The seminar which
brought selected journalists together last March 25 and 26, addressed
the issues and challenges in covering the
Philippines’
first Automated National and Local Elections. The media along side
with the NGO leaders, and the Commission on Elections discussed
several issues on the coverage of the elections.
The Embassy expressed
their concern on the coverage of the elections in terms of the safety
of the journalists especially those covering areas of the country that
have experienced recent violence and unrest.
Eileen Mangubat,
publisher of Cebu Daily News said that many of the journalists in the
country have not been able to see the PCOS machine that will be used
in the coming elections neither was able to tried a mock elections
using the said machine and a new designed ballot. Comelec does not
conduct a briefing or some sort of a kind exclusively for media
practitioners who will be, among others, front liners come May 10.
Mangubat presented the “then and now” scenarios of the elections. She
advised the media to take precautionary measures because “no story is
worth a life of a journalist”, according to her.
It will be recalled
that the country have been tagged as one of the most dangerous country
for journalist considering the high incident of media killings, the
recent was the Ampatuan Massacre.
MindaNews headed by
Carolyn Arguillas, editor, cited some incidents that happened in
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao when it first implemented
automated elections in 2008. “Automated elections does not guarantee
peaceful and honest election”, she said. “In ARMM for the 2008
elections, young voters, meaning those that are not qualified to vote
yet because of age limits can be seen casting their votes”, she
added. Vote buying were rampant, lose fire arms at hand, and “hakot
system” among others, according to Arguillas.
Sighs and deep breaths
were the obvious response of the media participants as they gather
strength from each other knowing how difficult it is to work in a
country especially at the provinces to pursue story that leads to a
possible anomalous actions from the different political groups and
later on could cost a life of a journalist.
It is a sad note
according to Ms. Thompson but nevertheless with this kind of seminar
we will be able to equipped Filipino journalists with added
information and actions for a safe coverage especially those that are
coming from the remote provinces of the country. “Its good to see
that journalists and its partners in non-government organizations as
well as the Comelec and others, were able to exchange views about the
role of media in an electoral process, the environment of this year’s
elections, relevant laws governing the automated polls, voters
education, polls and surveys and experiences of other countries with
automated elections, I know this will be able to help them in a lot of
ways as they perform their duties”, Thompson said.
In an interview,
the press attaché personally expressed gratitude to the Eastern
Visayas media who were able to attend the seminar. Samar media
participants were Samar News.com publisher Engr. Ray Gaspay and
Freelance Journalist Myra Tambor, with a lone Leyte broadcast
journalist Louie Quebec of DYVL. Ms. Thompson was in Samar early last
year to attend to a Balikatan Medical Mission held in Calbayog City.
PNP Eastern Samar
leads stakeholders in “Unity Turn”
By ALICE NICART (PIA Eastern
Samar)
March 29, 2010
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern
Samar – The Eastern Samar Provincial Philippine National Police
Office (PNP) recently led the province’s stakeholders in the call to help the
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in holding an honest, orderly and
peaceful elections come May 10.
The “Unity Turn” cum
Covenant Signing went more inspiring with the attendance of His
Excellency, Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Borongan Archdriocese with
Rev. Fr. Juderick Calumpiano, and a few more young priests with their
seminarians.
The dark of dawn with
the participants all in sports get ups, partly blinded many spectators
so as to fully recognize who was who. In particular, Bishop Varquez
was mistaken for a high ranking military officer, that he was greeted,
“good morning, Sir!”, and his graciousness, the “Sir” returned the
warm greetings just as well; also, education supervisors looked like
high schoolers and the army engineers as though they were young boy
scouts. In general, the ambience was very casual, ordinary and very
relaxing.
But more than the
physical appearances, what was more interesting was every ones’
aspiration for an effective and efficient first time ever automated
polls.
After invoking for
God’s presence and blessings in a short prayer which was led by Fr.
Calumpiano, a 10-minute warm up was executed by all the participants
with SPO2 Edwin Docena who exercised like a diligent P.E. teacher, and
despite the cracking joints as evidence of age, majority of the
participants enjoyed as they breathed deeply the morning air until
they perspire.
With the religious men
in their midst, the policemen, soldiers of the Philippine Army, Army
engineers, employees of DepEd, DILG, BJMP, Bureau of Fire, COMELEC,
NAPOLCOM, PIA, DYES and Kurbada Riders went out the
PNP Camp and joined the “Unity Turn” around Borongan City
which ended at the Borongan Plaza where a short program and covenant
signing took place.
In his message,
PNP-08, Deputy Director/PCSUPT Drusillo Bolodo informed the
participants that the “Unity Turn” emanated in Camp Crame with PNP
Chief Jesus Verzosa who led the game, “to showcase their vision for a
peaceful elections”. Bolodo urged the stakeholders to help COMELEC for
the success of an upcoming political process.
“We might come from
different places and we might speak different dialects but we only
have one prayer, and that is for a peaceful and credible election.
Unta
dili mausik ang ato mga paningkamot (hopefully our efforts won’t go in
vain) and we can do this by teamwork”, Drusillo added.
Bishop Varquez
likewise told the stakeholders that as Christians they are also
committed to help the COMELEC as he also encouraged one and all to not
only being “maka-Diyos, makakalikasan but also being makabayan
(pro-God, pro-environment and pro-people).
Provincial COMELEC
Officer, Atty. Butch Bautista was glad at the turn out of participants
for the peace covenant signing.
For his part, PSSupt
Felixberto Castillo was all smiles at the success of his initiated
peace effort in the province…he thanked most especially Bishop Varquez
and company, DRDA Bolodo and the other local stakeholders.
He enjoined
everybody present to affix their signatures in the tarpaulined
agreement. The ff. chiefs of office joined in the signing: Mrs.
Judith Boco, DepEd Assistant Supt.; Mrs. Lydia Loyola, DILG; JSI
Benben Catudio; FSI Rodrigo Almaden; Atty. Lorenzo Reago, NAPOLCOM;
Col. Jaime Hidalgo, 14th IB Cmmdr; COP Rose Mambulao of Borongan City
and SPO3 Perfecto Mambulao, HPG.
Women’s month
celebrations pursued amidst political fever at the countryside
By TWINKLE JAPZON
March
28, 2010
CATBALOGAN CITY –
Two municipality in the
province
of Samar successfully marked the Women’s month celebration this year
with different activities despite political fever in the countryside.
In Pinabacdao, Mayor
Mario Quijano addressed women’s organizations and individuals who were
present in a forum conducted last March 23, 2010. The Mayor was with
his Municipal Councilors and other local government officials who
graced the women’s forum along side with the different national
agencies.
“Dako gud it akon
pagpa-id hit mga kababayin-an, salit tikang paglinkod ko komo Mayor
permi na kita mayda mga aktibidades para ha iyo. Gintikangan hin mga
trainings basi magkamay-ada kamo skills nga magamit hin pagpakabuhi,”
Mayor Quijano said. The Mayor also cited that he was brought up in a
family where his mother has a regular work and contributes to the
finances of the family above her household chores. In the occasion,
Mayor Quijano paid tribute to her mother and every mother whom he
attributed as the key of success to each family. He likewise
enumerated different programs which he calls interventions of his
governance to the different issues of women. Such are; training
center and other facilities that would be used for additional
trainings and capability building activities as well as livelihood
assistance in way of a soft loan to start up small businesses.
Meanwhile in Daram,
approximately 750 individuals and women organizations came together to
attend the Women’s Month Celebration. The island town is a recipient
of the “Anti-trafficking of Women Project” which is being implemented
by Plan Phils, a non-government organizations whose aim is to uplift
the condition of women and children in the Philippines as well as in
other countries.
Speaking before the
large crowd dominated by women, Mayor Lucia Latorre-Astorga beamed
with pride and honor to address this sector that braved rough seas and
long travel just to be present. Daram is an island municipality where
barangays can only be reached by boat ride.
In an inspirational
message, Daram Mayor Lucia Latorre-Astorga encouraged women sector to
come out and claim their rights as it is provided by our
constitutional and relevant laws. She likewise made an emphasis on
the crucial role of women towards development especially in her town.
She took the opportunity to discuss the objectives of Mobile Kusina or
MK Project being undertaken by her administration. The project she
said is a way to strengthen the advocacy on women’s rights as well as
programs that are intended for women’s economic empowerment and the
initiatives of her administration. Mobile Kusina ni Mayor Lo is one
way of strengthening the capacity of Daram women as farmers and
fisherfolks. She said she has a lot of plan of action for women that
hopefully will be implemented as soon as possible. The Mayor has
created a MK team specifically for this project.
Mayor Astorga also
expressed her gratitude for the interventions of non-government
organizations such as PLAN Phils and International Justice Mission in
her town. “An bulig han PLAN Phils ngan han IJM in dugang nga
nakaka-agda ha aton ha paniguro para han kaupayan han mga kababayin-an”,
the Mayor said.
The celebration in
Daram on March 24, was also attended by Engr. Meilou C. Macabare, the
Provincial Director of Department of Trade and Industry as the keynote
speaker. She focused her message on the theme: Babae, Tagumpay ka ng
Bayan! She enumerated several programs of DTI that has an impact to
the society and being lead by women organizations. Highlight of the
event was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on the campaign
against trafficking of persons lead by Plan Phils.
Some women individuals
who attended the event in an interview said, that they will go home
with added information and inspiration from the speakers especially
from their Mayors who took time out of their busy schedules to be with
them.
The celebration of
the women’s month came in at the time where the local candidates are
on the starting line of the campaign period on March 26 and as
Catholics prepare also for the Holy Week activities.
Systematic deception
by the military on the eve of the NPA's anniversary
Press Release
By NDF-EV
March 27, 2010
The National
Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas said today that the 8th
Infantry Division is systematically deceiving the people in
denigrating the New People's Army, which will be celebrating its 41st
anniversary on March 29. “The 8th ID has been stepping up its psywar
attacks prior to the NPA anniversary this month, most prominently in
claiming the discovery of “mass graves” of “NPA victims” in Northern
Samar,” said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson. “These slanders
attempt to belittle the NPA's steady advance, as well as to cover up
the military's abuses under Oplan Bantay Laya. This is also the second
time that the 8th ID has attempted to attribute so-called “mass
graves” to the NPA in Eastern Visayas, the first being that in
Inopacan, Leyte in 2006.”
Fr. Salas explained
that the historical backgrounds and forensic evidence go against the
military's allegations of “mass graves” in
Eastern Visayas. “There has never been any mass grave by the NPA in
Eastern Visayas
whether in Leyte or Samar. For one, the Mt. Amandewin Command
investigated the allegation of a “mass grave” in Inopacan, Leyte in
2006 and found it to be a big lie. The alleged area is adjacent to an
abandoned cemetery of Brgy. Monterico, from where it is believed the
military took the skeletons to use in the alleged “mass graves”.
Moreover, the scientific data belie the seriousness of the military's
claim – the alleged forensic evidence found such as recognizable
clothing was highly improbable because more than 20 years had passed
and any such material should have been decayed long ago. The forensic
evidence were also seriously compromised to the point of being
unacceptable in any court, by careless handling and because the
military had contaminated the spot by turning it into a circus for the
media and other people for their real intention: anti-communist
propaganda.
“Meanwhile, the
military inflated their data for psywar purposes by turning a few
scattered graves in Mondragon, Northern Samar into an even more
improbable claim of “NPA mass graves”. These alleged “mass graves”
were claimed to have been made in 1980, even earlier than the ones in
Inopacan. And yet the military is boasting that it has credible
forensic evidence and even witnesses, who give crystal-clear
testimonies of events that occurred 30 years ago as if they just saw
these during breakfast. ”
Fr. Salas also said
that the alleged “mass graves” in
Northern Samar may in fact be victims of the military. “The site in Brgy.
Cahicsan, Mondragon is close to what is colloquially known as “Crystal
Mountain” – a place where there are armed fanatical cults established
during the Aquino regime for use in “low-intensity conflict” or proxy
war against the revolutionary movement. These groups are similar to
the notorious “Tadtad” which was widely condemned for gross human
rights violations during the Aquino regime. The armed fanatical cults
in “Crystal Mountain” are notorious for rapes, killing, and other
crimes against outsiders who stray into the area, and many incidents
of killings have already been reported to the NPA. These groups are
known to be close to, if not directly controlled, by the military.”
The NDF-EV
spokesperson concluded that the military is trying to slander the NPA
on its anniversary, as well as to cover up the real human rights
abuses under Oplan Bantay Laya. “While the war intensifies, the
military also steps up its psywar in a desperate attempt to isolate
the NPA from the people. But it is increasingly difficult for the
military to deny that the NPA is indeed growing stronger and intends
to reach the strategic stalemate in the people's war within five
years. Meanwhile, human rights violations by the
military have been escalating in
Northern Samar and
elsewhere especially as the election nears and the Arroyo regime
fights to remain in power. The unresolved human rights violations by
the regime, as well as its other accountabilities for immiserizing and
oppressing the people, are the real issues and not the psywar
inventions of “mass graves.”
Reference:
Roy Santos, NDF-EV Media Liaison Officer
Related story:
Army troopers exhume
victims of NPA’s “Oplan Ahos-Zombie”
First star falls on
two 8th ID army generals
By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
March
26, 2010
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar
– Their first ever star fell on the shoulders of two army generals
from the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army today.
BGen. Alan Luga,
commander of the 802nd Brigade and BGen. Joel Ibañez, commander of the
Army Reserve Command got their hard earned ‘first star’ today.
Luga whose brigade is
based in Carmen, Bohol turned up here today and was welcomed with
arrival honors by the 8th ID (Storm Troopers), Ibañez also received
the same honors.
Luga in his message
offered his promotion to his family.
“For the past 29
years, I was an absentee-father and husband, so that I offer this to
my family who offered so much sacrifice,” Luga addressed the hundereds
of government troops who afforded him honors.
“Don’t forget your
families, as they will be the ones to welcome you, after you have
retired.”
Meanwhile, Ibañez said
his assignment to 8th ID in Samar made him ‘cleanse’ his tarnished
name and prove his detractors false in their accusations in his former
post in Davao.
Though the new general
did not explicitly pronounce the hounding issue, the spectators felt
it was a big deal for him not to forget that easily.
His promotion, he said
proves that he is a man who is decisive and will execute a difficult
and unpopular decision.
“I have proven that
‘hindi utak pulbura si Ibañez,” he added.
Assistant Division
Commander Alex Cabales affirmed Ibañez claim by mentioning the merits,
Ibañez earned at 8th ID.
The series of
successful encounters and operations against the rebels has been
implemented through the supervision of Ibañes as AdCom, Cabales added.
For his part, 8th ID
Commanding General Arthur Tabaquero praised the two generals for the
hard-earned and well deserved stars. He also reminded them to share
the honors to those who have contributed to their ‘star’.
To those with lower
ranks he advised:
“Don’t be so fixated
with promotions, just do your job and your hard work will be noticed
and will be like a key that will open endless doors for career
advancement” Tabaquero inspired his troops.
NSU Board of Regents
confer honorary degree in Doctor of Humanities to Congressman Chong,
former Biliran Governor Gonzales
By RODRIGO S. VICTORIA (PIA Biliran)
March
26, 2010
NAVAL, Biliran – The
Board of Regents of Naval State University (NSU) conferred the honorary
degree of Doctor in Humanities (Honoris Causa) to Congressman Glenn A.
Chong of the Lone District of Biliran and former Biliran Governor Jose
C. Gonzales during the 1st University Commencement Exercises held on
March 23, 2010 at the NSU Gymnasium.
The conferment of the
degree to Congressman Chong and former Biliran Governor Gonzales was
granted based on NSU Board Resolution No 35 series of 2009, upon
recommendation of the Academic Council and by virtue of the authority
vested under Republic Act No. 9718, Republic Act No. 8292 and
University Code approved per Board Resolution No. 29 series of 2009.
The members of the NSU
Board of Regents are Dr. Nona S. Ricafort, Commissioner, Commission on
Higher Education as Chairman and Presiding Officer; Dr. Edita S.
Genson, NSU University President
III, Vice-Chairman; Sen. Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas, Chairperson, Senate
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, member; Rep Cynthia A.
Villar, Chairperson, House Committee on Higher and Technical
Education, member; Director Buenaventura C. Go-Soco, Jr. Regional
Director-NEDA, Region No. VIII, member; Director Edgardo M.
Esperancilla, Regional Director-DOST, Region No. VIII, member;
Felizardo C. Aguilon, Private Sector Representative, member; Cedrick
Allan Van M. Garcia, Private Sector Representative, member; Rosana V.
Solite, President, NSU-Federation of Alumni Associations, member;
Arthur L. Calomadre, President-Federation of Faculty
Associations, member and Voltaire B. Dagalea, President, NSU-Federation
of Student Councils, member.
Congressman Chong was
conferred the honorary degree in Doctor in Humanities (Honoris Causa)
because of his unequivocal commitment to serve the Filipino people and
for his very exceptional accomplishments as the principal sponsor of
Republic Act No. 9718 or an Act Converting the Naval Institute of
Technology (NIT) into Naval State University (NSU) Integrating
therewith the Biliran National Agricultural College (BNAC), Republic
Act No. 9872 or the establishment of Biliran Science High School,
Republic Act No. 10004 or the establishment of the Western Biliran
High School for the Arts and Culture, Republic Act No. 10005 or the
establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) High
School of Eastern Biliran and other significant laws in education.
Likewise, the 34-year
old Biliran solon was cited the degree because of his continuing
scholarship grants to poor but deserving students through
congressional initiatives and from other sources which are beneficial
to the constituents for sustainable development and progress of
Biliran province within his first term as congressman of the
Fourteenth Congress of the Philippines.
The NSU Board of
Regents also presented to Congressman Chong Resolution No 07-A series
of 2009 expressing the most profound gratitude and sincerest
appreciation as the principal sponsor of House Bill No. 1972
substituted by House Bill No. 4414 which became a law as Republic Act
No. 9718 converting NIT into NSU.
On the other hand,
Atty. Gonzales was given the honorary degree in Doctor of Humanities (Honoris
Causa) for his unequivocal commitment to serve the Filipino people for
his very exceptional accomplishments manifested by his vital
contributions in the enactment of the provincehood law of Biliran
province and for his philanthropic activity through the donation of
prime lots to the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) now Naval State
University (NSU), Pro Infante Et Familia Sisters, Diocese of Naval and
Mother Ezperansa Orejola of the Franciscan Sisters Order which are
beneficial to the constituents for sustainable development and
progress of Biliran province.
During the
conferment rites, the honorees was presented by Atty. Buenaventura C.
Go-Soco, Jr.; the reading of the Board of Regents Resolution was done
by Matias B. Bentor, University Board Secretary; the reading of
authority by Dr. Nona S. Ricafort, Commissioner, Commission on Higher
Education (CHED); the hooding, capping of degree of Doctor in
Humanities to Congressman Glenn A. Chong and former Biliran Governor
Jose C. Gonzales was done by Dr. Edita S. Genson, NSU President and
she was assisted by Cedrick Allan Van M. Garcia, Private Sector
Representative.
100 days countdown
towards Southern Leyte’s golden anniversary kicks off
By R.G. CADAVOS (PIA Southern
Leyte)
March 25, 2010
MAASIN CITY, Southern
Leyte – The 100 days countdown just before the 50th Founding
Anniversary celebration of the province of Southern Leyte this coming
July 1st kicked off Tuesday, March 23, with a motorcade around the
city proper.
The afternoon
motorcade participated by local government officials and employees and
some concerned citizens was followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by
Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas at the provincial capitol grounds, after
which a launching program was conducted to signify the start of the
100 days countdown towards the province' golden anniversary
celebration.
Vice-Gov. Mike Maamo
who welcomed the participants expressed his support for the 100 days
preparation before July 1st and expected a 100% attendance throughout
the province. While, inspirational messages were given accordingly by
ABC Provincial Federation President Nikko V. Mercado, Provincial
Councilors’ League President Florentino Lubang, and League of
Municipalities President Mayor Pete Fustanes, who showed support to
the activities prepared for the celebration.
On the other hand,
Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco who just came from his
state-of-the-city-address joined the provincial officials and
confirmed his all out support to the countdown. “It is my privilege to
be part of this once in a lifetime activity and we’re lucky enough to
have joined this seldom occasion of the province.”
The city government
committed to use all channels that can help realize for the success of
the 50th anniversary of the province. “We will utilize our resources,
vehicles, manpower and all activities will be participated by the city
government,” Samaco continued.
Meanwhile, Provincial
Governor Damian G. Mercado and District Congressman Roger G. Mercado
similarly joined hands to unite for the development of the province.
The brothers have seen the real unity throughout
Southern Leyte and were grateful for the support of the government
officials, especially mentioned was Mayor Samaco for the good
leadership he has showed for
Maasin City.
The incumbent governor
urged everyone to participate in the celebration from day 1 until the
province’ natal day, July 1. He was thankful for ASI, UST and MASAM (ASI
for Action, Solusyon, Isisyatibo, UST for Unity, Solidarity and
Teamwork, MASAM for Maasin City Atong Syudad Atong Mahalon), the
battle cries of Gov. Mercado, Cong. Mercado and Mayor Samaco,
respectively, for the continued support given.
The opening salvo
also unveiled the golden anniversary logo performed by the governor,
congressman, city and provincial officials, while the countdown was
officially started by the same officials with Fr. Felix Paloma who
represented Bishop Cantillas.
NPA massacres a
family, 2 killed, wounding another
By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, PA
March
24, 2010
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan City, Samar – Two lives were vehemently taken as another
one in a critical condition after the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA)
massacred a family in Brgy. Bag-otan, Matuguinao, Samar Sunday
morning.
The victims were
reportedly identified as Doming and Junie dela Cruz, 50 and 22 years
old respectively who suffered gunshots all over their body that caused
their instant death while Mylene dela Cruz who were rushed to
Poblacion Matuguinao for medication.
Based on the initial
investigation, the victims while sleeping in their rest hut somewhere
in their farm were perturbed by the successive fires from high caliber
fire arms of four (4) unidentified members of notorious NPA led by
Artemio dela Cruz alias Ato who were wearing bonnet.
The 83rd Division
Reconnaissance Company of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division immediately
sent out troops to augment the
PNP in pursuing the perpetrators.
Major General Arthur
I. Tabaquero, 8ID’s commander said that the act can only be done by
the Godless and evil people and should pay not only to the people’s
law but more so to the Divine Law of God.
The 8ID strongly
condemns in the strongest possible terms this newest inhumane act of
the terrorist NPA.
Different sector of
localities that legitimately look after the respect for human rights
also condemn such evil works.
It can be recalled
that in early February, an innocent farmer known as Arman Diaz of Brgy.
Madoroto of same municipality was also mercilessly slain by the
terrorist in front of his children and wife and afterwards dragged and
exhibited at the center of barangay plaza.
On March 15, a certain
Luis Durico, Chairman of brgy. Genaronagan, Lope de Vega in Northern
Samar was also brutally slaughtered by the terrorist with his body
also dragged and brought at the center of barangay and beheaded in
front of family and constituents.
These animalistic acts
of NPA in terrorizing the civilian to solicit support are already well
known tricks that are being used long before time.
History speaks that
countless violation of human rights were recorded but as if the
progressive party-lists and cause oriented groups who are shouting for
a genuine human rights were voiceless and effortless.
This is a serious
matter that Karapatan, Katungod-SB, Sagupa-SB, Bayan Muna, Gabriela,
Anakbayan and allies must look into. Where are they now? Aren’t they
going to condemn this unpardonable act that the NPA has recently
committed?
The victim’s
families are crying for justice, that if ever such justice will
prevail, the lives that were taken by the terrorists can no longer be
retrieved.
Maasin City receives
green banner award in nutrition
By R. G. CADAVOS (PIA Southern
Leyte)
March 23, 2010
MAASIN CITY, Southern
Leyte – The City of Maasin has received a Green Banner Award in the
field of Nutrition, March 12 in
Tacloban
City
through the National Nutrition Council Regional Office 8 headed by
Nutrition Program Coordinator Carina Z. Santiago.
In a monthly
newsletter, the City of Maasin reported that the City Nutrition
Council has showed exemplary practices and outstanding performance in
implementing its nutrition programs with the able leadership of City
Mayor Maloney Samaco as the council chairman.
In an acceptance
speech delivered by City Executive Assistant Bethany Gado, in behalf
of Mayor Samaco, he stressed that ‘the award received was an
indication that the city implemented well the nutrition program and
this is a challenge for the city government to continuously support
the nutrition programs.”
The award were
presented by Department of Health Regional Director Edgardo Gonzaga,
Department of Agriculture RD Leo Caneda, National Food Authority
Director Ben Marta and Ms. Carina Santiago.
On the other hand,
Outstanding Barangay was also awarded to Barangay Captain Brigida
Blasabas of Brgy Acasia, Maasin City who was chosen as the best
barangay implementer in nutrition programs throughout the region.
While Cecilia Mitra, was chosen as the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition
Scholar, still from the same barangay.
Along with Gado
during the awarding ceremony were Maasin City Rural Health Physicians
Dr. Francisllisa Tan, Dr. Teodulo Salas, Dr. Jocelyn Orito and City
Social Welfare and Development Officer Febe Maria Sta. Cruz, City
Nutritionist Jasmin Genegobis, Midwife Angelita Orais, Public Health
Nurse Anachita Cabatingan and Medical Technologist Jocelyn Jamo.
Mamanwa tribe yearn
inclusion in government’s 4Ps
By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA
Samar)
March 23, 2010
CATBALOGAN CITY –
Some 20 Mamanwa households in Barangay Babaclayon, San Jose de Buan
are yearning for inclusion in PGMA’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program (4Ps).
