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.