the PPDO is continually assessing the damages done in Can-avid town as a result of a tornado brought across with the typhoon. Approximately 500 houses had been partially damaged according to a PDCC report released at 12 noon yesterday.

Buildings and other physical structures of the elementary school, high school and the Eastern Samar State University – Can-avid, had been damaged as well.

4 persons had been reported injured including a tricycle driver who was hit by fallen tree during the wake of the typhoon while he was on the road. His vehicle has also been severely damaged.

A bus from Arteche town bound for Manila has also been reported to have met an accident in Paranas, Samar. Apparently, Atty Suyot said, the driver could not see the road anymore due to heave rains and strong winds resulting in the accident. 1 passenger was killed and 30 more were injured because of the incident.

Governor Evardone immediately asked the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to make the necessary steps in providing relief packages to towns that had been severely hit by the storm. He also ordered the Provincial Health Office to dispatch personnel to barangays where there had been reported physical injuries.

Biliran PDCC evacuates residents of coastal barangays to a safer ground

By FLOR JACKSON (PIA Biliran)
June 24, 2009

NAVAL, Biliran  –  Some 35 affected familes composed of 175 persons living in the coastal barangay of Sto. Niño in the municipality of Naval were evacuated early Tuesday afternoon to a safer ground due to Typhoon Feria by the Biliran Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) led by its council Chairman, Governor Rogelio Espina.

This was revealed by Ms. Flordeliza Trani, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Biliran Provincial Information Center in a mobile phone interview Tuesday night.

Ms. Trani informed that the combined floodwaters and the rising sea water caused by big waves   has prompted the PDCC together with the barangay officials to evacuate the affected families to the Sto. Niño Elementary School, the designated evacuation center in the area as level of water continued to rise knee-deep.

Relief activities were conducted by the PDCC jointly with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

She added that no less than Governor Rogelio Espina, led in the distribution of initial relief goods and assistance to the typhoon victims in Brgy. Sto Niño consisting of five cans corned beef and five kilos rice.

Furthernore, she said that Governor Espina made rounds in Brgy. Santo Niño to see for himself the status of the barangay residents at the height of typhoon Feria that placed the entire Biliran province under signal no. 2 Tuesday night.

Ms. Trani revealed that aside from the five cans corned beef and the five kilos rice that were personally handed by the Governor to the typhoon victims, cooked rice was likewise given for immediate relief to the hungry stomachs of the affected persons.

A sack of rice, she said was left with the captain of Brgy. Sto. Niño for additional need of some cooked rice for the victims.

Meanwhile, some six families composed of 35 persons living along the coastal barangay of Lo-ok in Almeria town in the province were evacuated to a higher location at the Lo-ok Elementary School, Ms. Trani informed.  Seawaters in this barangay rose to an alarming level due to the big waves brought about by Typhoon Feria.

In response to the situation, immediate relief activities were conducted by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the said municipality to help the typhoon victims.

As of reporting time, Ms. Trani indicated that a team was dispatched by the provincial government of Biliran through Gov. Espina to go around the province to make an assessment of the typhoon damage particularly on agriculture, infrastructure and other areas.

Differently-able group receives livelihood aid from Gov. Evardone, DILP

By BRYAN M. AZURA
June 24, 2009

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Governor Ben P. Evardone with Engr. Alexis Abellar, officer-in-charge of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Provincial Office, turned-over a financial assistance to a group of differently-abled persons at the conference room of the governor, provincial capitol, this province.

The Association of Persons with Disabilities of Borongan (PWD) received P164,400 in aid for the establishment of a mini-canteen snack bar, the association’s primary project. Edmund Balan, president of the PWD, personally accepted the assistance from the governor which is a part of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Balan, a polio victim and has since used crutches in walking, said that the amount will greatly improve the living condition of the PWDs particularly here in Borongan. The association of PWDs in Borongan is composed of individuals with hearing, seeing and walking impairments. “Just because some parts of our body are disabled do not mean that we cannot do anything anymore,” Balan contend.

The amount will be used to procure the equipment and materials for the food bar the association will establish.

Governor Evardone said that the amount they are going to receive is actually very minimal considering that DOLE through the DILP is granting huge funds for projects being undertaken by differently-abled people. “I would like to encourage the association to come up with more projects for DILP funding,” Evardone said.

The provincial chief emphasized that there are physically impaired persons who have been trained in various skills which could be translated into money-making activities. “Some have been trained as masseurs which are becoming fast income-earners in Metro Manila and in Cebu,” the governor said.

Evardone added that he is willing to commit a space at the provincial capitol if only to provide more livelihood opportunities for the PWDs. In addition, the governor said that he will tap the expertise of Provincial Planner Henry Afable to assist in the development of program of works for the association to get further funding support from DILP.

Abellar expressed appreciation meanwhile to the governor for being pro-active especially in pro-poor programs. “The good governor had been very instrumental in realization of this turn-over of assistance as he himself lobbied for this from the President as this is a part of the employment and livelihood program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” he said referring to Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

To recall with the governor also turned over some more than P200,000 to the towns of Oras and Maydolong under the CLEEP program. The amount will be used to pay the wages of workers who will be assigned with various workloads the local chief executive will determine.

Region 8 has five mild positive cases of A(H1N1), DOH says

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 22, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  There are already five confirmed A(H1N1) positive cases in Region 8 but there is really no reason to panic because the Department of Health is in control of the situation, Department of Health Region 8 Director Edgardo Gonzaga said.

Director Gonzaga also disclosed that there are four cases under observation at the EVRMC.

One of the first two confirmed H1N1 flu cases in Eastern Visayas is a third year student from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).

The other positive case is a seaman from Catbalogan who just arrived from Singapore. His three children were tested and his 8 year old son was confirmed to be positive too.

The other two positive cases are from V&G Subdivision who are also schoolmates of the first patient.

Earlier, the Department of Health in Region 8 has announced that there is no reason for the public to panic. The cases of A(H1N1) in the region are mild cases similar to the common flu.

What is important is that if one develops the symptoms, this must be reported to the Health officials for proper disposition, medication and treatment, Director Gonzaga said.

Director Gonzaga reiterated his call for the reorganization and reactivation of the barangay health emergency response teams in all the barangays of the Region in order to help prevent community-level outbreak. The BHERTs will help in the monitoring and reporting of cases, Director Gonzaga added.

In fact, on Sunday, Director Gonzaga and his staff were at V&G subdivision to organize the BHERT of the barangays there.

Meanwhile, Director Gonzaga said that the DOH in Region 8 has been monitoring closely 42 students of the PSHS in Eastern Visayas in Palo, Leyte, after they were found to have fever on Tuesday.

Ten of the 42 placed under observation were classmates of the infected student. All the 42 students have been quarantined at the PSHS dormitory where they were tested, given medicine and were made to wear masks. The result of the test is not known yet, Director Gonzaga said.

The PSHS has suspended its classes for 10 days after the student tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, all public and private schools in the Region are orienting their students on proper cough sanitation and proper way of washing their hands. Several public schools have required the children to bring soap, handtowels and alcohol.

DOH: Spread the information, not the virus

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 22, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The Department of Health through Dr. Antonio Tirazona urges all Samarnons to spread the health information and not the virus.

The physician was reacting to the scores of Catbaloganons who have become panicky because of a confirmed case in Samar’s capital town.

In an exclusive interview with Tirazona at his office last week, he reiterated that the virus is not as dangerous as dengue.

Once again, the doctor reminds the public to observe coughing etiquette as the virus is transmitted through droplets from those already positive.

DOH said that infected persons are referred as: Case Under Observation (CUO).

Tirazona said that based on DOH guidelines, coughs and sneezes spread diseases and that respiratory etiquette is basic good health manners.

Cough manners, based on the guidelines urges people to cover their nose and mouth with tissue or handkerchief every time they sneeze, cough or blow their noses.

And if the person doesn’t have a tissue, they must cover their nose and mouth with hands or cough into their sleeve.

Another very important reminder is proper hand washing lasting from 40-60 seconds with soap and water before touching eyes, nose or mouth and before shaking hands with other people.

If water is not available, to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, they are told.

The public is also cautioned against spitting on the floor, they must do so in a trash bin or on a small plastic bag.

When using handkerchief, they must wash it separately from clothing.

Patients who are sick are also advised to stay home, maintain a safe distance of one meter from other people when sick and never to share eating utensils, drinking glasses towels and other personal items.

Meanwhile, Samar Provincial Hospital Chief Dr. Rodulf Mabulay said that the hospital has an action plan to react and to respond to the cases that will be brought to their attention.

As of press time, City Health Officer Dr Senecia Yong who has also done contact tracing declared that the confirmed case is now on his way to recovery and assured the Catbaloganons that the CUO will not be a threat to public health anymore.

Region 8 welcomes giant investor in Tacloban

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 21, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  While some big enterprises are closing shop in some parts of the world, Region 8 recently welcomed the opening of Robinsons Place Tacloban, the newest store of the Robinsons Malls which is the second largest shopping mall and retail operator in the Philippines.

So far the biggest shopping mall in the Region, Robinsons Place Tacloban is located within the city’s expaqnding commercial district at Marasbaras District, about one kilometer away from the airport and four kilometers away from Tacloban downtown area.

With a floor area of 31,000 square meters for the mall and 5,000 square meters for the BPO building, where TeleTech Tacloban is soon to open its newest site in the country, Robinsons Place Tacloban boasts of complete in-store facilities that include a department store, appliance center, food court, supermarket, amusement center, and a state-of-the-art Movieworld Cinema.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Cynthia Nierras said that the opening of the Robinsons Place Tacloban is a welcome development not only for Tacloban City but for the province of Leyte and the entire Region 8.

For one, Robinsons Place Tacloban has generated about a thousand employment opportunities for the people of Tacloban and Region 8. It also generated investments as local investors were encouraged to set up their business within the mall.

The mall will have great impact to the City of Tacloban in terms of business taxes that the operator will be paying.

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez was quoted as saying that the opening of the Robinsons Place in Tacloban is a manifestation of investor confidence in the city and in the entire Region 8.

Mr. Frederick D. Go, Robinsons Land president and chief operating officer, during the opening of the Mall on July 11, disclosed that next year a 100-room hotel will be built just beside the mall and within the company’s four-hectare property.

"The mall is just the first phase of our development. We still have land available around the mall to expand. The economy is not bad and we believe that the mall will do very well here in Tacloban," Mr. Go said.

Tabaquero just showing off, not a single guerrilla front dismantled by the AFP

Press Release
By NDF - Eastern Visayas
June 20, 2009

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today dismissed Gen. Arthur Tabaquero as "showing off" to the puppet president Gloria Arroyo in asserting that the guerrila fronts in the region have been largely dismantled and that the revolutionary movement will be finished by 2010. "The 8th Infantry Division chief Gen. Tabaquero was merely trying to impress Arroyo in a regional media interview, especially because his troops are reeling from successive offensives by the New People's Army," said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. "Not a single guerrilla front has been dismantled by the 8th ID in Eastern Visayas. If the NPA is on its last legs, how could it successfully wage almost a hundred battles in 2008? Let the continuing offensives of the NPA in 2009 speak the truth."

The NDF-EV spokesperson elaborated that, "The last official report of the Efren Martires Command cited 93 military engagements by the NPA in 2008. These offensive and defensive military actions dealt over 90 casualties killed in action on the Arroyo government's side, and less than 10 killed in action on the NPA's side. The NPA was also able to seize various firearms and thousands of bullets. The NPA continues to step up offensives this 2009. For example, in the May 30 raid on the military detachment in Brgy. Polangi, Catarman, N. Samar, the NPA seized one M203 rifle, six M16 rifles, and one M14 rifle."

Fr. Salas also said that Arroyo and her generals want to escalate war through their Oplan Bantay Laya campaign so that Arroyo could stay on in power. "The Arroyo regime clearly wants to remain in power beyond 2010 by manipulating charter change through a Constituent Assembly. But using the military is really Arroyo's last resort to impose the extension of her regime on the people. Thus escalating Oplan Bantay Laya is really meant to support Arroyo's bid, which means continuing political killings, suppressing the anti-Arroyo movement, and terrorizing the people with an all-out war."

The NDF-EV spokesperson concluded that it is the Arroyo regime that should be ended in 2010. "The people are fed up with the corruption, brutality and puppetry of the Arroyo regime. Thus the NPA will pursue more offensives in sympathy with the people's movement to get rid of the despised regime. The powerful movement of the people against Arroyo and widespread offensives by the NPA will hound the Arroyo regime out of power."

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals promises to be more colorful and festive this year

By Provincial Media Relations Center
June 20, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Leyte Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals would continue to show force this year despite opposition of a similar festival being revived in the city.

This was disclosed by PAGCOR Vice-Chairman Remedios “Matin” Petilla, who also chairs the Kasadyaan Festival Committee during a press conference held on opening night of the Kasadyaan Festival Park at the RTR Plaza.

According to the former governor and Leyte representative, initially there are thirteen to fifteen contingents expected to join this year’s streetdancing and festival presentation while two famed festival in the country are expected to join as well as guest contingents.

These two are Leyte’s very own Buyogan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte and Cebu’s Lumad Basakanon from the famous Sinulog Festival. Both festivals have been respectively declared champions in national festival competitions such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu every January and the Aliwan Fiesta in Manila during summer.

Mrs. Petilla said the Buyogan Festival has already been elevated to the Hall of Fame for successively winning three major festivals namely: the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival 2008, Sinulog Festival 2009 and the Aliwan Fiesta 2009.

“We would like to give chance to other contingents coming from other municipalities of the province and Buyogan have been winning the grand champion several times now in three different festivals. So, they will come this June as guest contingent,” Mrs. Petilla said.

Lumad Basakanon, on the other hand, is a group from Brgy. Basak, San Nicolos, Cebu City. It was the grand champion in the Free Interpretation Category in the 2007 and 2008 Sinulog Festival but bowed to the Buyogan Festival in the same category this year.

Lumad Basakanon was also the Grand Prize Winner in the Aliwan Fiesta in 2006, 2007 and 2008 but bowed to Tribu Kabatok in last year’s newly-revived Sangyaw Festival in Tacloban City.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Petilla said the number of contingents who signified to join this year would want to show the people and all visitors that Leyte’s municipalities is cohesive and especially now that after 14 years, Leyte’s festival contingents are making names in the national festival arena such as Sinulog Fiesta in Cebu and the Aliwan Fiesta in Manila.

On the other hand, Pintados Foundation Inc. President Eugene Tan the group is sticking with the Kasadyaan Festival of Leyte province saying the two has already become a tradition.

“As long as there would be Kasadyaan, there would always be a Pintados,” Tan said to the local media.

He likewise disclosed that as part of the preparation the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival has already sought a permit from the city for the streetdance parade.

“Since this is all for the benefit of the Taclobanons, we are hoping that they would grant us one,” Tan added.

On the same note, Mrs. Petilla said, they would proceed with the Pintados Kasadyaan Streedancing on June 27, 2009 and the stage presentation at the Leyte Sports Development Center thereafter.

“What is a festival without street dancing. It’s unheard of,” she said.

Kasadyaan contingents would be vying for the half a million prize that would be given to the grand champion of this year’s Kasadyaan Festival. There would also be consolation prizes for runners-up and non-winning contingents.

Prizes for the winners are being shouldered by the provincial government of Leyte.

All out offensive vs. NPAs ordered

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 20, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army based in Catbalogan, Samar commanding general MajGen. Arthur Tabaquero ordered an all out offensive against NPAs.

In a text message received by PIA-Samar, Col. Armand Rico, Information Officer said that just on Wednesday at 8:40 AM, June 17, 2009, a platoon of soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt Julius Muyco encountered more or less 15 NPA rebels at the vicinity of Barangay Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar.

The fire fight, Rico added lasted for 15 minutes which drove away the rebels east.

In the afternoon of the same day, at about 2:15 PM, the same troops, while conducting pursuit operations encountered a bigger group, this time numbering to 50 rebels more or less five kilometres from the first encounter site.

Another fire fight ensued for an hour that made the enemies of the state scamper to different directions.

LtCol. Francis Cabugon, battalion commander of the 20th IB ordered additional troops as blocking force against the fleeing rebels.

This resulted to the recovery of subversive documents of high intelligence value and personal belongings of the NPAs.

Five government soldiers were slightly wounded while the army believes that the enemies suffered heavy casualties judging from the bloodstains on the encounter sites.

The encounter led to the marching order of Tabaquero to all field commanders to declare an all out offensive against the NPAs in Northern Samar.

Meanwhile, a high ranking official of the New People’s Army in Abra surrendered to the Cordillera Police Intelligence Group after a negotiation.

Cordillera Regional Director Chief Supt. Orlando Pestaño identified the NPA officer as Corpus Saboy alias Ka Lander who is one of the officers of Kilusang Laragan Guerilla North East operating in Malibcong, Tineg, Lagangilang and San Juan in province of Abra.

According to Pestano, Saboy is in the 11th position in the order of battle of Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Saboy surrendered after a negotiation headed by Abra Governor Eustaquio Bersamin and is now under debriefing and tactical interrogation of Abra provincial police.  (with report from Bradley de Leon)

Evardone to jumpstart 800-meter covered walk project of Balangkayan Elem Alumni Association

By BRYAN M. AZURA
June 20, 2009

BALANGKAYAN, E. Samar  –  Eastern Samar Governor Ben P. Evardone assured the officers and members of the Balangkayan Central Elementary School Alumni Association (BESAA) of assistance on the latter’s covered walk project during the 3rd BESAA grand alumni homecoming recently.

The provincial chief who was the guest of honor of the said event said that while he may not be able to come up with sufficient funds before his second term ends for the 800-meter covered walk which will stretch along the rice field that separates the town and the school, he will surely make sure that the project will be started. “Mamoy, kindly ask the municipal engineer, who is probably a graduate of (BCES) also, to immediately provide him the program of work,” the governor said to SBM Gesite during his speech.

Mayor Arnold Gesite, also the incumbent president of BESAA, said that the project is a primary concern of the both the association and the school. “Governor’s assurance is really very timely because going to the school is always a daily struggle of almost 700 pupils as not all of them are capable of buying umbrella,” Gesite lamented. The councilor detailed that during rainy season, children oftentimes arrive in school or in their homes wet while during dry season, children become restless because of too much perspiration from the direct heat of the sun.

“The daily exposure of the children to extreme weather makes them susceptible to illnesses as well, thus affecting their scholastic performance as well,” councilor Gesite continued.

Macario Agojayan, BCES Principal-in-charge, also expressed thanks for the concern of the governor to the need of the school. “This only shows that Governor Evardone is really supportive of the education program in the province,” Agojayan said in an interview.

Meanwhile, the governor led the oath-taking of the new members of the association who just graduated last March. The governor encouraged them to continue to strive hard as they pursue their dreams.

Gilmar Gunda, a newly installed member, said that the life of the governor is truly an inspiration to students like them. Gunda will enter high school this coming June.

Upon arrival, the governor received a warm welcome from the alumni. The senior citizens who are also BCES graduates, swarmed in group to greet Governor Evardone upon entering the covered plaza of the town. Along with Councilor Gesite who welcomed the provincial chief were Vice Mayor Nita Alde, SBM Leon Gunda and SBM Alice Abunales. All present municipal officials were also members of the alumni association.

Apparently the governor was elated by the cheers and loud claps rendered to him by the alumni during his stay. Mary Ann Globio of batch 1990 said that the warm reception was really an obvious manifestation that Governor Evardone has been missed so much by Balangkayanons emphasizing that the alumni association basically represents the entire Balangkayan constituency.

SBM Gesite reiterated that the governor has always and will continue to get support from the alumni association. “I hope the governor will frequently visit our town,” Gesite said.

Hinabangan town dreams of being the food basket of Eastern Visayas

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 19, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Hinbangan, Samar a 4th class agricultural municipality some 37 kilometers south of Samar’s capital town is dreaming to be the food basket of Eastern Visayas.

This was announced by Mayor Alejandro ’Alex’ Abarratigue during the town’s 61st founding anniversary.

When Abarratigue delivered his state of the municipality address (SOMA), the first item on his list was that he introduced Hinabangan as an agricultural municipality where most people depend on farming and fishing as the source of living.

He added that the type of soil in his town is suited to vegetables, root crops and fruit production.

However, lately, a decline on the food production has been noticed.

He pointed to lack of quality seeds, lack of fertilizers and the farmers’ adherence to traditional farming styles as reasons for the decline in agricultural production.

Then he praised the Department of Agriculture headed by Leo Cañeda and An Waray Partylist Representative Florencio ‘Bembem’ Noel for providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs.

His municipal agriculturist (MAO), he added also conducted trainings in banana production and high value crops. The office also suggested putting up a demonstration farm for farmers to witness how to produce more.

Activation of the Municipal and Fishery Council (MAF-C) also assisted the MAO in the delivery of agricultural services to Hinabangan farmers.

He added that someday, with all these things his administration is doing for agriculture, his dream of making Hinabangan “Food basket of the region” will be realized.

The mayor finalized his mention of agriculture initiatives by saying, “I believe that once we improve agriculture, we will also improve the living standard of our constituents.”

Only 4 guerilla fronts remain in East Visayas, 8th ID chief says

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 18, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  “I am positive that the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas will be crushed before the end of the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” Major General Arthur Tabaquero, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said.

General Tabaquero made the statement during the Regional Media Interview with President Arroyo at Barangay Rebong, Las Navas, Northern Samar on June 16, 2009.

“Of the eleven active guerilla fronts in Eastern Visayas, seven were already dismantled,” General Tabaquero disclosed.

The good General said that only four active guerilla fronts remain active, two in Northern Samar and two in Western Samar. Three of these fronts will be dismantled before the end of 2009, the General said.

This campaign against insurgency will become a reality especially if the people will continue to give their support and cooperation and work hand in hand with the military, with the government, General Tabaquero stressed.

President Arroyo agreed with General Tabaquero and called on the people to help the government in its campaign to rid the country of the communist insurgency problem.

“The fight to eradicate insurgency is every one’s fight. We all have a duty to perform and a challenge that must be met,” the President said.

The President, while citing the remarkable progress attained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the drive to dismantle the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), admitted that more efforts are still needed to resolve the 40-year-old insurgency problem.

“We have made a lot of success in our fight against insurgency. However, there are more that need to be done if we are going to remove this challenge which has plagued the government for many years,” the President told a regional media interview here.

Military data as of May 2009 showed that the membership in the communist terrorist movement dropped significantly from 7,170 in 2006 to 4,874 in 2009.

The same data disclosed that from 100 guerrilla fronts in 2006, only 75 remain active.

It was also noted that the number of armaments in insurgent hands had been reduced nationwide: from 6,060 in 2006 to 5,143 in May 2009.

Likewise, the number of affected barangays had been reduced from 2,121 in 2006 to 1,378 in May 2009, the President said.

DOH: Dengue is more deadly than AH1N1

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 18, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Amid the AH1N1 scare that has caused panic in a Catholic school in Catbalogan, the Department of Health Samar representative Dr. Antonio Tirazona said that the people should also pay attention to dengue fever considered to be more deadly than AH1N1.

On Wednesday, in the forum about dengue attended by school teachers, school nurses representatives from national government agencies and health personnel, Tirazona said that fatality in dengue fever is 5% to 10% while it is only .6% in AH1N1.

Speakers could not help but compare the two as the discussion progressed.

Leonido Olobia, the Regional Entomologist urged the teachers to become information multipliers especially to their students. The young are almost always the victims of dengue fever.

Olobia also cited that Catbalogan contributed the second highest number of dengue cases in 2008 second to Tacloban City.

He added that of the 939 cases in 2008; 11 children died.

Olobia also mentioned that in 2007 there were some 164 dengue cases in Pambujan, Northern, Samar.

Health authorities however cited that dengue cases in the region is on the decline. The good news though should not put our guard down, they stressed.

The public is encouraged to practice four healthy habits to avoid dengue. One is to search and destroy all breeding sites (where there is water). Second is to practice self protection methods, third is to seek early consultation and fourth which they claim is important is to say no to indiscriminate fogging.

The health officer discouraged barangay officials from the latter, he added that it is important to clean and clear the breeding places more than fogging.

Fogging, he said does not necessarily wipe out dengue as proven in most cases in Samar last year. There were still cases recorded even with fogging. Fogging is advised only during outbreak, Olobia stressed.

DOH takes center stage as biggest ally of Samar mayor in providing basic social services

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 18, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office 8 received praises and accolades from Hinabangan Mayor Alejandro Abarratigue during his first State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on June 15, 2009.

The event also coincided with the town’s 61st founding anniversary celebration.

Abarratigue recounted that when he started to serve as Mayor three years ago, Hinabangan had no doctor. His repeated pleadings for a doctor paid off when a ‘Doctor to the Barrios’ Dr. Rhee Tecson was sent to Hinabangan to serve as the Municipal Health Officer.

Tecson in an earlier interview with PIA claims he is from the city but accepted the post as he feels challenged with his job as a rural health officer.

Today, the young doc is one of the mayor’s favourite ally in providing health services that he devoted two pages of praises for the young physician whom the mayor mentioned literally hiked and trekked through mountains to reach the most remote barangays called Cabang and Tabay.

PIA learned that it takes a half day climb through Samar’s rugged terrain to reach Tabay.

Tecson, the mayor said initiated blood letting in this town and has established a blood bank in Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVRMC), the biggest government hospital in the region.

Another plus which the mayor thanked DOH was for giving them a Health Manager Ms. Steph Asence, to this he credited DTTB Coordinator Dr. Genelyn Herrera.

The new Rural Health Unit, said Mayor Alex, has lab tests very useful to his poor constituents who do not have to go to Samar’s capital town nor to Tacloban city for the needed services.

He also mentioned the sufficient medicines for the disposal of his people with “no color coding, basta nangangailangan, pinagbibigyan.”

The RHU has also a resident medical technologist.

Mayor Abarratigue also thanked the national government for the Nurses Assigned in Rural Areas (NARS) program as it gave his Hinabangan three young nurses as committed as the young DTTB Tecson in providing the best service.

As DOH Regional Director Dr. Ed Gonzaga was present, Abarratigue gave recognition to the additional Botika ng Barangay allocated by DOH 8 which does not only provide cheaper medicines but gives additional income to a few Hinabangnon operators.

To show how much he values his leading health service providers and the volunteers assisting the medical personnel, Abarratigue announced that he was giving additional honorarium to his 100 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

Catbalogan on toes as DOH confirms case of AH1N1

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 17, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Catbalogan, Samar ’s capital is bracing for a case of AH1N1.

The afflicted person whose identity was not divulged, is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who is on vacation and has reportedly come from Singapore.

The patient, said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Dulce Cernal sought admission at the EVRMC on June 10 and it is only Tuesday, June 16, 2009 that the result was known as positive.

The patient remains at the EVRMC as of presstime.

Parents of students enrolled at St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan (SMCC) are panicky that the two children of the affected person may be spreading the flu as they are enrolled at the RVM sisters institution.

SMCC does not answer telephone calls and the media was just given a notification dated June 16, that classes in the ‘basic education level’ has been suspended until Friday, June 19, 2009.

The advisory talked of precautionary measures but said, “There is no confirmed case in the school and no confirmed community level transmission…”

The announcement bore the name Sr. Rachel Bernardo, RVM.

From fellow media officers, PIA learned that the wife is also a public school teacher and that the family has two helpers who sought medical care from the Samar Provincial Hospital.

Chief of Hospital Dr Rudolf Mabulay in a phone interview said the hospital is getting ready with a huge preparation on managing this affliction. The doc though gave advice to the public about personal hygiene, handwashing and remaining within a safe distance from those afflicted with flu.

DOH Samar Representative Dr. Antonio Tirazona confirmed the case through a text message.

Tirazona added that the patient’s contacts will be subjected to laboratory tests tomorrow.

DOH also adviced the Samar Provincial Hospital and the Rural health Unit of Catbalogan to respond appropriately.

Although the official announcement from the RVM school says suspension of classes is only until Friday, Tirazona in his text message said the suspension is for ten days.

Catbalogan Muncipal Health Officer Dr. Senesia Yong has been actively tracing the patients’ contact and doing her share of close surveillance and monitoring of the contacts.

PGMA inaugurates P143 M Las Navas bridge in Northern Samar

By NENE A. MANZANARES (PIA Northern Samar)
June 17, 2009

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar  –  Wearing a powder blue pant suit, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beamed and waved to the crowd before unveiling the project marker of the Las Navas bridge at 11:25 Tuesday morning.

Immediately after arriving from Manila early Tuesday morning, the President went on board on the presidential chopper which was waiting for her at the Catarman Airport.  Before the site of engagement, the President changed her mode of transport and went on board a shuttle bus.

She was accompanied by Northern Samar Governor Raul A. Daza, his son Congressman Paul Daza of the First District, Congressman Emil Ong of the Second District, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapuz, DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes, GSIS General Manager and other officials of Eastern Visayas. While in route to the area of engagement, the President was “escorted” by the five choppers which hovered the Northern Samar skies until the shuttle finally arrived at the site.

After the brief inaugural rites, the President went back to the shuttle bus and proceeded with the traditional drive through the 121.35 lineal meter long, 7.32 meter wide bridge span along with the department secretaries and a group of guests who accompanied her on the presidential transport.  She then alighted from the mini bus, went down from the bridge and immediately proceeded to a beautifully decorated gazebo or an open-type “bahay kubo” where the Regional Media Interview (RMI) was conducted with newscaster Tito Tepace of Aksyon Radyo Balita, Radio Station DYSM in Catarman, Northern Samar.  The gazebo was set-up near the river bank.

Meanwhile, Vice-Governor Antonio Lucero said that the construction of the Las Navas bridge would be of great help to the people of Las Navas and the whole of Catubig Valley.  With the bridge connecting Las Navas to Catubig, progress in this area would be definitely be within reach, the Vice-Governor said.

The Vice-Governor then recalled that during his younger days, he used to take water transport in going to Las Navas or Catubig.  This kind of transport becomes more difficult during stormy days where one has to contend not only with the weather but the strong current of the river.

The construction of the Las Navas bridge has now provided an alternative not only to the commuting public but to some businessmen as well who have to transport goods using the river bank.

The Las Navas bridge is considered an integral part of the government’s socio-economic development for Samar Island.  It is one of the component projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the umbrella of the Help for Catubig Advancement Project (HCAAP) and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

SOLECO bats for power rate hike to attain efficient electric service

By BONG PEDALINO (PIA Southern Leyte)
June 17, 2009

MAASIN CITY  –  Electricity consumers in this city and the whole Southern Leyte province are in for a bitter pill to swallow.

The Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO) is eyeing to raise its power rates to finance a number of capital infrastructure projects this year at the earliest, all designed to deliver efficient electricity, said Rosello Gerong, General Manager.

Among SOLECO’s initiatives now under consideration are its normal projects consisting of upgrading on distribution lines, transformers, electric posts and other related materials and accessories which cost P13 Million, Gerong said during the public consultation held Thursday at the Casa Ampil here.

Another set of development thrusts, called major projects, covered rehabilitation/revamp of distribution lines, costing P26 Million; the rehabilitation of the mini-hydro in Saint Bernard, P20 Million; and the upgrading of the sub-station at Saint Bernard from 5 MVA to 10 MVA, P27 million, for a total of P73 Million.

And on top of it all, Gerong disclosed that SOLECO has a mega project, which is the purchase of the Transco-owned transmission line from barangay Tam-is up to its door, at a cost of P120 Million, to be amortized in twenty years.

The public consultation, dubbed rules for setting the electric cooperatives’ wheeling rates (RSEC-WR), was held in coordination with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), with ERC Commissioner Jose Reyes attending.

Reyes explained that the suggested rates as presented at length by two personnel of the ERC was meant to make life easier for the 119 cooperatives all over the county as their benchmark in the process of asking rate increase in the distribution, supply, and metering (DSM) component of the power industry.

With SOLECO classified as belonging to the “B” class of the country’s electric cooperatives, Reyes said the increase for this group as to their DSM was .4004 to be implemented in staggered basis for three years starting September this year.

When it was SOLECO’s turn to present its desired rate, Gerong said the ERC-suggested hike was way too low compared with its actual need for capital expenditure funding as outlined earlier.

Gerong stressed that SOLECO has been paying P2.9 million per month to Transco on transmission charges, also known as monthly rental, for the power delivered in its KV line, or P34.8 million per annum.

If the KV line can be bought for an amortization of P6 million a year for twenty years, with additional maintenance cost of P5 million per year, the cost of maintaining the KV line once SOLECO would own it would only be P11 million per year, Gerong added.

Two City Councilors present during the hearing had other views.  Councilor Nestor Sy suggested that SOLECO approach local government units for help in defraying the monthly cost of paying the transmission charges, adding that there’s no guarantee of better, investor-friendly service even if the power utility purchases the KV line.

City Councilor Rene Hatayna, for his part, also opposed having any increase for now, saying the people have been hit hard and reeling from the global and local financial crisis.

Gerong, however, countered that efficient power service does not necessarily mean cheap rates, saying that for Southern Leyte province and the city the trend has been in the services industry sector and eco-tourism, areas that require stable electricity and efficient service.

The rest of the audience, composed mostly of barangay officials and representatives of offices and the private sector, raised their hands to agree with SOLECO’s impending rate increase.

In a brief talk with PIA after the public consultation/hearing, Gerong said the current basic rate is P7.55 per kilowatt hour (KWH), and with the improvements proposed, the rate would be in the territory of around P 9.00 per kwh.

9,666 unregistered children in region 8, says Plan

By JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA (PIA 8)
June 17, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The right to name and nationality are among the basic human rights a person should have in order to determine his existence.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) thru its Regional Director Raul F. Dones is targeting a 100% registration in region 8 with the help of other national agencies, media, church, academe and local government units to a full blown awareness campaign that will lead to the increased participation rate of all parents who give birth to register their child after delivery or within 30 calendar days.

Director Dones is optimistic that the re-activation of the Regional Council on Civil Registration (RCCR) will help achieve the “Target Zero Program Rehistro” which their office launched in 2006 to complement a 100% registration for the period 2005-2010 in accordance with the National Plan of Action for Children and Child 21.

In 2008, a survey was conducted by Plan Philippines in covered Plan areas in region 8 and found out that 9,666 children, ages 0-5 years old are unregistered.

According to Rodel Bontuyan, Plan Philippines Area Manager-Eastern Visayas, the unregistered children, which was figured out was just within the Plan areas covered under their support program.

He said that in region 8 there are 143 municipalities and they surveyed only 19 municipalities where they got their sample and population.

The 9,666 unregistered figures, which was gathered, represents only to children 0-5 years old, how much more for those children or persons above the age bracket who were not registered, he said.

The Area Manager of Plan Philippines in Eastern Visayas challenged the newly re-activated RCCR to look into the matter on how to address the increasing number of unregistered children and ask the NSO to extend assistance by entering into the roster of registered children in the NSO database to give them the right to a name and enjoy the benefits accorded to registered children.

While it is true that Security Paper (SecPa) coming from NSO is a duly recognized document governing government and commercial transactions, the NSO had informed that Security Documents (SecDoc) issued by the civil registrar is also acceptable, however it needs to be authenticated by the NSO for conformity with the data provided in the security paper.

The PhilHealth had assured that they will accept those claimants of insurance who have security documents provided it is authenticated by the NSO.

Two North Samar towns await first RP president’s visit to their area

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 15, 2009

CATARMAN, Northern Samar  –  The people of the hinterland towns of Catubig and Las Navas  both in Northern Samar province, are already excited to welcome President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo into their midst.

If and when her visit to Northern Samar on Tuesday, June 16, pushes through, President Gloria will become the first President to visit Catubig and Las Navas, Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan said.

The people of Las Navas have many things to thank the President for. The Catubig-Las Navas Bridge which the President will inaugurate on Tuesday links the municipality of Las Navas to Catubig town by land transport.

Ever since, the municipality of Las Navas has only been accessible through navigation along the Catubig river with the use of pump boats and bancas. The pump boats ply from Las Navas to Catubig daily at P40 per person. These small boats dock at small docking facilities called "Look" in both Catubig and Las Navas. It only takes 30 minutes to get to Las Navas from Catubig, and boats traverse the river daily, leaving Las Navas at 5:00 AM and arrives at around 5:30 AM in Catubig and vice versa.

The municipality of Las Navas is located at the heart of the island of Samar. It is bounded on the north by Catubig, Northern Samar, on the east by Jipapad, Eastern Samar, on the west by Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar and on the south by the municipality of San Jose de Buan, Western Samar (Samar).

Motorboats and bancas are also used in going to the different barangays, although hiking is still practiced by many barangay folks in going to and from the Poblacion.

“Now that there is land transport because of the bridge, it will no longer be too difficult to reach my school at the Las Navas Agri-Industrial School,” Ms. Viviene who is six months pregnant, said referring to the school just below the bridge.

Although there is a complete elementary school district offering all level, the other 39 barangay primary schools offer limited levels. It has a complete secondary school which offers Agro-Industrial Technology and basic academic requirements.

People in the area get tertiary courses from an affiliate of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) located in the town of Catubig, although well-off families prefer to send their children to various colleges and universities in Metro Manila, the country's capital.

There is a good reason to the great excitement and expectation of the people of the two towns. The HCAAP project when fully completed, will impact a great change in the economic situation of the people in the area.

Farmers could now bring their products more easily to Catarman and will also insure that fresh farm produce from these areas are able to enter the market without being spoiled and with lesser danger of accidents which the perils of sea transport brings.

On the other hand, Catubig, also an inland town, lies on the banks of the Catubig River, a waterway that empties near Rauis and the traditional passage to the town. Also called Cagninipa after an aquatic palm, it is located south of Palapag.

The Catubig Valley, known as the rice-producing valley in Northern Samar, is where one can find the municipality of Catubig, identified as the potential site for developing an intensive rice producing area in Northern Samar.

Said undertaking is known as the Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project (HCAAP), a priority water sector (irrigation) project which is part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Medium Term Development and Investment Plan under the Super Region scheme.

The project aims to alleviate poverty by raising income level of farmers, generate employment opportunities and improve the social infrastructure and services of the target areas in Catubig and Las Navas, Northern Samar. The project components are civil works, schistosomiasis control, agricultural support services, institutional development and procurement of equipment.

The implementing agencies are the National Irrigation Administration as lead agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, the Province of Northern Samar and the municipalities of Catubig and Las Navas.

The bridge which the President will inaugurate is a part of the HCAAP implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

PGMA distributes scholarship vouchers to 100 young people of Las Navas

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 15, 2009

CATARMAN, Northern Samar  –  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will distribute Pangulong Gloria Scholarship vouchers to 100 young people of Las Navas, during her visit on June 16, TESDA Regional Director Juan Sabulao informed.

Director Sabulao said that the students will be enrolled at the Las Navas Agro-Industrial School which is under the management and supervision of TESDA.

As of May 2009, Region VIII has a total of 8,408 Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Beneficiaries who are enrolled in different Tech-Voc Schools in the region, Director Sabulao said.

For the Province of Northern Samar, there are 2,012 scholarship beneficiaries so far, Director Sabulao informed.

In line with the Economic Resiliency Program of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Pangulong Gloria Scholarships provide free training, training support fund and free competency assessment to support job creation and job preservation.

The scholarship program hopes to produce a pool of qualified and globally competent workers who are Job Ready.

The program also aims to develop skills and competencies of the unemployed and underemployed through training programs for pre-employment, skills upgrading and productivity enhancement.

The Scholarship Program of President Arroyo also hopes to empower public and private TEK BOK Providers in expanding their absorptive capacities to enable them to offer programs for various qualifications, including higher levels of technology where jobs are available in the labor market.

Aside from the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship vouchers, President Arroyo will also award assistance to beneficiaries of the CLEEP which are being implemented by the various government agencies.

Leyte Gov part of 111th Independence Day “Rigodon de Honor” at the Palace

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 14, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla was part of the 111th Independence Day “Rigodon de Honor” rites at the Ceremonial Hall of the Malacanang Palace.

Governor Icot as he is fondly called by his constituents was dashing in his barong tagalong. His partner is the beautiful Congresswoman Nikki Prieto-Teodoro, the wife of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

Now it could be told that Governor Petilla is not only an excellent singer, he could also dance well without being nervous in the presence of the political and economic elite of the country.

It was said that Governor Petilla was so surprised when he was called about his being part of the Rigodon de Honor at Malacanang. He tried to beg off suggesting if it was okay that he sang instead of dancing.

The answer was, “You dance first, before you sing.” Indeed, he did dance and well at that. The rest is history.

President Arroyo led twenty pairs in this year’s “Rigodon de Honor” to cap the country’s celebration of the 111th Independence Day.

President Arroyo hosted the traditional Independence Day reception with a dance and cocktails for members of her Cabinet and Congress, the diplomatic corps, the top brass of the police and military, prominent business leaders, former beauty queens, and other noted personalities in Philippine society.

The social gathering began 6 o’clock in the evening at the Palace Ceremonial Hall on the second floor of the presidential residence.

The ladies wore Filipiniana terno while the men wore barong Tagalog. They were paired according to their height.

The Rigodon dancers included one of the President’s daughters-in-law, Ma. Victoria “Kakai” Arroyo, wife of Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Ignacio “Dato” Arroyo.

Another participant is Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, daughter of presidential brother-in-law Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo and wife of one of the scions of the Rustan’s chain of department stores.

Representative Trisha Bonoan-David was also in the Rigodon. Other female participants of the Rigodon include the President’s personal stylist Joanne Andrade-Zapanta; former beauty queens Miriam Quiambao and Precious Lara Quigaman; Sunshine Cruz-Montano, wife of actor Cezar Montano; Lizzie Zobel de Ayala, wife of industrialist Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and Vivienne Tan, daughter of taipan Lucio Tan.

Also among the female participants were Julie Defensor, wife of Philippine National Railways chief Michael Defensor; Belinda Adora; Dinagat Gov. Jade Ecleo-Villaroman; Mimi Aquino; dancing instructor Becky Garcia; Anette Gozon-Abrogar, socialite-entrepreneur Frannie Jacinto; Carol Quimson, Chiqui Roa-Puno; and Liana Romulo, daughter of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo.

Heading the list of male participants were ambassadors Luis Arias of Spain and Roderick Smith of Australia; retired Armed Forces chiefs of staff, Genarals Narciso Abaya and Alexander Yano who is now Philippine ambassador to Brunei Darussalam; special envoy on renewable energy Vicente Perez; Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.; Economic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto; Presidential adviser on political affairs Gabriel Claudio; Congressmen Dong Gonzalez, Roman Romulo, and Anton Lagdameo; Governors Dax Cua (Quirino Province), and Michael Keon (Ilocos Norte).

The rest are Kenneth Yang, son of Philippine McDonald’s franchise owner George Yang; Ali Atienza, son of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza; Buddy Cunanan; Atom Henares; Raul Manzano, and STAR columnist Babe Romualdez.

The Rigodon was choreographed by and painstakingly rehearsed under the direction of Pia Dala, Bujing Danao and Renato Delgado.

APAC needs 820 call center agents

By JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA (PIA 8)
June 12, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The APAC Customer Services is planning to conduct its jobs fair this coming month of June in two different locations to fill-up the lacking sets and to met the demands of their customers.

According to Ma. Soledad Uy, Human Resource-Recruitment Assistant of the APAC customer service that they will conduct a jobs fair on June 12-14 upon invitation of Director Desiderio Belas of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Tacloban Convention Center to coincide with the 111th Philippine Independence Day Celebration where overseas and local employment opportunities are available including government agencies under Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) to help ease the burden due to financial slowdown that hit across the globe.

Ms. Uy said that prior to the invitation, they had already scheduled a jobs fair on June 19-20 at Baybay, Leyte Function Hall to spread their massive recruitment strategy and to get a well qualified call center agents to man the type of services they employed.

The series of jobs fair we are conducting is to generate 120 call center agents for the month of July and to hire 600 additional call canter agents for the month of November to filled-up the required setting capacity of there office, she said.

Ms. Uy said that the present setting capacity of the APAC office located at Leyte Academic Center, Palo, Leyte is 1,000, but our present roster of employees is 243.

Our office is in dire need of additional manpower to complement the growing demands of our customers, she said.

The APAC Customer Service Inc. main headquarters is located in Illinois, with operations located throughout the United States and the Philippines.

Ms. Uy further informed that outsourcers offer a multitude of benefits to their client base, including eliminating capital expenses, flexibility, access to qualified labor, reduced costs, advanced management techniques, and the opportunity to gain access to state of the art technology without massive financial outlays.

Ms. Uy is urging all persons to take this opportunity to be part of APAC which only means that you too can become an expert and in joining us to help serve our clients' customers better.

APAC is the fourth largest domestic provider of outbound and inbound customer relationship management services that offers the programs in either customer care or customer acquisition serving prominent industries such as communications, financial services, insurance, healthcare, logistics, and travel and hospitality.

Job applicant’s is advised to bring with them all necessary documents in order to appraised if they possess all the qualifications.

Ms. Uy said that it is not necessary that an applicant is a degree holder but of course it is a plus factor but in order to please the APAC Human Resource expert, he must be a fluent in oral and written communication and possess a technical know-how to perform basic computer operations.

Chiz to do a Lee Kuan Yew in fight vs. corruption

By Office of Sen. Chiz Escudero
June 11, 2009

PASAY CITY  –  Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero on Wednesday said, like Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, he will have no qualms sending top officials to jail and eliminate government discretion in fighting corruption.

“He (Lee) recruited the best and the brightest and gave them the salaries they deserved. When he caught them stealing, he put them in jail,” the 39-year old lawmaker told a forum of business leaders in Cebu City organized by the Cebu Business Club and the Makati Business Club.

Lee, who founded and built Singapore into what it is today, led the city-state for 35 years as prime minister. He was known for his no-nonsense campaign against corruption.

Escudero, who has consistently ranked high in recent surveys, also said he would eliminate discretion especially in law-enforcement and revenue-generating agencies as part of the campaign against corruption.

According to World Bank, half of every peso that can be collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue is lost to corruption. The Department of Finance estimates that 240 billion is lost to corruption annually.

The UN Development Program, on the other hand, estimates that $1.8 billion a year, or about 13 percent of the government's annual budget, is lost to corruption.

Under the Arroyo administration, the Philippines’ ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index has spiraled downward. In 2004, it was 102. In 2005, it was 117. In 2006, we were 121st. In 2007, we were ranked 131st. In 2008, we were down to 141st. The listing runs from the cleanest down to the most corrupt.

Escudero has filed a bill to require public officials and employees to submit a written permission or waiver in favor of the Ombudsman to look into all deposits of whatever nature with banks or banking institutions.

He has also called on officials to voluntarily disclose their SALs (Statement of Assets and Liabilities).