Carigara celebrates 441st Founding Anniversary

By MARIVIC ALCOBER, PIA 8
January 16, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Through its active Municipal Mayor Trinidad Go Apostol, the local government of Carigara, Leyte has lined up different activities for the celebration of its town’s 441st Founding Day Anniversary 2012, called “Adlaw han Kalgara.”

It was learned that last January 11, a Blood Letting Activity was conducted at the Kangara Gymnasium, followed by the Agricultural Fair open for everyone last January 16 which was held at the LGU grounds.

On the other hand, a One Stop Shop and a Business Permit Licensing is currently being conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the period January 16-20, at the LGU Roofdeck.

On January 18, a Career Exhibit which will start at 9:00 a.m will be held at the Kangara Gymnasium, followed by a Medical Mission (ICOT Caravan) on the following day, January 19, still on the same venue from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A Job Fair plus a Pre-Passporting will take place at 9:00 a.m. on January 20, still at the Kangara Gymnasium. At the LGU Grounds, at 9:30 a.m. on the same day, there will be a cooking demonstration on Hamonadang Bangus and White Cheese to be hosted by Barangay Coiuncil of Brgy. Uyawan and Brgy. Canal.

For the members of the Sanggunian Kabataan (SK), an SK Night will be held on January 21, at 7:00 .m. at the Kangara Gymnasium to be followed by the KANSAYAW on January 23, still at the same time and venue.

Likewise, a Drum and Bugle Demonstration will take place on January 24, at the LGU Grounds which will be participated by the Elementary Division.  Said activity will start at 2:00 p.m.

Lastly, a Holy Mass will be offered on January 25, at 7:00 a.m., at the LGU grounds to be attended by the local government officials and employees, together with the constituents of Carigara.  This will be followed by the Datu Gara Festival – Float Parade centered on the theme “Kahuraan Han Dagat,” at 8:00 a.m. along the streets of the municipality.

As a conclusion to the various activities relative to the anniversary, a Dance Festival will be held at the LGU Grounds at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon on January 25.

Children storms Media Fest in Daram

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE, PIA Samar
January 16, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  Children of various ages and backgrounds, flocked to the Daram covered court to watch MTVs and Public Service Announcement (PSA) filmed by members of the Young Hearts Media Correspondents.

On January 13, 2012, 19 fine young children of the media correspondents took their oath as members the media, this media group collectively known as Young Hearts Media Correspondents (YHMC), was accredited by Regional Director Erlinda Olivia Tiu of the PIA-8 in May, 2011.

According to Toch dela Cruz of the Plan Philippines, the 19 young ‘filmmakers’ were taught video lessons where they of were assigned to shoot MTV or PSA as a requisite for graduation.

That night, five MTVs and three PSAs were viewed by the children, parents, guests from the DepEd, Plan Philippines and LGU Daram.

The MTVs and PSAs had issues on child labor, environmental protection, anti-trafficking and child abuse.

Aitho de Asis from Barangay Mayabay said that he will always remember how to hold the camera to make sure it stays intact until the end of the training.

Like a real movie festival, organizers Plan Philippines also brought live two outstanding ‘filmmakers’ from Sta. Margarita, Wency Anotado who was brought to Seoul, Korea and won the Children’s Choice Award for his short film “I am a Man’ during the 23rd Seoul International Youth Film Fest in South Korea.

Another personal appearance of documentary host Richelle Jaropoy from Catarman, Northern Samar thrilled the audience, after her documentary on malnutrition, aptly titled “Tinimbang ka ngunit Kulang” got applauded.

Parents of the 19 new members of media went with their kids on stage to receive the awards as Best Director, Best Actress and Best Actor awards.

Ma. Glecy Joy Contado, a ‘graduate’ of the of the same media training expressed appreciation for the young members who have shown talents in shooting and filming the MTVs and the PSAs.

Contado along with Annabelle Barcenas, Janice Tapil, Wency Anotado and Erwin Cachuela considered as this batch’s mentors were the first members of the YHMC trained by Anak TV's Mag Cruz’ Hatol.

“I find it in my heart to share the things we have learned from our mentors too, the task was not easy but with patience, the children were able to produce short films that reflected the issues in their very own communities,” Contado said in her message.

DILG stamps seal of good housekeeping on 35 East Visayas LGUs

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 16, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  A total of thirty five local government units in Eastern Visayas have been granted the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

This came about as the DILG bared the third wave of LGUs that have been given the coveted seal, Mr. Myles Colasito informed the local media in the recently held Harampang Ha PIA.

Mr. Colasito identified the recipients of the Seal of Good Housekeeping in the third wave of evaluation as the Provincial Government of Biliran together with the municipalities of Cabucgayan, Kawayan and Maripipi; the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar together with the municipalities of Balangiga, Dolores, Hernani, Maydolong, San Julian and Sulat.

In the province of Leyte, the latest recipients are Tacloban City, Babatngon, Calubian, Dagami, Palo and Tanauan; while in Northern Samar, the provincial government and the municipality of San Isidro; in Southern Leyte, Maasin City and the municipalities of Hinundayan and Macrohon; and in Samar, the municipalities of Calbiga and Marabut.

In the first wave of evaluation for the Seal of Good Housekeeping, only the municipality of Kawayan in Biliran was included.

For the second wave of evaluation, the Seal of Good Housekeeping was given to the municipalities of Almeria, Biliran and Naval in Biliran; Guiuan in Eastern Samar; the provincial Government of Leyte together with the municipalities of Alang-Alang, Burauen and Jaro and the City of Ormoc; Laoang in Northern Samar; and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping is a set of criteria aimed at recognizing LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping particularly on the areas of Sound Fiscal Management, Transparency and Accountability, and Valuing Performance Management. Information on the last part is taken from the agency’s own Local Governance Performance Management System.

Among the key components in the SGH criteria are compliance to the DILG’s Full Disclosure Policy, and acceptable levels of findings from the Commission on Audit.

Local Government Units (LGU) who will pass the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) can avail of the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). The PCF is an incentive fund to LGUs in the form of counterpart for projects to be financed from the 20% component of the LGU’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

Eligible LGUs may use the PCF for projects meant to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); boost economic development; or those to help communities adapt to climate change and prepare LGUs for disaster.

“NPA desperate and having nightmares on their downfall”

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
January 15, 2012

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City  –  The Provincial Government of Leyte together with 8th Infantry Division on December 8, 2011 declared the province of Leyte as a manageable conflict-affected area ready for development, a move being criticized by the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas.  Ka Karlos Manuel, the Spokesperson of the Efren Martirez Command, called Major General Chan as daydreaming for such declaration.  “Yes the army is daydreaming. We are dreaming of a long lost peace and prosperity in Leyte. For almost a decade, the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte are starting to feel development and immense economic activities after the CPP-NPA-NDF influence in the area had weakened and its terrorist activities had declined.” This was the answer of the good General when asked to comment on the statement of the EMC spokesperson. [ read NPA gains hundreds of new supporters as 8th ID daydreams of “insurgency-free” region ]

Ka Karlos Manuel even claimed that they, the CPP-NPA-NDF, had gained strength while the LGU of Leyte and 8th ID proclaimed the province as insurgency-free. Having read this statement, Major General Chan, again, replied with a funny expression. “It seems that Ka Karlos Manuel is the one daydreaming and he is on a nightmare. Maybe, he is not aware of what is really happening on the ground or he just wants to conceal the truth that they don’t have the capability to expand its organization in Leyte and soon they will cease to exist.  That is the most proximate to reality. Look, if it is true that they have gained strength in the area, the people of Leyte will be the ones to protest the declaration of Leyte as insurgent-free Island.” It can be recalled that Southern Leyte was earlier declared as Insurgent-free province on September last year. “Ka Karlos Manuel said that they have structured more mass organizations in peasant, women and youth, then this should have been noticed and felt in the area. But where are these mass organizations? The truth is, the people in Leyte no longer believe nor buy this propaganda. The people of Leyte had been awakened from the false representation and propaganda of the CPP-NPA-NDF. The people of Leyte have learned the real truth. Thus, the communist terrorists are now having difficulties in their recruitment.”

Major General Chan likewise denied the contention of EMC Spokesperson that the 8th ID is using tactics to sway civilians to attend meetings they [8th ID] initiated. He considered it as a very insane and preposterous. He humbly acknowledged that 8th ID has no funds to buy lechon and other similar lavish food preparations just to sway the communities on their favor. On the contrary, he claimed that our communities joined the meetings with the 8th ID in every barangay because they believed that they [8th ID, Phillipne Army] is the real people whom they can depend on. He raises his head and said, “the army [8th ID] serves and will continue to serve as their protector against the NPAs. Incidentally, soldiers of the 8th ID is not asking food from the communities in remote areas as what the NPAs are doing”.

Manuel was too proud when he boasted that the best sons and daughters are being recruited into the NPA. This did not run off from the attention of Major General Chan. He agreed that there are some recruits that replaced a little fraction of the numbers of their former members who either surrendered or lay low.  However, those new recruits are mostly, if not all, are 15 years old and below which is in fact a blatant disregard and violation of international humanitarian Law that prohibits recruitment of minors as combatants. Again, showing much dismay for a wasted hope, he shook his head and said “they [NPA] are a disgrace to Filipino community. They are not ashamed of corrupting young minds and stealing their bright future.

“Certainly I agree with what Manuel has said, that the presence of the 14IB should be highly noted. The existence of 14IB in the area is to secure the rehabilitation of the Gandara-Matuguinao road project against those local terrorists or the NPAs that are impeding the gateway towards development. The construction of this road project would facilitate the easy transport of agricultural products of farmers coming from the far flung areas and become a new attraction of investors that would open-up employment for the common people of Matuguinao and its adjacent Municipalities. Now which one is fearful, the presence of soldiers who are securing the opportunity of the populace? Or the NPA’s obstruction of the road project to deny our own people of the development they certainly deserve? What they always wanted is to confine the communities in remoteness and deny them access to information so that the only knowledge that would come in for our people are their own teachings. A poisonous knowledge that the government is the evil and the source of all difficulties, while their’s, the communism and armed struggle are the solutions”. I beg all of you people of Samar Island. Let us join our hands to make this Gandara-Matuguinao Road realized. The road the NPAs claimed as Road To War. Yes it is! A Road to War Against Poverty and Ignorance.” Chan continued.

On the other hand, the EMC spokesperson also averred that the encounter transpired last Dec. 20 at Las Navas, Northern Samar by the troops of 34IB against the NPA offensive was entirely “legitimate” since their unilateral ceasefire in response to the Aquino government commences from Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. He further states that it was a form of punishment for the government troops which resulted to the death of one (1) soldier and wounding as well, for not keeping their own word on the unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2. The ambush on the government troops last 20 Dec 2011 by the NPA only highlighted the insincerity of the NPAs to forge peace with the government by taking advantage of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Aquino during the Yuletide season. Their treachery unmasked their real selves and the real organization they have. The intent of the unilateral ceasefire was to give respite to the cycles of violence all year yet our soldiers are still duty-bound to secure villages and communities against violence and lawlessness from the NPAs. The soldiers sacrificed precious time that should have been spent with their loved ones so that our people can celebrate and enjoy yuletide season away from harm posted by these bandits [NPAs}.

Moreover, to answer other allegations and propaganda the EMC spokesperson posted, Major General Chan left two challenges to the CPP-NPA-NDF Eastern Visayas. “We challenge the NPA! If they can show any proof that the 8th ID troops committed violation on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in our area of operations during my time as Division Commander, then we will prosecute those soldiers to the point of putting them in jail and discharging them from the service. In fact, the NDF-EV has filed several cases earlier than year 2010, but all were dismissed for lack of basis and substantial evidence.

If the NPAs can prove that we are disturbing the tranquility of the civilian populace in any area under my command then we will punish them. If there are any school, health centers, barangay centers and civilian buildings that were used as base camps then we will chastise them together with their commander. It is easy to claim but difficult to prove, especially when somebody’s claim is based on lies and the objective is just to malign the belief of the people.

We challenge the NPA to show proof. Do not keep on claiming or throwing accusations without basis. If you cannot respond to these challenges, then that would be tantamount to a conclusion that your statements are merely propaganda designed to poison the minds of the innocent civilians. Tell the truth. The problem with the NPAs is that they are afraid of the real truth. The truth is that they are losing popular support. The truth is that they are giving false hopes for our people. The truth is that they are dying breeds, insignificant and plain bandits and outlaws. We pity them; we pity their children and love ones for they cannot taste what a real family is.”

Meanwhile, as Bayanihan continues, the 8ID Chief, Major General Mario Chan assures and believes that the soldiers of 8ID will be more responsible, determined and focused towards the accomplishment of the mandated mission without violation of any law.

DOST completes deployment and installation of weather monitoring facilities in Eastern Visayas

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 15, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Department of Science and Technology has completed the deployment and installation of three weather monitoring facilities in Eastern Visayas.

These facilities include six (6) Automated Weather Stations, seven (7) Automatic Rain Gauges and two (2) water level sensors, DOST-8 Information Officer, Mr. Florentino Quiñones, disclosed during the recently-held Harampang Ha PIA at the Philippine Information Agency Regional Office in Tacloban City.

The first facility is the Automated Weather Station which was installed in six (6) areas of the region specifically Catarman in Northern Samar, Maasin in Southern Leyte, Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte, Salcedo in Eastern Samar, Catbalogan in Samar and Tacloban City in the province of Leyte.

The Automated Weather Station (AWS) are monitoring stations equipped with different sensors capable of measuring the following weather parameters: wind speed and direction, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, and rain amount, duration and intensity, Mr. Quińones said.

The weather data are sent wirelessly through the cellular network as a text message or Short Messaging System (SMS). Each station is equipped with the ASTI-developed data-logger platform GSM Data Acquisition Terminal (GDAT) that serves as the mini-computer or brain that intelligently controls all the functions and data communications of the station.

Designed to be rugged and standalone, the station can be deployed even in the harshest remote areas and can operate continuously, as it gets power from the sun, backed up by the internal rechargeable battery.

All weather data from the remote stations are collected on a central database server and further analyzed. The processed data are readily available and easily accessible to local authorities, especially the disaster response unit over the Internet, on a real-time basis. A web-based visualization tool enables quick information or warning dissemination and disaster preparedness, as well as provides easy mapping to pinpoint which areas are affected in a finer scale.

The second facility is the automatic rain gauges which were installed in seven (7) areas of the Region, among others, in Calbayog, Can-Avid, Catarman, Leyte near Dost-8, another in Southern Leyte, and in Naval, Biliran.

The Automated Rain Gauges were developed to gather and record the amount of rainfall over a set period of time.

Finally, the third facility is the water level sensor, two of which have been installed in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte. One was at the upstream side at Barangay Libas while another one was installed downstream at Lawigan Bridge.

The weather monitoring facilities are measures to obtain timely and accurate data, the key to disaster prevention and mitigation.

Gold rush on in 4 EV towns, MGB-8 to investigate

By AURORA J. CASIMPAN, PIA 8
January 14, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The veracity of the reports of gold rush activities in four towns in Eastern Visayas will be subjected to an investigation by the regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

The mining activities which are illegal cannot be left unchecked as it might trigger a possible landslide incident.  Illegal mining activities in the Compostela Valley were the source of the landslide incident which killed 30 people and left several people unaccounted for. Such incident is the basis why the regional MGB will conduct an investigation on the reported mining activities.

Such was the explanation of MGB regional director Roger De Dios stressing that Eastern Visayas has been identified as landslide prone region in the country and with the continuous rains being experienced in the area landslide incidents might be a possibility especially in areas being illegally mined. MGB has listed 2,531 barangays across the region as susceptible to landslide incidents.

De Dios identified the towns of Pintuyan, San Ricardo and Saint Bernard all in Southern Leyte and the town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar as being reported on gold rush activities.

While illegal gold panning has been going for thirty years in Pintuyan and San Ricardo towns, the reported gold rush is Saint Bernard and Balangiga is just new.

A few years back barangay San Francisco in Saint Bernard experienced landslide incident and buried barangay Guinsaugon with a similar calamity. Both incidents killed several residents of both places.

De Dios disclosed that a team has already been sent to check on the report and monitor the reported gold rush on the areas.