Bishop Varquez asks parishioners “to rise from sinful politics”

By ALICE E. NICART
May 4, 2010

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar  –  “Hope is the fruit of resurrection of Jesus. Because He rose from the dead, we too can rise from the sinful conditions in our politics, environment and economics”.

So went the text of the Pastoral Letter of Most Reverend Crispin B. Varquez, DD, Bishop of Borongan, which resounded in the Cathedral all throughout the Sunday masses, as read in to-to by each of the celebrants.

The Pastoral Letter said that as the country is about to hold the first automated elections, not a few are inspired by the hope that this modernized electoral process” will be less dishonest, less antiquated and less prolonged”.

However, Bishop Varquez reminded the community that despite the possible blessing from God the Almighty, they should not likewise be forgetful about the challenges that beset the society. These are: First, the politics of patronage which he said has an “unlimited vigor because with it, are the evils of greed, corruption and the reign of political dynasties that becomes continuous because of rampant vote-buying and influence peddling”.  Second, the Most Reverend Bishop said, that in both local and national scenes, “people see the specter of environmental destruction due to illegal and legal mining and logging not to mention the all forms of illegal fishing and gambling which damage our land and our character with little or no regard at all  on existing law”. Third, the good Bishop wrote that, side by side with the two others, “stands the people’s experience of moral bankruptcy, where they regard their social interactions in terms of money and the benefits they bring to their families and small groups and the temporary regulations instead of permanent principles”.

However, he said that these realities have always been regarded by the Church with deep concern. Thus, he has pointed everyone towards Jesus’ call to conversion from sins.

“The Kingdon is here but we need to enter it renouncing sin, both personal and social”, Bishop Varquez urged.

He also quoted Exodus 23:7-8 where the Lord, he said, urges us “to keep away from dishonesty and never to take a bribe, because a bribe blinds even the most clear-sighted and twists the words even of the just”.

For the coming May 10 polls, Bishop Varquez further wrote the public, NOT TO VOTE for candidates or politicians who tolerate mining, logging and illegal fishing; NOT TO SELL THEIR VOTES, NOT TO VOTE  for the candidates who give MONEY in exchange for their VOTES, NOT TO VOTE for the candidates who are supportive of Reproductive Health Bill and instead, VOTE for the candidates who fear God and who can truly make a difference in administering politics, economics and environment according to their moral principles.  (PIA-Eastern Samar)

Over 500 attend Go Negosyo seminar in Tacloban

By BONG PEDALINO
May 3, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  More than the expected number of participants turned out here to listen to power speakers and lecturers who shared their actual experiences, talents, and skills, and their mastery of the nitty-gritty craft of the business world, in a one-day “Go Negosyo Seminar” (NEGOSEM) held at the DPWH Regional Office social hall.

Interestingly, out of the presence of 526 warm bodies that showed up from the six provinces of Region 8, the existing entrepreneurs outnumbered those still aspiring to be one, 6 is to 4.

Those figures indicated that many low-key micro, small, medium, and medium-scale (MSME) businessmen in the region still aspire for more learning and inputs, while those contemplating to join the club are interested to learn just as well, said Ma. Delia Corsiga, Officer-in-Charge, Leyte provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in her closing message at the end of a very long day.

It was the DTI, through its provincial offices in the region, which mobilized the audience that crowded the venue, and this was also in line with its function to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit among the people as well as the promotion of its “One Town One Product” (OTOP) program, said Desiderio Belas, Jr., OIC-DTI Regional Director.

And about 10% of those who attended came from Southern Leyte province, with 55 individuals, including this writer – the largest delegation aside from the host province of Leyte – and the transportation costs of the group were defrayed by the provincial and city governments by using the two big coaster buses.

Ramon Lopez, the Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship - Go Negosyo, disclosed that they intended to reach out to various regions of the country by organizing twenty Negosems at 500 participants per region, to attain their objective of spreading the negosyo virus to 10,000 Filipinos.

Region 8 was the 13th in their list, and so far they had interacted with about 6,500 people, Lopez added.

The day began with a simulated TV talk show onstage, with Lopez acting as host, but he interviewed two real-life, successful entrepreneurs, Alvin Kingson Tan, a young IT businessman of Technominds, Inc., and Theresa Marjorie Marita, of Leyte Delicacies.

The two took turns sharing their experiences, on how they go about developing an idea, or inheriting a trade from their parents, and persevered against all odds, faced all challenges, the ups and downs, until the business became stable and financially viable.

Among the inspiring and expert speakers were Ardy Roberto, Chief Executive Officer of Salt and Light Ventures, who discussed the topic, “Dream, Believe, Achieve: Importance of Having Positive Entrepreneurial Mindset”; Francisco “Dean Pax” Lapid, on “Finding Business Opportunities and Choosing the Market for your Business”; Reuel Virtucio, Executive Director, Punla sa Tao Foundation, “Developing and Innovating Actual Products and Services”; Eduardo Pilapil, Jr., CEO, Salt and Light Ventures, “Marketing your Business”; and Tess Dimaculangan, “Funding your Business and Managing your Finances.”  (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Palo Archdiocese launches Leyte quick reaction team vs. extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 3, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Hosted by the Archdiocese of Palo under Archbishop Jose S. Palma, in partnership with the Ateneo Human Rights Center and the Asia Foundation, the Leyte Multi-Sectoral Quick Reaction Team on Extra-legal Killings and Enforced Disappearances was successfully launched on April 29 at the St. John the Evangelist School of Theology in Palo, Leyte.

The Multi Sectoral Quick Reaction Team was conceived in order to address Extra-legal killings and Enforced Disappearances at the local level through the establishment of a mechanism involving government agencies and civil society groups by way of coordination and mutual cooperation to facilitate immediate response to cases of ELKs and EDs.

The launching program commenced with a welcome address of Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Palo, followed by the overview of the MSQRT which was presented by Atty. Carlos Medina, Executive Director of the Ateneo Human Rights Center.

Messages of commitment were delivered by Most Reverend Jose S. Palma, Archbishop of Palo; Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla; Commission on Human Rights Director Paquito Nacino; the representative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; and Atty. Damcelle Torres, Program Officer of the Asia Foundation.

Also present to give their message of commitment were PCSupt Rey Lañada, Police Region 8 Director; Col. Roberto Capulong, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Brigade, 8th Infantry Division; Sister Rosario Obiniana, president of the Women Religious Association of the Archdiocese of Palo; and Mr. Noel Regulacion, representative of KAISAHAN.

The highlight of the launching activity is the signing of the MSQRT Memorandum of Understanding.

Prior to the launching activity, a training workshop on extra-legal killings and enforced disappearances has been scheduled to be conducted from April 28 to 29.

The training is intended to evoke awareness among partners on the local situation and principles of human rights in relation to peace and development; to develop among the participants an understanding of the remedies and challenges in addressing extra-legal killings and enforced disappearances as in providing a venue where relatives of victims and the general public can report cases involving extra legal killings and enforced disappearances, seek assistance, request immediate investigation, get legal advice, request protection or seek psychosocial services.

Finally, it seeks to raise public awareness and understanding of the phenomena of Extra-Legal Killings and Enforced disappearances in order to deter, minimize or prevent future incidents.

Region 8 conducts blessing of PCOS machines

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 2, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The blessing of the Precinct Count Optical Scan machines in Region 8 was conducted on April 30 at the warehouse where they are currently being stored prior to delivery to the various provincial treasurers in the Region.

The Blessing activity was attended by the Comelec Director Atty. Nick Mendros, PNP 8 Regional Director Rey Lanada, Chief Superintendent Dorosillo Bolodo, Leyte Provincial Police Director John Susito, Tacloban City Police Director Sergio Dimandal, Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Cubillo, members of the PPCRV, Rev. Fr. Isagani Petilos, Rev. Fr. Amadeo Alvero and members of the PNP from all over the Region.

Comelec 8 Director Mendros informed that the regional office is still waiting for the lacking PCOS machines particularly the spare PCOS machines which will be used as back-ups in case the PCOS machines in some polling places will not function well.

The good Director disclosed that the Region will need about 5,110 PCOS machines but it received 5,161. Some 122 of these PCOS machines are the spare machines.

Director Mendros expressed optimism that more PCOS machines will be sent to the Region so that 151 spare machines will be allotted to the province of Leyte and 48 for Eastern Samar.

Todate, only Northern Samar has been allotted with 52 PCOS machines, Director Mendros said.

Moreover, three more barangays in the Region has no programmed PCOS machines. These are Barangay General Luna at Lope de Vega Samar, Barangay Union at Sta. Rita Samar, and Barangay Calubian of Maasin City.

Director Mendros informed that the canvassing kits, generator sets, ballot boxes, 5,193 battery units and laptops that will be used in Region 8 for the May 10 elections have already arrived.

PDEA sets up office in Calbayog City

By PIA Samar
May 1, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will soon open its satellite office in Calbayog City.

This after PDEA-8 Regional Director Julius Navales formally accepted the office space offered by Mayor Mel Sarmiento. The simple turn-over program was done at the City Hall stage on Monday, April 26, 2010, after the traditional flag-raising ceremony.

In his speech, RD Navales thanked Mayor Sarmiento for the office space which is located at the Calbayog City Sports Center. He noted that setting up an office in Calbayog is a big boost to the agency's efforts to rid the region of illegal drugs.

The short program was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and brunch at the Calbayog City Sports Center cafeteria.

PDEA Regional Information Officer Ms Liza Buhay told PIA that they plan to put up satellite offices in provincial capitals and in cities. She added that negotiations have been pushed to attain this objective.

She cited Ormoc City office that has been blessed a day after Calbayog City.

She foresees the set up of PDEA extension offices in Naval, Maasin, Borongan, Catarman and other cities.

The presence of PDEA offices in the LGU will help them solve somehow illegal drugs prevalence in the area, said Buhay.  (with Ron Ricafort)

1,563 military absentee voters in Region 8 cast their votes

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 1, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Some 1,562 soldiers assigned in the various military units under the jurisdiction of the 8th Infantry Division have already cast their votes for the national candidates under the local absentee voting, as of the morning of April 29, 2010.

This information was gathered from Lt. Colonel Armand Rico, the spokesman of the 8ID based at Catbalogan, Samar.

All units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Region 8 have been designated by the Comelec as polling centers for the local absentee voters from the military, Lt. Col. Rico said.

These include 8 battalions, 3 brigades, 2 Engineer battalions and 1 Division Headquarter, Col Rico added.

Covered by the local absentee voting are around 21,000 government officials and employees as well as members of the military and police who will be on election duty in places where they are not registered on May 10, Election Day.

The guidelines released by the Comelec indicate that those who were approved to avail of the local absentee voting shall be allowed to vote anytime from April 28 to 30 in the place designated by the head of their agency and in the presence of an authorized Comelec representative.

Comelec Director Nick Mendros disclosed that just like the overseas absentee voters, local absentee voters shall only be allowed to vote for national positions. Local absentee voting is also traditionally done manually.

The authorized poll body officer shall distribute the local absentee ballots, envelopes, and paper seals to qualified local absentee voters any day between April 28 and 30.

Upon receiving the ballot, an absentee voter must fill it up and imprint his or her thumb mark on the proper space in the detachable coupon of the ballot. He or she must then detach the coupon from the ballot and place the same inside the outer envelope.

The voter must place the accomplished ballot inside the inner envelope and close the envelope with a paper seal. He or she must then place the sealed inner envelope inside the outer envelope, which shall likewise be sealed with a paper seal.

Lastly, the voter must write his or her name on the outer envelope and then submit it to the head of their agency.

After the conduct of the local absentee voting ends, the ballots will directly be sent to the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila, where they will be stored until Election Day. The counting and canvassing of the votes will be on May 10, Director Mendros added.

The counting of the local absentee ballots will be conducted by special board of election inspectors, similar to that of manual elections.

4,700 jobs up for grab at Labor Day Mega Jobs Fair in Region 8

By VIRGILIO DOROJA, JR.
April 30, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  At least 4,700 job orders and vacancies from thirty one (31) overseas recruitment agencies and local employers will be offered during the Labor Day Mega Jobs Fair at the Tacloban City Convention Center on May 1, 2010 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.

This was announced by DOLE Regional Director Forter G. Puguon following a meeting of the Jobs Fair Committee co-chaired by DOLE Northern Leyte Field Office Head Marites Z. Viñas and POEA Regional Coordinator Rose Jervoso, with the participating local employers and recruitment agencies.

The mega jobs fair which will be one of the highlights of the 2010 Labor Day Celebration is in partnership with ABS-CBN Tacloban through its “Trabaho Patrol Program” under Mr. Clifford A. Nolido and and the POEA under Ms. Jervoso.

Among the local employers which signified to participate in the jobs fair are APAC, Accudata/Coredata, Dranix, Jollibee/Chowking/Greenwich, New Leyte Edible Oil, ABE International College of Business and Accountancy, Trisean Ventures (Bayantel), MJ Prime Ventures (Bayantel), Gaisano Central, Bethany Hospital, LEYECO II, Smart Bunkang Marketing, Andoks Dokitos, Divine Word Hospital, Mother of Mercy Hospital, Holy Infant College, Coca Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Leyte Park Resort Hotel, AMA Computer College, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), PASAR, Tacloban City Angelicum Center, and Taytay sa Kauswagan.

At least 400 local job openings will be available, including customer service representatives, billers, program coordinators accounting clerks, management trainee, accounting staff, driver, payloader operator, instructors, sales agents, account manager, cashiers, checkers, sales assistants, pharmacists, food service crew, medical technician, and laboratory personnel.

One local employer, the soon to be opened Mother of Mercy Hospital will have job openings for thirty (30) staff nurses, eight (8) nursing attendants, dietician, cook, food service supervisor, food service worker, supply officer, clerks, medical records officer and bookkeeper.

Eight (8) overseas recruitment agencies will also take part in the mega jobs fair, namely:  10th Storey Placement Agency, Ascend Overseas Recruitment Agency, Mondial Recruitment Agency, Mothers Way Placement Agency, New Era Recruitment Agency, Unijobs Placement Agency, Pacific Mediterranean International Employment Agency and the POEA.  They will be bringing in at least 4,300 jobs orders for overseas deployment.

Director Puguon calls on all job applicants to go to the DOLE office for the pre-registration of applicants and to use the Phil-Jobnet and GMA Kiosk facilities to facilitate the pre-matching of applicants with the job vacancies.

He also advises the job seekers to take full advantage of this rare opportunity of whole day Mega Jobs and Livelihood Fairs to come to the Astrodome on May 1 and explore every job vacancy that fits their educational background, training and experience.  They can also visit the Livelihood Fair for opportunities for self-employment.

Interested applicants should bring with them such basic documentary requirements as resume, diploma and transcript of records, employment certification and other relevant documents.

For more information, you may contact Ms. Marites Z. Viñas, Head DOLE Northern Leyte Field Office who co-chairs the Committee on Jobs Fair at telephone number (053) 325-6292.  (PIA 8)

Military, PNP, other absentee voters in Region 8 cast their votes on April 28 to 30

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
April 29, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The absentee voters in Region 8 which include members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and teachers are expected to cast their votes for national candidates under the local absentee voting, on Wednesday, April 28 to Friday, April 30, 2010.

All units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Region 8 have been designated as polling centers for the local absentee voters from the military, Lt. Col. Armand Rico, spokesperson of the 8th infantry Division informed.

These include 8 battalions, 3 brigades, 2 Engineer battalions and 1 Division Headquarter, Col. Rico added.

When interviewed by the Philippine Information Agency through phone patch in the afternoon of April 27, Lt. Col. Rico disclosed that not all units have received their election paraphernalia and kits yet.  He, however, expressed optimism that all the units will receive the same before the voting starts on April 28.

Lt. Colonel Rico said that as of this writing, he has accounted for 1,105 but he has yet to determine the total number of absentee voters in all the polling areas within the 8th Infantry Division.

In the Division headquarters alone, there are 174 local absentee voters who will cast their votes between Wednesday and Friday, the Army spokesman said.

On the part of the Philippine National Police in the Region, there are 59 absentee voters region wide who will vote in the designated polling places which are the Regional headquarters, the Mobile Group command at Capoocan and in all the six Police Provincial offices in the Region.

Covered by the local absentee voting are around 21,000 government officials and employees as well as members of the military and police who will be on election duty in places where they are not registered on May 10, Election Day.

The guidelines released by the Comelec indicate that those who were approved to avail of the local absentee voting shall be allowed to vote anytime from April 28 to 30 in the place designated by the head of their agency and in the presence of an authorized Comelec representative.

Comelec Director Nick Mendros disclosed that just like the overseas absentee voters, local absentee voters shall only be allowed to vote for national positions. Local absentee voting is also traditionally done manually.

The authorized poll body officer shall distribute the local absentee ballots, envelopes, and paper seals to qualified local absentee voters any day between April 28 and 30.

Upon receiving the ballot, an absentee voter must fill it up and imprint his or her thumb mark on the proper space in the detachable coupon of the ballot. He or she must then detach the coupon from the ballot and place the same inside the outer envelope.

The voter must place the accomplished ballot inside the inner envelope and close the envelope with a paper seal. He or she must then place the sealed inner envelope inside the outer envelope, which shall likewise be sealed with a paper seal.

Lastly, the voter must write his or her name on the outer envelope and then submit it to the head of their agency.

After the conduct of the local absentee voting ends, the ballots will directly be sent to the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila, where they will be stored until Election Day. The counting and canvassing of the votes will be on May 10, Director Mendros added.

The counting of the local absentee ballots will be conducted by special board of election inspectors, similar to that of manual elections.

Senate ready to receive Election Returns

Press Release
April 29, 2010

PASAY CITY  –  The Senate is set to receive the Certificates of Canvass (COCs) and Election Returns (ERs) in the elections for the positions of President and Vice President immediately after the polling precincts close at 6 p.m. on May 10.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the Senate is ready to implement its rules and guidelines for the reception of COCs and ERs. The rules and guidelines were published in two newspapers Monday.

"The Constitution mandates the Senate, through the Senate president, to receive all election returns for the positions of President and Vice President. After inspection, we will transmit them to the House of Representatives where both houses, in a joint session, will start the canvassing of votes," Enrile explained.

Since the country will have its first ever automated election, the Senate will receive both physical and electronic transmissions of the COCs and ERs, Enrile added.

For the purpose, he said, the rules and guidelines designated two venues, one of which is the Senate building in Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, for the reception of the physically transmitted COCs and ERs while electronically transmitted ERs and COCs will be received in the House of Representatives.

The printed COCs and ERs, contained in ballot boxes, will be received at the Senate building. The COCs, its supporting documents and paraphernalia will be received at the Claro M. Recto and Jose P. Laurel Rooms at the second floor of the Senate building while the ballot boxes containing the election returns will be received at the ground floor lobby.

As Senate President, Enrile will receive the first delivered ballot boxes of the COCs. Subsequent ballot boxes containing the COCs and the ERs will thereafter be received by duly designated reception teams as representatives of the Senate President as provided under the rules and guidelines of the reception. Three reception teams shall be on duty on a 24-hour basis, with each team observing an eight-hour shift, Enrile said.

Presidential and vice presidential candidates and political parties fielding presidential and vice presidential candidate are entitled to one representative each to witness the reception of COCs and ERs, Enrile added.

To ensure transparency of the proceedings, Enrile explained, reception of the COCs and ERs will be documented using still and video cameras. Upon receipt of the ballot boxes and the transmittal slip from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer, the team leader, in the presence of the Comelec officer, will describe the condition of the ballot box, state its serial number, the number of keys and locks turned over to them and the serial number of the self-locking seal.

As an added security measure, the Comelec officer will be asked to conform or comment on the description or observation made by the team leader, who will turn over the ballot boxes to the Senate security team for storage.

The team leader who will receive the COCs and the ERs will issue an official receipt describing the condition of the ballot boxes to the Comelec officer.

On the other hand, the Senate will also deploy another team to man the electronic transmission of the COCs at the House of Representatives.

The Senate will assume responsibility over the Consolidation and Canvassing System at the House of Representatives from the time of installation and initialization until the convening of the Congress in Joint Session on May 31 to canvass the Presidential and Vice Presidential votes, Enrile said.

Meanwhile, Senate Secretary Emma Lirio Reyes said the gun ban will be strictly enforced at the Senate premises for the duration of the reception of COCs and ERs. She said Comelec officers and their escorts will be required to deposit their firearms with the security team.

Reyes said only vehicles carrying ballot boxes and other vehicles authorized by the Senate President will be allowed entry into the covered parking area effective May 10. "We are implementing tight security measures during the reception period to ensure that the proceedings will go smoothly," Reyes stressed.

Tanauan inaugurates P3M worth Japanese funded state-of-the-art birthing facility

By Provincial Media Relations Center
April 29, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Embassy of Japan formally turned over Tuesday to the local government unit of Tanauan a state of the art P3 million worth birthing facility – a project which was funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

The birthing facility which was started in 2009 came after Ambassador Makoto Katsura and Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu signed the grant contract at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines purposely to lower infant and mortality rate.

The turn over and inauguration ceremony was led by Japanese Embassy Minister for Economic Affairs Tomochika Uyama, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Japan for International Cooperation Agency Senior Representative Masafumi Nagaishi and Mayor Tiu.

The newly inaugurated facility consist of a labor room, delivery room, a ward and a room for the center’s staff and is equipped with sophisticated equipments ensuring a safe and healthy delivery of pregnant women.

In granting the assistance, the Japanese Embassy noted that in the Municipality of Tanauan, community health workers have actively encouraged pregnant women to deliver in hospitals or health centers with birthing facilities, but only 40 percent of them use hospitals or health centers while remaining 60 percent choose to deliver at their homes.

According to Mayor Tiu, Japan has in fact continuously sent in Japanese health volunteers to work with the town’s barangays and help in grassroots health advocacies.

Meanwhile, Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla, said the facility can now provide quality and affordable maternal health care services to the towns’ residents – so that expectant mothers will no longer resort to the traditional “hilots,” and thereby reduce risks of mother and infant mortality.

It was learned that the main reason why many still prefer the home-based delivery is because health centers in municipalities also lack birthing facilities.

He otherwise vowed that with health among his top priority during his administration, he would make Leyte as one of the top province with the most number of birthing centers if just to lower infant and mortality rate.

In Region 8, infant mortality rate is at 36 per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality rate is at 231 per 100,000 live births, he disclosed.