8ID participates in the largest Pacific Mission for 2019

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 11, 2019

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army is participating in a humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA) mission in selected communities in Tacloban City from March 10 to 24, 2019. The opening ceremony of the Pacific Partnership 2019 (PP19) was held today at Patio Victoria, Brgy. San Jose, Tacloban City at 9:00 A.M.

The Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of forces from the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy (USN), in cooperation with the government and military forces of the host nation, along with the beneficiary Local Government Unit (LGU), and non-government organizations.

This is the 8th Pacific Partnership mission to visit the Philippines and 2nd to be held in Tacloban City since 2014.

Humanitarian and Civil Affairs/HCA activities such as medical and dental mission; and engineer construction projects will focus mainly on disaster preparedness/response and rehabilitation which will be done during the two-week duration of the mission.

Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, Joint Task Force “STORM” said that “the 8ID will work hand in hand with the US Armed Forces and the Local Government Units (LGUs) to deliver much needed services in selected communities.”

“This undertaking with our foreign counterpart will strengthen relationships among our militaries and civilian leaders, enhance readiness in responding to crisis, and exchange knowledge, and skills that will improve the life of our people,” Farnacio added.

Nutrition evaluators training on MELLPI Pro conducted in Region 8

By JACK C. GADAINGAN
March 11, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Thirty-six Nutrition Stakeholders from Eastern Visayas region actively involved in the yearly conduct of Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) on nutrition programs and services gathered for a two-day roll-out training on the updated monitoring and evaluation protocol on nutrition dubbed “MELLPI Pro” on Mach 6-7, 2019 at the Commission on Audit (COA) Training Center, Palo, Leyte.

Attendees to the training were representatives from government agencies who are members of the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), Provincial Nutrition Action Officers (PNAO), District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators (D/CNPC), City and Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (C/MNAO), and some members of National Nutrition Council Region VIII (NNC-8) media-group partner Harmonized Initiatives of Media for the Spread of Good Nutrition in Region 8 (HIMSoG-8).

MELLPI Pro replaces the traditional MELLPI, the nutrition programs implementation assessment tool for localities adopted in the 80s. The said upgraded system emphasis: a) assessment of LGUs’ progress toward compliance to quality standards, b) evidence-based validation, and c) mentoring through joint discussion for learning and action discussion with LGU or nutrition worker assessed. A new feature (of MELLPI Pro) is the Performance Assessment of Nutrition Workers namely: Nutrition Action Officers, District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs).

This new protocol connoting professional, progressive, promotional, process, and profitable is for full implementation by 2020 – with this year (2019) as the transition period. By then under MELLPI Pro all local government units (LGUs) and their corresponding nutrition workers nationwide shall undergo assessment and evaluation:

At the regional level, the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) shall visit all provinces and highly-urbanized and independent cities; at the provincial level, the Provincial Evaluation Team (PET) shall visit all municipalities and component cities; at the city and municipal level, the City/Municipal Evaluation Teams (C/MET) shall visit all barangays. Meanwhile the National Nutrition Evaluation Team (NNET) shall evaluate the National Honor Award (NHA), and the 1st and 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Contenders.

It was gathered that for Local Nutrition Workers, MELLPI Pro will be launched this year but will be used in 2020, however, the BNS Performance Evaluation will start this transition year (2019).

Niño Archie S. Labordo, NNC-8 officer-in-charge, who headed the panel of trainers for the nutrition evaluators Transition to MELLPI Pro, disclosed that MELLPI Pro roll-out trainings for the provinces in Region 8 will be conducted this month, March 2019.

CNTs ambushed PNP personnel in Motiong, Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 11, 2019

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – An ambush perpetrated by undetermined number of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) against two personnel of Motiong Municipal Police Station (MPS) transpired at Maharlika Highway, Sitio Malatugawe, Brgy. Poblacion 1, Motiong, Samar while on board Mahindra patrol car on March 11, 2019 at 7:20 A.M.

The PNP personnel were returning to their station after fetching water at Paranas MPS when they were ambushed to include the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by the CNTs that resulted to one PNP personnel killed and one wounded. Further, a civilian onboard a motorcycle was also wounded during the said incident.

The 8ID condemns this treacherous act which only shows that the CNTs is not a pro-people organization, but a mere terrorist group which has no agenda aside from sowing fear to the populace.

Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, Joint Task Force “STORM” assures the general public that the Army will continue its mandated duty to protect the people of Eastern Visayas and deploy troops to augment the Philippine National Police to conduct hot pursuit operations in the area.

“The 8ID, together with the Police Regional Office 8 will relentlessly pursue these terrorists and assist the PNP in filing appropriate criminal cases, and ensure that the perpetrators will face the full arm of the law,” Farnacio added.

NMP passes ISO 9001:2015 surveillance audit

Press Release
March 10, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic Quality Management System (NMP QMS) maintains its ISO 9001:2015 Certification after passing the Surveillance Audit conducted by the Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrar Limited, simultaneously at its main office in Tacloban City and liaison office in Makati City on 06 March 2019.

Mr. Eugene Herradura and Capt. Nicanor Altares, AJA auditors, reviewed NMP’s quality procedures, quality manuals, and other systems documentation as against the standards. The areas that were examined include registration and certification procedures; course delivery; assessment / examination; documentation, conduct of maritime researches; performance monitoring and assessment; provision of resources; and other administrative support services during the audit.

During the exit meeting, Mr. Herradura, audit team leader, expressed his appreciation for the NMP’s established QMS, proper documentation as well as the support and commitment of the top management for the continual improvement of its QMS. But somehow the audit report raised some observations and a minor non-conformity.

Thirty (30) calendar days is given to NMP to submit the plan of action together with the objective evidence in addressing the non-conformance.

Nonetheless, the NMP QMS was recommended for continued certification.

NMP Executive Director also acknowledged the contributions of all NMP employees for the continual improvement of the Agency’s QMS.

“Thank you for all that you do, this was made possible through the concerted efforts of everyone”, said ED Maglunsod.

As a maritime training center providing quality delivery of services to Filipino seafarers, NMP aggressively pursued for the establishment of its QMS in compliance with the requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) 1978. Its first ISO Registration Certificate was obtained in April 2000. Since then, the NMP QMS has undergone continuous certification and surveillance audits, passed and was eventually re-certified over the years under ISO 9001: 1994, ISO 9001: 2000, ISO 9001: 2008, and the latest in 2018 under ISO 9001:2015.

The implementation of the NMP QMS is also in adherence to Executive Order (EO) No. 161 dated 05 October 2006 as amended by EO No. 605 dated 23 February 2007, which directs the institutionalization of quality management system in the government.

It can be recalled that in 2009, NMP received a special recognition from the Office of the President for being one of the forty (40) government offices across the country to be ISO-certified. Also in 2015, the Agency earned a commendation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for continuously improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its quality system.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime trainings required pursuant to the STCW Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding courses towards improving the qualifications of Filipino seafarers for their employment acceptability and enhanced competitiveness. It also regularly conducts maritime studies to come up with policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry.

8ID spearheads Philippine Army Anniversary Fun Run in Eastern Visayas

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 9, 2019

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – In connection with the upcoming 122nd Philippine Army Founding Anniversary on March 22, 2019, the Stormtroopers replicated the Philippine Army Anniversary Run yesterday, March 8, 2019 at 5:30AM with a run from 8ID Headquarters to Catbalogan City proper and vice-versa with a five kilometer distance.

The activity was conducted nationwide including the different parts of Eastern Visayas through our line units to show support in the anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army with this year’s theme: 122 Years of Heroism: “Serving the people, Securing the land”.

Colonel Perfecto P Peñaredondo (MNSA) PA, Chief of Staff of the 8th Infantry Division in his message said that, “with this Fun Run, we hope that the people of Region 8 will witness the strength of the Philippine Army and its soldiers, that their Army has endured for the past 122 years because of men and women whoever so many generations, have shown dedication to serve our country selflessly.”

He also stressed the importance of physical exercise while being part of the noble profession of arms. “This activity is also a reminder that serving in the Philippine Army requires us to be on top of our physical and mental health”, Peñaredondo added.

4th quarter chicken production in Eastern Visayas surges by 20.0%

By PSA-8
March 7, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – The chicken industry in Eastern Visayas posted 20.0% increase in production during the fourth quarter of 2018. Based on the preliminary data, the total chicken production in the region went up to 15,602 metric tons (MT) in the 4th quarter of 2018 from 13,006 MT in the same quarter of 2017.

Eastern Visayas accounted for 3.1% of the country’s total chicken production during the 4th quarter of 2018. It ranked eighth among the regions with low chicken production in the country.

Meanwhile, chicken inventory showed that chicken population in Eastern Visayas as of 1 January 2019 stood at 2,524,559 birds. This registered an increase of 2.5 percent from its 2,463,777 inventory on 1 January 2018.

Among provinces, Leyte recorded the highest chicken population at 894,477 birds which comprised more than one third or 35.4% of the total chicken population in the region. Samar ranked second with 693,208 birds accounting for 27.5% of the region’s total chicken inventory. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, registered the lowest inventory of chicken with 4.7% share or 117,668 birds.

For chicken population by type, layer chickens stood at 452,613 birds as of 1 January 2019. This posted the highest growth of 21.0% from the 373,914 inventory on 1 January 2018. All provinces registered increases in layer population, except Eastern Samar, which had the same inventory with that of 1 January 2018. Southern Leyte posted the highest increase at 62.0%, followed by Samar at 51.4%. The provinces of Biliran, Northern Samar and Leyte registered slower increases at 4.8%, 4.3% and 1.5%, respectively.

Broiler chickens increased by 2.4%, from 461,755 birds on 1 January 2018 to 472,666 birds as of 1 January 2019. Almost all provinces showed increases, except for Southern Leyte and Northern Samar, which recorded a decrease of 36.8% and 35.5%, respectively. Biliran posted the highest increase at 67.1%, from 1,795 birds on January 2018 to 3,000 birds as of 1 January 2019.

On the contrary, the number of native/improved chickens went down by 1.8% with a total inventory of 1,599,280 birds as of 1 January 2019 from 1,628,108 birds on 1 January 2018. All provinces contributed to the decline, except for Eastern Samar, which had a double digit increase of 14.7% in inventory.

More than half or 63.3% of the total chicken population in the region were native/improved chickens. Broiler chickens accounted for 18.7%, while the remaining 17.9% were layer chickens.

4th quarter palay production in Eastern Visayas declines by 0.9%

By PSA-8
March 7, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Palay production in Eastern Visayas slightly decreased to 290,871 metric tons (MT) in the 4th quarter of 2018 from 293,419 MT in the 4th quarter of 2017, a decline by 0.9%. Decreases were observed among all provinces, except in Samar and Leyte, which posted increases at 17.0% and 2.6%, respectively. Northern Samar recorded the highest decrease in production by 35.8%, from 31,141 MT in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 20,000 MT in the 4th quarter of 2018.

Among the provinces, Leyte produced the highest volume of palay at 151,805 MT, which comprised more than half (52.2%) of the total palay production in the region. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, had the lowest volume of production (17,946 MT) accounting for only 6.2%.

The total area harvested for palay in the region went down by 1.2%, from 78,949 hectares in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 78,017 hectares in the 4th quarter of 2018. Northern Samar contributed largely to this decrease posting a drop of 36.7%.

Leyte recorded almost half or 47.8% (37,298 hectares) of the total area harvested for palay during the quarter in review, while Eastern Samar contributed the least (4,931hectares) accounting for only 6.3%.

Yield per hectare for palay in the region slightly increased by 0.3%, from 3.72 MT per hectare in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 3.73 MT per hectare in the same quarter of 2018.

Among the provinces, Biliran posted the highest yield per hectare during the quarter in review at 4.44 MT per hectare, while Samar registered the lowest at 2.79 MT per hectare.

4th quarter fishery production in Eastern Visayas grows by 3.9%

By PSA-8
March 7, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – The fishing industry in Eastern Visayas posted a 3.9% increase in production during the 4th quarter of 2018. The total fish production in the region went up to 30,461 metric tons (MT) during the 4th quarter of 2018 from 29,306MT in the same quarter of 2017.

Eastern Visayas accounted for 2.5% of the country’s total fishery production during the 4th quarter of 2018. It ranked sixth among the regions with low fishery production in the country.

Among provinces, Leyte produced the highest volume of fisheries at 9,585 MT, comprising 31.5% of the total fishery production in the region. Samar ranked second at 7,650 MT, accounting for 25.1% of the region’s total fishery production. Biliran, meanwhile registered 1,227 MT, the lowest volume of production which shared 4.0% only.

Volume of production in commercial fishing went up by 6.4%, from 2,672 MT in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 2,844 MT in the same quarter of 2018. All provinces registered increases in commercial fishing, except Southern Leyte, which recorded a decline of 51.6%. Leyte recorded the highest increase of 74.7%, from 106 MT in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 186 MT in the same quarter of 2018.

Similarly, volume of production in municipal fishing (marine and inland) registered an increase of 5.8%, from 18,135 MT in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 19,179 MT in the same of 2018. Among provinces Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte registered growths in production of 42.1%, 18.8%, and 6.8%, respectively. Decreases, meanwhile, were observed in Leyte (23.7%), Eastern Samar (19.5%), and Biliran (3.5%).

On the other hand, volume of production in aquaculture showed a slight decline of 0.7%, from 8,499 MT in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 8,437 MT in the same quarter of 2018. Among provinces Samar, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte recorded increases in production at 96.6%, 23.1%, and 16.7%, respectively. Eastern Samar recorded the largest decrease in production of 31.2%, from 198 MT in the 4th quarter of 2017 to 136 MT in the 4th quarter of 2018.

Leyte produced the highest volume of aquaculture at 7,294 MT accounting for 86.5% of the region’s total aquaculture production.

More than half or 63.0% (19,179 MT) of the total fishery production in the region were from municipal fishing. Aquaculture contributed 27.7% (8,437MT), while Commercial Fishing accounted for 9.3% (2,844 MT)

CARD MBA among fastest-growing mutual insurers globally

Press Release
March 7, 2019

SAN PABLO CITY – The Philippines-based CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA) ranked six in the fastest-growing mutual insurers in terms of life premium category among the global network of cooperative and mutual insurers and associates as revealed by the 2018 rankings of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF).

The report includes the analysis of ICMIF’s 197 member organizations based on their location, legal structure, product lines, and affinity group from 66 countries in all six regions of the world. At least 40% of the member organizations are located in Europe, 21% from Latin America and the Caribbean, 18% from Asia, and the rest are located in the remaining regions of North America, Africa, and Oceania.

CARD MBA also ranked 17 as largest ICMIF member in terms of emerging markets with P2.98 billion (USD59,564,000) total premiums.

“This ranking tells us that insurance in general is now seen by Filipinos as an important safety net and not just an optional cost,” said May S. Dawat, chief executive officer of CARD MBA.

Since CARD MBA was formalized in 1999, its membership has grown exponentially. To date, CARD MBA remains to be largely a women-led organization composed of 5.2 million policyholders covering more than 18.58 million Filipinos nationwide, which is at least 18% of the total population of the Philippines.

These policyholders of CARD MBA are the microfinance clients of the four major institutions of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) namely CARD, Inc., CARD Bank, CARD MRI Rizal Bank, and CARD SME Bank. CARD MRI is a group of 21 social development-oriented institutions including CARD MBA that aims to eradicate poverty by providing microfinance, microinsurance, and community development programs.

“Our greatest appreciation goes to the operations staff of CARD MRI major institutions for their undying support in making sure that every community CARD MRI serves will fully understand microinsurance and its impact to every household,” said Dawat.

Dawat further emphasized that the key to CARD MBA’s success is by listening to its clients. “We are always conscious of our members’ welfare that is why the communication line is always open. We think about what they need and we ensure that we can develop innovative and tailored-fit programs accordingly,” added Dawat.

CARD MBA will also continue to innovate by taking advantage of emerging technologies. “We are now pilot testing online claims notification so our claims payment would be faster and efficient,” said Dawat.

With technology, according to Dawat, CARD MBA is hopeful to reach and insure more Filipinos in the coming years.

ICMIF is the only global representative body of the cooperative and mutual insurance sector that provides services and activities on market information, networking opportunities and leadership development, and global advocacy.

New bridge to connect villages in Carigara

By DPWH 2nd LED
March 7, 2019

CARIGARA, Leyte – A new concrete bridge traversing Uyawan River will soon rise in Uyawan village Carigara, Leyte, Department of Public Works and Highways Leyte II district engineer Gerald Pacanan said.

This bridge has a length of 81.6 meters with a width of 9.44 meters and will stand at 13.306 meters designed based on the maximum flooding level in the area.

During the pre-construction activity held in the said village last February 28, 2019, residents were given the overview of the project, and an open-forum proceeded afterwards.

Project Engineer Libertad Morot discussed the overall structural components of the bridge and the future undertakings of the agency along the process.

“This would serve great benefit, accommodating seven barangays passing through the stream,” she added.

Among these villages are Uyawan, Libo, Lower Hiraan, Barayong, Upper Hiraan, Canlampay, and Caghalo.

The bridge construction has a duration of 412 calendar days, however, the district urges the contractor to complete project earlier than the timeline.

According to Evelyn Reyes, Carigara municipal engineer, the structure is a dream project that will give convenience to motorist and allow them to cross the stream even during heavy downpour.

Meanwhile, Prima Azores, Uyawan barangay captain expressed her utmost gratitude and support to this project. She pointed out that excessive flooding expose danger and inconvenience to residents nearby and upper barangays.

DPWH completes 8 multi-purpose buildings in Samar 1st District

By CHENZI MAY D. UY
March 3, 2019

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of eight (8) multi-purpose buildings in different barangays and municipalities in the first district of Samar, amounting to a total of 22 million pesos.

The newly constructed buildings are located in barangays Binaliw, Manguino-o, Capoocan (Phase I), Carmen (Phase I), Payahan in Calbayog City, Libucan Daku in Tarangnan island, San Agustin in Gandara, and Calbayog City National High School High School in Brgy. Hamorawon (Phase I).

DPWH is doing its part in developing the community by providing MPBs to these barangays that can now serve as venues for livelihood seminars, medical and dental missions, feeding programs, recreational events, sports competitions, and other activities.

The buildings are also designed to provide temporary shelter for local residents in the event of flooding during typhoons and other calamities.

The Rising Popularity of Online Translation Services

With the internet technology becoming more and more advanced these days, many industries and businesses are also affected. A few years ago, buying online was still unknown. But today, online shopping became a worldwide phenomenon. The money earned online on an annual basis just gets bigger by the day. The market of online translation services is also not an exception.

Hiring online translation services is popular among clients because these are faster, cheaper, and more convenient. Thanks to the internet, clients can now choose from more options to help them find the right translation service that suits their needs.

To get a better understanding of how online translation services helps you cut down the delivery time and lower translation costs, there are several points you have to know.

For starters, a provider of online translation services has lower costs and overheads to cover. Thanks to their automated translation systems and online translation portals, they have the ability to reduce their service and manpower costs. They can then pass down these significant savings to their clients for them to enjoy more affordably pricings.

With the automated portals and systems, online translators also manage to get rid of most of the agents and tasks that are part of the process. This allows them to perform a more efficient job and come up with finished tasks that are of higher quality.

It is also faster for clients to receive quotes using these online translation services. They let clients upload their files with the use of the portal to have their orders placed in real time. It cuts down on the delivery and response time that will ultimately benefit the client. After the orders have been placed, the translation provider will receive notification right away so they can begin the work with no time wasted.