The annual Event,
which will take place less than a month after Leyte’s hosting of the
2009 Palarong Pambansa, will surely give Region 8 the much-needed
additional tourism promotion mileage and bring to fore responsible
management and preservation of caves and the environment as a whole.
This year’s Caving
Congress which is being hosted by the Department of Tourism together
with the local government of Basey, Samar and the Philippine
Speleological Society, will differ from that of the previous year
because DOT Secretary Ace Durano wants to elevate it into something
with an international flavor, Director Tiopes said.
Thus, this year’s
speakers include Professor Elery Hamilton Smith, chairman of the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the World
Commission on Protected Areas which approves world heritage sites.
Two other speakers who
were invited to the Congress are Mr. Pete Chandler, owner of
Spellbound Caving Tours in New Zealand; and Mr. Dave Smith of the
Department of Conservation, New Zealand.
They will be joined by
speakers from the University of the Philippines, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,
National
Museum
and Philippine Cave Guides Association.
The event hopes to
underscore the importance of conserving cave and karst resources;
protecting access to caves; encourage responsible management of caves
and their unique environment; and promote responsible caving.
The National Caving
Congress is an annual activity for all caving enthusiasts in the
country who are advocates for the implementation of RA 9072 otherwise
known as the Caves and Cave Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Sohoton Natural Bridge
National Park is situated at Rawis, Brgy. Guirang, Basey, Samar
covering an approximate area of 840 hectares. Fascinating geological
features abound in the area of the national park such as caves, hugs,
limestone boulders, rockholes, weathered formation rocks and
underground rivers.
The most prominent
assemblage in the park are the cathedral-like caves, which are the
Panhulugan I, and II, Sohoton and Bugosan. All the caves in the park
are endogen caves in angular limestone cliff, which support the base
of other crack system.
The Sohoton cave is a
cathedral-like dome with an entrance of a parabolic arch-type for
about fifty-meters high. It has a flat door area near the entrance,
about twenty (20) meters in width and fifty-meters in length. On its
ceiling hangs spike-shaped crystalline stalactites and rustic and
cavernous walls and stalagmites on the cave’s floor. At the far end
of the cave are a prince-like window and a balcony overlooking the
natural swimming pool below.
Aside from the Sohoton
Cave, the participants will also have a chance to visit the
Langun-Gobingob
Caves of Calbiga, Samar, the 2nd Largest in East Asia Karsts
Formation.
Ombudsman pressed for
inventory of pending cases on her desk
By Office Of Senator Chiz Escudero
March
3, 2009
PASAY CITY – Senator Chiz Escudero on Monday said with or without an impeachment case filed
against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, an inventory of the pending
cases filed before her office should immediately be made available.
Escudero said that he
had already asked the Ombudsman for a list of cases pending in its
office, but what she did was furnish him a list of those filed with
the Sandiganbayan.
“What I wanted was a
list of those pending, not those filed. Those cases that have gathered
dust in her desk. Those that celebrate birthdays at the back burner.
If we get that list, then we will know who among our colleagues have
cases pending before her office, and from there we can determine
whether that person should inhibit himself from the impeachment
hearings,” he said.
The senator welcomed
the filing of the impeachment complaint against Gutierrez, saying it
would grant her the opportunity to fully answer all the questions
being raised, not only in the impeachment complaint, but also the
chance to respond to the nagging public perception that she is biased
in favor of the appointing power.
Escudero said
impeachment is the only legal, constitutional way of removing the
Ombudsman from office.
“Another way is
voluntary, which is resignation, a move she should have done a long
time ago. But if she does not want to resign, then let the impeachment
complaint against her take its course at the Lower House,” Escudero
explained.
Asked whether
Gutierrez can be compelled to take a leave while the complaint is
pending, Escudero said it was also voluntary on her part since
impeachment proceedings do not grant Congress the power to impose
preventive suspension on the officials involved.
“We cannot compel her
to take a leave. Delicadeza, nowadays, appears to have gone out of
style. It’s really up to her. If she feels she has nothing to hide,
then why not go on leave?” he said.
Section 3, paragraph
6, article XI of the constitution grants the senate "the sole power to
try and decide" all impeachment cases. Senators sit as judges or
jurors where they shall be first required to take an oath or
affirmation to do impartial justice.
Moreover, the senate
can promulgate its own rules on impeachment "to effectively carry out
the purpose" laid down by the constitution. To date, the existing set
of rules of the senate on impeachment does not provide for suspension
of the official subject of the impeachment.
However, impeachment
is a separate and independent case. Hence, the official impeached may
be prosecuted, tried and punished in accordance with existing laws.
PNP Reg 8 marks a
change of leadership on March 4
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March
3, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – The
Philippine National Police Regional Office 8 is scheduled to undergo
on March 4, 2009, a change of leadership which PNP Chief Jesus A. Verzosa once described as “a proof of a dynamic organization.”
At about 8:00 o’clock
in the morning of March 4, at the PRO8 Grandstand and parade grounds,
Police Chief Superintendent Abner Dayanan Cabalquinto, after almost
two years stint in the Region, will turn over the command of PRO8 to
Police Chief Superintendent Mario R. Sandiego.
PCSupt. Cabalquinto
who has been promoted as Director for Personnel and Records
Management, served Eastern Visayas with utmost dedication and has
instituted various reforms at PRO 8, anchored on Philippine National
Police chief Director General Jesus A. Verzosa’s massive integrated
transformation program particularly in developing leaders.
Director Cabalquinto
has sustained his commitment to the maintenance of peace and order and
in the combat of criminality in the area, since he formally took over
as Regional Director of PNP8 on
May 21, 2007.
Director Cabalquinto
is well respected in the circle of Region 8 Administrators and by the
various sectors of society, because of his professionalism and
commitment to his work. He is known for his religiosity. In fact, one
of his accomplishments is the renovation of the PNP Chapel.
On the other hand,
PCSupt. Mario R. Sandiego is the erstwhile PNP Legal Service director.
He used to be a police provincial director in Tarlac and Pangasinan
before becoming a deputy regional director for administration of the
PRO2 in Cagayan Valley.
As the new PRO8
Director, PCSupt. Sandiego is expected to pursue vigorously the PNP 8
reforms initiated by his predecessor, anchored on Philippine National
Police chief Director General Jesus A. Verzosa’s massive integrated
transformation program particularly in developing leaders.
Another NPA topgun
falls in Region 8
By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA
Samar)
March 2, 2009
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar
– After the fall of two ranking NPA’s in the region, another top
ranking CPP/NPA fell into the hands of authorities on
February 24, 2009.
In a report phoned to
PIA-Samar, 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army Spokesperson
Major Manginontong Tocalo said that one Eduardo Sarmiento alias “Ka
Edok” said to be the Secretary of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party
Committee and a member of the Central Party Committee of the CPP/NPA/NDF
was arrested in the vicinity of Star Mall, Alabang, Muntinglupa City
at eleven in the evening.
Sarmiento was arrested
by virtue of the power of two warrants; one for criminal case #2306
for multiple murder in MTC Paranas while the other is under RTC Branch
29 of Catbalogan City for frustrated murder.
Said suspect has been
under surveillance by a team of authorities from the 8th ID
Intelligence Service Group (ISG) and the Criminal Investigation and
Detection Group (CIDG).
Suspect Sarmiento has
also been charged with violation of Presidential Decree #1866 as
amended by RA 8294 for illegal possession of firearms and explosives
and also violation of Article 178 of the Revised Penal Code using
fictitious name and concealing true identity.
Ka Edok was said to
posses a driver’s license from LTO under the name of one Joselito
Hernandez and an ID card bearing the name Joselito Romualdez from
Lito’s Art. The arrested NPA will soon be transported to 8th ID for
proper disposition.
Major Tocalo said that
the arrest of Sarmiento is a big blow to the underground movement. He
added that 8th ID Commanding General Arthur Tabaquero is very serious
in the drive against insurgency.
801st Infantry Brigade
undergoes change of command
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March
2, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – The
801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade conducted a Change of Command
on February 26, 2009 at the Brigade Multi-Purpose Hall.
In a solemn ceremony
held at 9:00 o’clock in the morning of Thursday, Brigadier General
Francisco B. Lanuza turned over his responsibilities as Commander of
the 801st Infantry Brigade, to Col. Alex Albano.
During Brigadier
General Lanuza’s stint as Brigade Commander, the unit was adjudged as
the Best Performing Brigade for 2008 by the Central Command, Armed
Forces of the Philippines based in Cebu, for dismantling two and
downgrading of three CPP/NPA Guerilla Fronts.
These splendid
accomplishments were attributed by General Lanuza to the collective
efforts among the Local Government Units, Government Agencies and Army
units under the 801st Infantry Brigade.
General Lanuza said he
“owe these as well to other stakeholders, the clergy, the media, the
common people who courageously embraces the advocacy and painstakingly
pursued the development struggle the Brigade is fighting for through
Roadmap KAIBIGAN concept.
For his part,
newly-installed Brigade Commander, Colonel Alex Albano, in a talk with
the Philippine Information Agency, said that he will continue the good
programs started by Brigadier General Lanuza because he believes that
the strategies taken have been effective.
Colonel Albano used to
be the deputy commander of the 801st Brigade of the 8th Infantry
Division, was assigned as the commanding officer of the 802nd Brigade
in Bohol where he remained so for one month and 18 days.
Said to be the
commander with the shortest stint in Bohol, Colonel Albano scored
impressive accomplishments to include three Brigade operations, two
company operations and 67 small unit operations and patrols.
During Colonel
Albano’s brief stint in Bohol, the Brigade apprehended communist
leader Ramon Patriarca, the finance officer and deputy secretary of
the KR-SB, Colonel Albano’s accomplishment dossier reads.
The operations also
netted for the government, six rebel returnee surrenderees, six low
powered fire-arms, 7.6 mm rifles, a cal.45 sub machinegun, garnad
rifle, cal.5 pistol and hand grenades.
The military
organization also credited Colonel Albano for establishing
coordination with government agencies in the light of the
Bohol convergence
formula for the accomplishment of various projects beneficial to the
people.
For all these and
for a sterling performance in keeping discipline and morale of his
men, Colonel Albano earned for himself a military merit medal, which
MGen. ArthurTabaquero pinned on him during the turnover ceremonies at
the 802nd Infantry Brigade in Bohol.
Samar LGU LRED
Clusters conduct Stakeholders Forum
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March
2, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – A
Stakeholders Forum for the South Maqueda Bay and South Samar
municipalities LRED Clusters is set to be conducted on March 4, from
8:00 o’clock in the morning to 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the
Conference Room of the DTI Regional Office 8 at Pawing, Palo, Leyte.
This was learned from
Department of Trade and Industry Samar Provincial Director Asisclo T.
Beleña who said that the activity will be graced by no less than His
Excellency the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the
Philippines.
Director Beleña said
that the overall objective of the Stakeholders Forum is to conduct a
Focus Group Discussion that would identify the common problems of the
clusters through the Rapid Economic Appraisal System.
Specifically, the
Stakeholders Forum hopes to provide a venue for interaction with the
German Ambassador to the Philippines; to present the updates and
status of LRED implementation in Samar province; and to come up with
an Action Plan on Maqueda Bay Development of the South Maqueda Bay
Municipalities LRED Cluster and the Agricultural Production and
Development of the South Samar Municipalities LRED Clusters.
Director Beleña said
that LRED stands for Local Regional Economic Development, a
participatory planning and implementation process aimed at mobilizing
local resources resulting towards greater economic activity and
inevitably, development. In short, LRED is a strategic path towards
economic development.
LRED is one of the
major interventions in the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for
Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP), a development cooperation
project between the Philippines and Germany which aims to improve the
business and investment climate for SME in the Philippines, especially
in the Visayas.
SMEDSEP contributes to
the efforts of the Philippine government to improve the framework
conditions for private sector development in the country. It is
implemented in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry
at the national, regional and provincial levels on behalf of the
Philippine government and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) on
behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ).
GTZ is an
international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with
worldwide operations owned by the German Government. For 30 years, it
has been providing forward looking contributions to political,
economic, ecological and social development in partner countries.
GTZ supports reform
and change processes in an increasingly globalized world, often
working under difficult conditions. Its major approach to facilitate
change is promoting capacity development of people and partner
organizations as well as improving institutions and frame conditions
in partner countries. The joint projects and programs are outcome and
impact oriented and contributes towards socioeconomic progress.
“One Visayas, One
People, One Destiny” fest takes off in Cebu today
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March
1, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – In
an unprecedented move to unite as One Visayas, the Regional
Development Councils of Region 6 (Western Visayas), Region 7 (Central
Visayas) and Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) will conduct starting March 1
up to March 8, the “One Visayas, One People, One Destiny” festival, at
the Cebu International Convention Center.
The Festival which
will showcase the arts and culture of the three Visayas regions, will
be opened at 10:00 o’clock in the morning with no less than Her
Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expected to be in
attendance. After the ribbon cutting, the Regions will present their
symbols to the President or to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Before the cutting of
the Ribbon, a Holy Mass will be offered at 9:00 o’clock in the morning
with all the delegations from the three Regions headed by RDCC
Chairpersons, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia of Reg 7, Antique Governor
Sally Perez of Reg 6 and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento of
Region 8, in attendance.
As conceived, the
Festival will mainstream "Kultura Bisaya" fostering ties that bind
Regions 6, 7 and 8. The festivity will feature the Visayas seven arts
namely, architecture, dance, theater, music, visual arts, literature
and film; arts and craft; tourism products, festivals and culinary
arts.
In a meeting sometime
in August of 2008, the Regional Development Councils 6, 7 and 8
officials decided to establish the One Visayas after agreeing that it
is time Visayans acknowledge the cultural bond that connects the
islands, despite being separated by seawaters.
There will be a street
dancing that starts at
Mandaue City Hall
to the CICC in the afternoon. Each province will send at least one
festival contingent. The start of the festival showdown is at
7:00 o'clock in the afternoon.
For the exhibits, each
province will be provided booth to showcase the best it can offer in
terms of practices, tourism, products, services and others.
Another designated
area is set to feature works of the provinces' artists. This was
conceived as a venue to give the undiscovered artists the needed
exposure and for them to sell their art. A fee of P15,000 for the both
is required since selling is allowed in this area.
Each festival day will
highlight one form of art in the Visayas. Theater Arts will be
featured on March 2 and to be showcased are “Komedya”, kasanag batok
sa sugal of Antique; “Dagohoy, the Musical” of Bohol; and “Inodoro,”
musical production on waste management of
Calbayog
City.
For March 3,
Literature, Theater and Dance will be highlighted. To be presented are
“West Visayan Maritime Traditions” lecture by Dr. Alicia Magos of
Antique; “Mystical Siquijor” lecture on healing arts by Dr. Virgie
Miquialba; “Calbayog Lakub” pasundayag san local nga arte, kutura ug
bahandi for Samar province; and Dance Concert, Leyte Kalipayan Dance
Company of Tacloban City, Leyte.
Dance will be featured
on March 4 and the presentations will include Folk Arts Dance Concert
of Capiz; “Poseidon” by Teatro Amorseko of Negros Occidental; and
Balangiga Encounter 1901 of Eastern Samar.
Music will be the talk
of the day on March 5 with the “Tunog Karay-a” and “OKM Concert” of
Antique; Sopranos of Capiz; and a lecture on “Cebuano Languages as
Heritage” by Dr. Erlinda Alburo. This will be followed by a book
launch: “A Dictionary of Bisayasn Arts, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Waray,”
with the author, Dr. Alburo.
In the evening of
March 5, the “Pasundayag, Kulturang Southern Leyte” will be presented
with the music of Mike Hanopol.
March 6 will feature
Architecture and Fine Arts and showcased will be the “Heritage Sites
and Structures of Cebu” lecture by Arc. Melva Java; “Marketing for
Artists” lecture by Dr. Ed Hallar; buyers night and cocktails.
March 7 will
feature Visual Arts and other forms of arts while March 8 will feature
the closing ceremonies.
First call center in
Region 8 formally starts operations on March 2
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March
1, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY –
Eastern Visayas finally has its first call center, thanks to the
unrelenting efforts of Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla who is
really determined to make
Leyte and the Eastern Visayas Region, an IT hub.
Illinois-based APAC
Customer Inc. will start its operations in
Leyte, on
Monday, March 2, 2009 as the first call center locator not only of the
Leyte ICT Park
but as the first call center in the Eastern Visayas Region.
Governor Petilla
announced the inauguration of APAC last week, during the launching of
eSkwela ICT Center in Tanauan, Leyte.
APAC, a leading
provider of customer care service and solutions for market leaders in
healthcare, financial services, business services, publishing,
travel/entertainment, and communications, was one of the business
leaders and investment groups which met with President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo in New York during her US trip in June of 2008.
No less than APAC’s
CEO, Mr. Michael Marrow will be around during the inauguration. He
will be accompanied by APAC Vice President for International Affairs,
Mr. Doug Almond. US Embassy Consul for Commercial Affairs, Mr. Patrick
Wall, is one of the important guests during the inauguration where the
first call from its client MEDCO will be received.
APAC's 3,000-square
meter site, the only call center of its size in Leyte, will initially
have 140 employees before filling up its capacity with 1000 workers
coming from around 22 universities and colleges producing around 6,000
graduates every year.
Governor Petilla said
the presence of APAC, a major BPO firm, in the province would help
ease the unemployment not only of Leyte but of the entire Region 8.
APAC Customer
Services, Inc. is a leading provider of customer care services and
solutions for Fortune 500 market leaders in healthcare, financial
services, business services, publishing, travel and hospitality, and
communications. APAC partners with its clients to deliver value-added
solutions designed to enhance bottom line performance by serving their
customer service needs.
APAC is publicly held
(Nasdaq: APAC) with nearly 35 years of experience and more than 8,300
professional contact management employees across the U.S. and the
Philippines. APAC is looking for candidates to fill both full-time and
part-time positions. The company has job openings year-round with
additional opportunities available during the holiday season.
In addition to
their customer call management sites across the U.S, APAC also has a
growing atHOMETM program which allows some of their employees to work
from home while serving the customer care requirements of their
clients.
Gatanguit-Calbiga road
nears completion
By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA
Samar)
March 1, 2009
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar
– The Gatanguit-Calbiga road package 4 is nearing completion, this
was bared by the OIC Engr. Roger Dumlao of the EC de Luna Construction
Company in charge of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
funded road network in Samar.
In an interview with
Dumlao, he said that some eight kilometers is left with the project.
The Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar Engr. Nestor Mate said that the
target completion for the project is this March 2009. This is why in
the job fair at the DPWH Samar, EC de Luna did not participate
anymore.
EC De Luna however
told PIA than since the start of the road project, they have employed
some 500 locals following the 70% local employment int the contract.
Presently, motorists have observed that even at night time, EC De Luna
is still doing construction.
When asked whether EC
De Luna Construction Company was affected with the news about the
World Bank debarment of De Luna, Dumlao said he is not necessarily
affected and will just deliver their job.
As to their reactions
with some citizens hollering that what they are doing is a haphazard
job, Dumlao said, “sanay na kami”. They just try to do their job, he
said and let the consultants and the DPWH judge their work.
It will be recalled
that when the three Bishops of Samar along with some concerned
citizens from the three Samar provinces, met for the Samar Island
Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) this month, they passed
a resolution seeking an investigation in the road construction citing
that the concrete base is weak and that the aggregates supplied come
from government officials.
As the project nears
completion, Dumlao said a team of consultants and an inspectorate team
from the DPWH will examine the 'finished product' and will become the
ultimate judge whether the road stretch of 59.3 kilometers worth more
than one billion pesos will really stand the test of time!
No Tuition Fee Hike in
all public, private colleges and universities of Region 8
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February
28, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – In
answer to the call of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the heads of
the State and private colleges and universities in Region 8, will not
increase tuition fees this coming school year, Commission on Higher
Education Chairman Emmanuel Angeles informed the local media in a
press conference held at the La Rica Hotel in Tacloban City.
Secretary Angeles was
in Tacloban to conduct consultations and dialogue with the presidents
of state as well as private colleges and universities. He said that he
has been going around the country to dialogue with the heads of
Tertiary Education Institutions and to appeal for the moratorium in
tuition fee rates.
The good Secretary
commended the heads of the colleges and universities in Region 8,
through their president, Dr. Edward Chua, for fulfilling their
commitment and social responsibility to the community.
Dr. Chua informed that
the members of the Association of Colleges and Universities in Region
8 have signified their commitment in not increasing their tuition fee
rates for school year 2009-2010 in deference to President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo’s call which was reiterated by CHED secretary
Angeles.
“This is the 15th
region I visited,” Secretary Angeles informed the media practitioners
of Tacloban. So far, the consultations have yielded positive results,
he added.
He said that in
Legaspi, 16 colleges and universities filed for tuition fee increase.
After his dialogue with them however, 8 withdrew their petition.
The CHED chairman
couldn’t say how many state colleges and universities in the
Philippines will increase their tuition fee rates next school year
because he said that the deadline for filing is on February 28.
What he is sure of is
that the number will be not more than 10 percent of the total number
of colleges and universities in the country which numbers 1,726.
Before any tuition fee
hike is implemented, consultations with the students, parents, faculty
is conducted. If all of these stakeholders will say yes to a tuition
fee hike because they believe in the reason for such increase, then
CHED has no reason to turn down the petition, Secretary Angeles said.
DPWH-Biliran launches
jobs fair for pump-priming infrastructure projects
By RODRIGO S. VICTORIA (PIA Biliran)
February
28, 2009
NAVAL, Biliran – In
line with the nationwide jobs fair program of President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, the district engineering office of the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here in Biliran province launched on
Thursday a jobs fair to provide Biliranons gainful employment through
the investment or the pump-priming infrastructure programs of the
agency.
The jobs fair program
spearheaded by the DPWH-Biliran Engineering District Office is one of
the job fairs now simultaneously held in the different district
offices of DPWH in region 8.
DPWH-Biliran needs the
following workers for jobs in various pump-priming projects such as
construction foremen, skilled workers, heavy equipment drivers and
operators, steel men, painters, carpenters, mason, laborers and other
kinds of construction workers.
According to Virginia
C. Sarabusing, District Engineer of DPWH-Biliran Engineering District
Office during the opening program, the launching of the jobs fair is
one big deal for the agency in its unwavering support to the noble
desire of the government to forge its way out of the world economic
crisis.
Engr. Sarabusing added
that the jobs fair is a pump-priming initiative of the government to
spur economic growth in the locality, provide gainful employment to
workers affected by the current financial crisis and to help reduce
unemployment.
She revealed that the
DPWH regional office has set a target of 1,000 jobs that will be
generated by the simultaneous jobs fair held in the DPWH district
offices throughout the region.
She assured the
applicants present during the jobs fair that they will be hired
considering that big infrastructure projects will be implemented this
year and these need a considerable number of manpower compliment.
The projects to be
implemented this year by DPWH-Biliran through the initiative of
Representative Glenn A. Chong of the Lone District of Biliran include
the concrete paving of Biliran circumferential road in Mainit-Maurang
road section in Caibiran, Biliran; Ariquin-Julita and Pawikan-Baso
road sections in Cabucgayan, Biliran; Bilwang-Mapuyo and
Baganito-Madao road sections in Kawayan, Biliran; Bool-Patag,
Virginia-Marvel, Looc-Habuhab, Guindapunan-Pinamihagan, Binongtoan-Virginia
road sections in Culaba; Capinahan-Villaconsuelo road sections in
Naval, Biliran; improvement and concreting of the access road to Roro
Port (Naval-Caibiran Cross-Country) road, improvement (concreting) of
access road to Maripipi Port (Calvani-Viga section) in Maripipi,
Biliran, rehabilitation of Biliran Bridge along Leyte-Biliran road in
Biliran, Biliran and the repair of DPWH-Biliran Engineering District
Office in Naval, Biliran.
“The total cost of all
these pump-priming infrastructure projects is P259M and the road
concreting projects is estimated to arrive at the length of 10 to 12
kilometers upon completion of the projects” Engr. Sarabusing added.
She informed that her
office will continue to accept applicants in the different
construction related jobs until such time that the required number of
workers needed by the contractors of the projects will be met.
The District Engineer
of DPWH-Biliran urged the cooperation and help of everybody especially
the agencies involved for the success of the undertaking.
Present during the
jobs fair who helped in facilitating the registration of the
applicants were Ms. Alita Chavez, Labor and Employment Officer II of
DOLE-Biliran and staff and Ms. Lorena Dayagbil, the Public Employment
Service Officer (PESO) of the provincial government of Biliran.
The nationwide jobs
fair program of DPWH is in collaboration and partnership with the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Contractors
Association of the Philippines (NACAP) and the Philippine Contractors
Association, Inc. (PCA).
33 former Leyte rebels
receive livelihood package under govt’s Social Integration Program
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February
27, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – In
line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's peace and development
efforts, thirty-three former rebels in Leyte who have returned into
the folds of the law and are now enrolled at the Social Integration
Program, will formally receive their respective livelihood package in
an awarding ceremony on February 27, 2009 at 1:30 to 3:00 o’clock in
the afternoon.
2Lt. Gabriel Aranez,
information officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion informed that
awarding ceremony will be conducted at the SIP Halfway House,
Headquarters of the 19th Infantry Battalion, at Barangay Aguiting,
Kananga, Leyte.
The awarding ceremony
serves as the culmination of the livelihood training of the former
rebels who will be given the livelihood package to put into practice
what they have learned during the livelihood training, as part of
their reintegration into society.
Among the livelihood
package which will be given are carabaos, goats, cow, pedicabs,
capital for a flower growing project, generator, sarisari store,
motorcycle, and “daro.”
Hon. Pedro Cesar C.
Ramboanga, Jr., Undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential
Adviser for the Peace Process will lead the awarding of certificates
of completion of livelihood training and certificates of livelihood
package. He will be assisted by the peace and development partners
present.
The former rebels were
formally accepted into the government's social integration program
during the formal reception ceremonies conducted at the Municipal Gym
of Kananga, Leyte on December 3, 2008.
With the promulgation
of Administrative Order No. 172 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
on March 23, 2007, the National Committee on Social Integration was
created to implement the Social Integration Program.
The Social Integration
Program is a process whereby former rebels and their dependents are
provided a set of interventions to facilitate their integration into
mainstream society. The program provides an increased remuneration for
surrendered firearms, explosives and ammunitions.
The program also
provides immediate cash assistance of P20,000 each while the former
rebels undergo the process requirements for the grant of
socio-economic interventions. The Socio-Economic interventions in the
amount of P50,000 is in the form of capital goods.
Convergent efforts
with other agencies are exerted for the former rebels' livelihood
skills development, job placement, educational assistance, health
services, "balik-probinsiya" or access to other basic social services.
Leyte Mayors fully
support Palarong Pambansa 2009
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February 26, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – The
mayors of the province of Leyte rally their support to Governor Carlos
Jericho Petilla in hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2009 which will be
held in the province from April 27 to May 3, 2009.
Tanauan Mayor Roque A.
Tiu who is Leyte chapter president of the League of Municipalities of
the Philippines, informed that the league unanimously approved an
all-out-support for the hosting of the national sports event during
its February 20 meeting at Jerry’s Grill in Tacloban City.
The League verbalized
their support through PAGCOR Vice President Hon. Remedios Petilla who
was around to brief the mayors, as chairperson of the socio-cultural
activities which are being prepared for the Palarong Pambansa 2009.
Mayor Tiu said the 41
Leyte mayors agreed to share at least P20,000 each from local funds or
a total amount of P820,000 for use in the Palarong Pambansa hosting.
This, Mayor Tiu said, is a manifestation of their support and the
acknowledgment that they, together with all the people , being part of
the province of
Leyte,
are and must do their share in the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa
2009.
All the forty one
municipalities of Leyte will set up a Trade and Food Kiosk at the
RTR Plaza
where the socio-civic entertainments would be staged during the whole
duration of the Palaro, Mayor Tiu said. The athletes and the guests
from all over the country will have a taste of the culture in the
different parts of
Leyte even without actually going in all the places, Mayor Tiu
said.
The League will also
co-host the Paalam Night for all the delegations, Mayor Tiu added.
This night, which will coincide with the awarding ceremony, will one
which the delegates will remember for a long long time, Mayor Tiu
said.
The League has also
decided to feature the municipalities in the Subiran Regatta which
will be an added attraction during the Palarong Pambansa 2009. The
sails of the participating Subiran will be sponsored by each of the 41
municipalities. The name of a particular town and the picture of that
which makes the town unique from the other municipalities will be
printed in each of the sails. A sail painting contest will be
conducted to choose the best sail, Mayor Tiu said.
In addition, the
municipalities of Palo, Tanauan and Dulag will provide the
accommodation for several Palaro delegations, Mayor Tiu said.
In order to encourage
the media to make the best write-ups about the Palarong Pambansa 2009,
the League will also partner with the Philippine Information Agency in
the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa 2009 Media Awards in Leyte
(MAIL).
Mayor Tiu said the
Leyte province and the whole of Region 8 will benefit from the hosting
of the Palarong Pambansa. The national sports events will not only
bring in thousands of local tourists, it will directly contribute
financially and economically to the local business, hotels,
restaurants, transportation, vegetable and meat vendors and even the
ordinary people of the City.
It is not often that
the province or the Eastern Visayas Region has the chance to host a
Palaro. In fact it has been 25 years since the Palaro was last held in
Tacloban, Mayor Tiu said, as he called on each and every Leyteño to
cooperate and treat the visitors well and make their two-week stay,
one which will make them want to come back to Leyte.
582 schools, 14 LGUs
of Reg 8 participate in Nationwide Earthquake Drill on Feb 27
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February
26, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY –
About 582 schools, 14 local government units are among those that
already confirmed their participation in the Simultaneous Nationwide
Earthquake Drill on February 27, the Regional Disaster Coordinating
Council Executive Director and OCD Director Angel Gaviola informed.
For Region 8, the
ceremonial venue will be at the Tacloban Coca Cola Plant, Director
Gaviola said as he reminded the participants that the exact time for
the simultaneous earthquake drill nationwide, is at
8:30 in the morning.
Director Gaviola said
that the RDCC 8 is ready to sit with the local governments, schools or
establishment that need to be briefed on the mechanics of the
earthquake drill. It is important that the drill is done properly,
Director Gaviola added.
Director Gaviola also
informed that a handful of LGUs intimated that they are instead
conducting the drill in March in time for the Fire Prevention Month.
The conduct of 1st
Quarter 2009 Simultaneous Nationwide Earthquake Drill is on February
27, 2009 at 8:30 in the morning, pursuant to the pronouncement and
instruction of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after the 1st
Nationwide Earthquake Drill on June 20, 2006 for earthquake drills to
be conducted on a quarterly basis.
In the same
pronouncement and instruction, President Arroyo also ordered to
further expand the participation to government and private offices and
establishments, until such time it is perfected and people’s reaction
during and after an earthquake become second nature to prevent
casualties.
All local government
units, local disaster coordinating councils, government agencies,
private and public schools are enjoined to conduct similar activities
in their respective areas of responsibility, on Friday, February 27 at
8:30 in the morning.
The objective of the
quarterly earthquake drills is to make the public aware of what to do
in case an earthquake occurs in order to prevent casualties.
The synchronized
nationwide earthquake drill is a part of the effort to strengthen
disaster risk reduction in the
Philippines.
Govt slates
Synchronized Barangay Assembly on March 28
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February
26, 2009
TACLOBAN CITY – The
Department of Interior and Local Government has set March 28, 2009 as
the synchronized Barangay Assembly Day for all the barangays of the
Philippines, pursuant to Proclamation No. 342 issued by President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2003.
Proclamation No. 342
declares the last Saturday of March 2003 and the third Saturday of
October 2003 and every year thereafter as Barangay Assembly Day.
Relative thereto, the
Department of Interior and Local Government, in its memorandum date
February 11, 2009, reminded the local government executives of certain
activities that the barangay must undertake pursuant to Section 39
7(b) of the Local Government Code.
These activities
include the presentation of the Accomplishment and Financial Reports
from July to December 2008 and the discussion on problems, issues and
concerns affecting the barangay particularly on solid waste management
and the use of illegal drugs.
The barangay officials
may undertake other activities they deem appropriate to get the
interest of the residents to attend the barangay assembly, the DILG
directive stated.
At least two weeks
before the Barangay Assembly date, the barangay officials are mandated
to prepare banners or posters to hanged or posted in at least three
conspicuous places like the barangay hall, plaza or main street, among
others.
Holding the event for
years now has institutionalized people's participation in barangay
governance that strengthened grassroots democracy. It is also an
opportunity for officials to hear and listen to the plight of their
constituents and on how to collectively address issues/problems
presented.
All Barangay residents
from 15 years old and above even not a registered voter in the
barangay but have resided in the locality for six months are enjoined
to participate in the Synchronized Barangay Assembly Day.
DILG, in the same
memorandum, enjoined the provincial governors, city and municipal
mayors to extend assistance to the barangays in order to ensure the
successful conduct of the Barangay Assemblies on March 28.
