DPWH-Biliran DEO holds mid-year contractors’ meeting

By DPWH-Biliran
June 21, 2023

NAVAL, Biliran – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) conducts mid-year contractors’ meeting led by OIC-District Engineer (DE) Alfredo L. Bollido on June 08, 2023.

The said meeting was attended by Assistant District Engineer (ADE) Irwin L. Antonio, Engr. Luisito Filemon A. Abad, Chief of Construction Section, Engr. Reynaldo P. Peñaflor, Chief of Quality Assurance Section, project engineers, technical personnel and various contractors of the district.

Emphasized during the monthly coordination meeting is the District’s physical and financial accomplishment and plans for a faster and smoother project implementation.

“This meeting is a series or a cycle because we want to help you to have an efficient project implementation in the District,” ADE Antonio said to the Contractors.

ADE Antonio reported that the district office ranked 2nd for Absorptive Capacity (AC) garnering 92.85% as of May 31, 2023. AC is measured by the ability to obligate the allotments received from DPWH Central Office and Department of Budget and Management and it is determined by dividing the total obligation incurred with the total allotment of the district allocated budget for infrastructure for the current year.

Meanwhile, DPWH-Biliran DEO ranked 3rd for the Current Disbursement Rate (DR) and 5th for the Previous Year (PY) DR, regionwide as of May 31, 2023.

ADE Antonio revealed that although the district office has been included in the top five ranking, DPWH-Biliran DEO failed to meet the 30% target rate for current DR and 60% target rate for Previous Year (PY) DR, garnering only 26.71% and 53.80%, respectively.

To improve the district’s disbursement rating, OIC-DE Bollido urged the contractors to have their liaison officer to facilitate their documents for efficient and faster billing process.

OIC-DE Bollido also ordered the contractors to speed up its on-going projects while the weather is still suitable for construction activities.

“We are now on the onset of rainy season, so don’t let this affect your physical accomplishment because it will also affect your financial aspect. Avail the good weather and speed up the implementation,” OIC-DE Bollido emphasized to the contractors.

To avoid delays, OIC-DE Bollido advised the contractors as well as the project engineers to have a monthly accomplishment plan to be followed/ implemented in order to meet the desired targets.

Karapatan: Cordillera ELCAC resolution violates right to freedom of association

Press Release
June 14, 2023

QUEZON CITY – Karapatan strongly condemns Resolution No. 2023-04 issued by the PTF-ELCAC (Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) of Kalinga province entitled "A Resolution Strongly Urging All Cities and Municipalities of Kalinga to Require All Entities Representing Themselves as Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to Secure Permission from LGUs Concerned Before the Conduct of Any Activity in the LGU." The same resolution includes a list issued by the Philippine Army 50th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) of 18 Cordillera-based NGOs labelled as "sectoral front organizations" of the communist movement.

The red-tagged organizations on the list range from Karapatan’s chapter, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance, the progressive multi-sectoral Cordillera Peoples Alliance to LGBTQ rights organization Bahaghari. They are organizations that have been instrumental in promoting and protecting human rights, especially those of the indigenous Cordillerans. They are also involved in education and training to raise the Cordillerans' human rights awareness, and provide services such as medical and dental care and access to clean water to underserved communities in the region as well as to oppressed sections of society such as political prisoners, torture victims and victims of displacement due to disasters, militarization and a host of other natural and human-induced emergencies. In many cases, they undertake these projects in partnership with local and community organizations as well as local government units.

By red-tagging these organizations, the PTF-ELCAC not only endangers them, rendering them even more vulnerable to threats, harassment and intimidation, they deprive so many underserved communities of the services they provide.

This resolution likewise undermines the fundamental principles of freedom of association and is violative of international laws and human rights norms. The listed organizations have been arbitrarily red-tagged, despite their being accredited and compliant with local government ordinances and regulations. None of them has been found guilty of any violation, making these actions baseless and unjust.

Freedom of association is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution and protected and guaranteed by international legal instruments, including Articles 20 and 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The right to freely associate is crucial for people’s organizations and civil society organizations to carry out their essential work in promoting social justice, human rights and sustainable development. They play a vital role in facilitating grassroots participation, advocating for marginalized groups, and holding governments accountable for their actions. Restricting their activities through mandatory permissions and endangering their members through red-tagging undermine their ability to fulfill their missions and is deleterious to the people's interests.

We call on the Kalinga provincial government to review this resolution, which dangerously puts human rights defenders in harm's way. We likewise call on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to look into this latest attempt by the NTF-ELCAC and its subalterns to vilify and imperil people's movements and associations. The CHR must be true to its mandate of taking to task the Philippine government for failing to comply with its international human rights commitments to safeguard freedom of association, guarantee the safety and well-being of people’s organizations, NGOs and their members, and put an end to the harassment and intimidation faced by these organizations.

Karapatan stands in solidarity with the CHRA and other affected organizations elsewhere in the country. We will not waver in our efforts to build a just society that protects and advances the rights and dignity of all.

Municipal Peace and Order Council discuss anti-insurgency efforts in Las Navas, N. Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 14, 2023

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – The 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division together with the members of Las Navas Peace and Order Council convened the peace and order council meeting held at Municipal Hall, Las Navas, Northern Samar on June 14, 2023.

The purpose of the said meeting is to address issues and concerns that affect the sustainability of peace and development in the municipality.

The meeting was attended by Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander, 8ID; Colonel Efren Morados, Commander, 803rd Brigade; Congressman Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Northern Samar 2nd District Representative; Mayor Arlito Tan, Municipal Mayor of Las Navas, DILG and PNP.

Discussed during the said meeting was the contribution of Municipal and Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the campaign of ending the insurgency problem.

In his message, 8ID Commander Major General Camilo Z Ligayo expressed his gratitude to the members of the peace and order council of Las Navas for their significant contributions in achieving the improved peace and order in the municipality.

"Be a leader to your barangay, military is not the solution, our convergence of effort is the key in solving the insurgency here in Las Navas," Ligayo expressed.

Meanwhile, Congressman Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Northern Samar 2nd District representative encouraged everyone to work hand in hand and be part of ending the local communist armed conflict.

"I have seen the problems and the root causes that we need to address. Let’s help each other to solve the insurgency and together we can unite towards socio-economic development," Ongchuan said.

Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan also praised the efforts of the Government in delivering the basic government services and addressing the issues in the community.

“Totoo iyan na tayo ay biktima ng mga NPA dahil sa sobrang takot pero ngayon sa magandang pamamalakad sa gobyerno sa tulong ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, nag-iba na. Ngayon, dito sa Las Navas marami na ang nag surrender lalo na ang mga Yunit Milisya pati mga full-timer. Kaya tayo’y magkaisa at magtulungan na upang tuluyan nang makamit natin ang kapayapaan,” Tan said.

The town of Las Navas is a recipient of a P17.93M farm-to-market road and a P20M-worth Level ll Water System under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), one of the programs of the government that aims to bring progress to former conflict-prone communities.

Inflation Rate (IR) in Eastern Visayas slow down at 4.2 percent in May 2023

By PSA-8
June 7, 2023

TACLOBAN CITY – The Inflation Rate (IR) in Eastern Visayas continued to slow down at 4.2 percent in May 2023 from 4.7 percent in April 2023, the lowest since January 2022 (Table 2). The regional IR was lower than the 6.1 percent national IR in May 2023. The region’s average IR from January to May 2023 stood at 5.6 percent. In May 2022, the regional IR was higher at 6.3 percent than the rate during the reference period (Table 1).

Among the 13 commodity groups, the sustained downtrend of the regional IR during the month was primarily due to the lower annual increment recorded in the index for transport, which further deflated to -4.8 percent in May 2023, from -1.8 percent in April 2023. The heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages also pulled down the IR with a lower IR at 6.9 percent in May 2023, from 7.3 percent in April 2023.

The third primary driver in the slowdown of the regional IR was housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels which recorded a slower IR of 2.0 percent from 2.8 percent IR in April 2023.

In addition, lower IRs were noted in the following commodity groups:

a. Clothing and footwear, 1.8 percent from 2.1 percent;

b. Information and communication, 0.9 percent from 1.2 percent; and

c. Recreation, sport and culture, 2.0 percent from 2.3 percent.

On the other hand, IR for alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased to 8.9 percent in May 2023, from 6.2 percent in April 2023. Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance also increased with an IR at 4.6 percent, from 4.5 percent in April 2023. IR for restaurants and accommodation services inched up to 6.1 percent during the month in review, from 6.0 percent in April 2023.

The rest of the commodity groups either retained their previous month’s IRs or had zero percent growths.

The IR for food index also exhibited a downward movement to 6.9 percent in May 2023, from 7.5 percent in April 2023. The IR for food in April 2022 was even lower at 6.1 percent than the May 2023 rate (Table 3).

The decreased IR for food index was primarily influenced by the decline in the IR for rice at 3.2 percent in May 2023, from 3.8 percent in April 2023. This was followed by vegetable, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses with an IR of 10.1 percent in May 2023, from 12.6 percent in April 2023. Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals ranked third, recording 2.4 percent IR during the month, from 3.1 percent in the previous month.

Lower IRs were also noted in the following food groups during the month in review:

a. Fish and other seafood, 5.5 percent from 5.7 percent;

b. Sugar, confectionery and desserts, 31.9 percent from 32.9 percent;

c. Ready-made food and other food products not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.), 8.4 percent from 8.7 percent; and

d. Oils and fats, 11.9 percent from 12.4 percent.

On the other hand, milk, other dairy products and eggs; and fruits and nuts registered higher double-digit IRs during the month in review at 10.0 percent and 15.9 percent, respectively. The IR for corn and flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products, and other cereals retained their previous month’s IRs at 4.3 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively.

Inflation Rate by Region

All regions exhibited lower IRs in May 2023 compared with their April 2023 IRs. Among the regions, Eastern Visayas’ IR at 4.2 percent ranked second lowest IR during the month. CAR recorded the lowest IR at 3.9 percent. Meanwhile, MIMAROPA registered the highest IR at 7.2 percent, followed by Western Visayas and Central Luzon at 7.1 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively (Figure 2 and Table 4).

Inflation Rate by Province

Relative to their IRs in April 2023, all provinces in Eastern Visayas recorded lower IRs in May 2023. Among the provinces, Eastern Samar posted the highest IR at 7.8 percent in May 2023. Northern Samar’s IR came next at 5.1 percent, followed by Samar at 4.7 percent; Leyte at 3.7 percent; and Southern Leyte at 2.5 percent. The lowest IR was noted in Biliran at 2.2 percent (Table 5).

Meanwhile, IR for Tacloban City, the lone Highly Urbanized City (HUC) in the region, decelerated further to 2.4 percent in May 2023, from its 2.8 percent IR last month (Table 5).

PEZA approves P14.933 Billion investments in May

By Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
June 5, 2023

PASAY City – On track to attain its conservative 10% growth target for the year, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Board has greenlighted 20 new and expansion projects in May expected to bring in P14.933 Billion investments.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga reported, “This brings PEZA’s total approved investments for the Jan-May period to P48.027 Billion, which is 153.74% higher as compared to the P18.928 Billion in the same period in 2022.”

Breakdown of approvals

Among these 20 projects approved by the Board last May 26, 11 are into export manufacturing, seven (7) IT, one (1) facility, and one (1) ecozone development.

These projects will be located in Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Baguio, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu, Iloilo, and South Cotabato.

The biggest project pre-qualified by the PEZA Board for FIRB approval is engaged in the manufacturing of solar wafer cells with Maxeon 7 technology to be located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, with investments worth P11.633 Billion.

Moreover, these projects are expected to generate about US$293.55 Million exports and create 4,480 direct jobs.

According to DG Panga, “We are continuously seeing an uptrend with our investment approvals as we enter the first half of the year, and we are more aggressive in our initiatives to help our investors make the Philippines their smart investment choice, taking the cue from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who has been most active in promoting the Philippines in his outbound missions.”

Whole-of-government approach

Adapting a whole-of-government approach, PEZA is constantly partnering with government agencies and various industry associations to address the pain points that hinder investors to unlock the untapped potentials of the Philippines.

PEZA met with Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, Commission on Election (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia, and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan to discuss the concerns of our investors and present our initiatives in support of the investment attraction and facilitation strategy of the government to bring in the much-needed FDIs to the country. PEZA also discussed with Senator Loren Legarda for creation of more ecozones in Antique and other provinces nationwide to spur countryside development.

“We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ramp up digitalization in government to ensure fast and efficient delivery of services to the public and to carry out Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual's directive to adopt digital transformation to boost the country's competitiveness as investment destination particularly for high-tech and innovator accelerator companies,” explained DG Panga.

To further these efforts, PEZA is also engaging with some of its growth champions in government, partner investment promotion agencies, and foreign chambers in strengthening the ecozone development program to be able to attract strategic and big-ticket investments in the country.

PEZA continues to serve as a testament to government's successful investment and export-led growth strategy. Out of the total 3,431 registered business enterprises (excluding multi-sites), 98% are export-oriented; only 2% are domestic-oriented (into manufacturing). In terms of sales ratio, 94% are export sales while 6% are local sales.

As efficiency-seeking investors that compete in the global export market, PEZA locators account for 82% of the country's total annual commodity exports and 60% of services exports.

With this, the PEZA Chief assured that “We vow to continuously perform our mandate to the best of our ability and help the administration in achieving its bid for the country to graduate to upper-middle income status within the term of President Marcos.

2 civilians killed, NPA detonates IHL-banned explosives in Northern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 4, 2023

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – Two civilians were killed after the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) detonated an International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-banned anti-personnel mine (APM) in the vicinity of Barangay Magsaysay, Las Navas, Northern, Samar on June 03, 2023.

The victims were identified as Roel Lebico and Jerson Cabe, both residents of Barangay Quirino, Las Navas, and are workers on the farm-to-market road construction project for the interior barangays in the said town.

The victims were on their way home onboard their motorcycle when the CNTs detonated their planted APM along the road of the said area. Aside from the injuries caused by the APM explosion, the victims also sustained multiple gunshot wounds after the perpetrators ruthlessly fired rounds against them that caused their instantaneous death.

The Local Chief Executive of Las Navas, Mayor Arlito Tan expressed his condolences and sympathies to the victims and condemns the CTG atrocities.

“Bilang Chairman ng MTF-ELCAC sa bayan ng Las Navas aking kinokondena ang kanilang ginawang paglabag sa International Humanitarian Law, sa paggamit ng anti-personnel mine na ikinamatay nina Hersan at Roel,” Mayor Tan said.

The Local Government Unit of Las Navas created a fact-finding team to gather information and evidence for the filing of charges against the perpetrators and the leadership of CTGs on the killings of Lebico and Cabe.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 8th Infantry Division, Major General Camilo Z Ligayo strongly condemns this terroristic act that cost the lives of innocent civilians.

“The EVRPC blatantly disregards the human rights which is evident on their continuous use of banned weapons. The use of indiscriminate weapons increases the chance of jeopardizing the lives of innocent non-combatants,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo expressed.

“Let us call on the CTGs to stop their violent activities and discuss things in a peaceful manner,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo added.

Over the years, several cases of APM explosions perpetrated by CTGs were recorded in Northern Samar, and these include the killing of a 10-year-old child, Armando Jay Raymond on April 17, 2019 at Brgy. San Miguel, Las Navas; the death of two PNP personnel and wounding of four others who are members of the Community Support Program (CSP) Teams of the 20th Infantry Battalion also in Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas; injured seven soldiers on July 5, 2022 in Brgy. Magsaysay, Mapanas; and the killing of one soldier and wounding of five others in the remote village of Osang in Catubig, Northern Samar on July 19, 2022.

The use of APMs has long been banned since the 1997 Ottawa Convention, a convention on the use of mines as weapons in warfare because it can cause superfluous injury and psychologically affect the victim/s.

Under the Ottawa Convention the four kinds of violations are the production, transport, stockpiling, and use of Anti-Personnel Mines.

PH transitioning to renewable energy sources – DTI Chief

By DTI-OSEC-Public Relations Unit
June 3, 2023

TAGUIG CITY – The Philippine government is already in pursuit of renewable energy transition, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual.

In his message during the Offshore Wind Conference, Secretary Pascual said, “The Philippines stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. Our geographical position puts us in an enviable position to harness the power of renewable energy. Renewable energy isn't merely an option for us but a necessity. Thus, our government is ardently promoting using and developing renewable energy sources.”

The conference, organized by the China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. (GEDI)., gathered various government agencies and Philippine and Chinese companies to discuss the country’s plan and policies for developing renewable energy.

The Trade and Industry Secretary emphasized that the Philippines’ abundant natural resources together with its long coastline and excellent wind resource are significant in the country’s pursuit of sustainable power generation.

As the energy demand in the country continues to rise, renewable energy remains one of the priority sectors of the Marcos administration. During President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent trip to Beijing, he encouraged Chinese and other foreign firms to invest in renewable energy projects in the Philippines.

Last May 21, 2023, President Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 21, mandating the creation of a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of offshore wind resources in the country. This includes the integration into the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) System of applicable permits required by relevant Permitting Agencies for offshore wind activities.

The Department of Energy (DOE) also issued a circular allowing 100% foreign equity in renewable energy projects in the Philippines. The trade chief considers this a significant stride in the efforts to attract more investments in renewable energy.

Secretary Pascual shared, “Chinese investors and businesses can rely on the country's roadmap in offshore wind development. Launched in April 2022 and initiated by The World Bank Group in partnership with the DOE, the roadmap identified the country's offshore wind potential, opportunities, and challenges, among others."

As of December 2022, the country already awarded 190 onshore and offshore Wind Energy Service Contracts – with offshore contracts mainly in Luzon alongside Panay and Guimaras Strait.

Likewise, in the first quarter of 2023, the Board of Investments (BOI) approved three offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 1,300 megawatts and an estimated investment cost of more than P390 billion.

As Secretary Pascual concluded his speech, he expressed the country’s readiness to embrace the opportunities for renewable energy and offshore wind power, “With our rich resources, supportive investment environment, and forward-looking energy policies, we are poised for a future where our energy is as clean as the winds that blow across our archipelago and as sustainable as the spirit of our people.”

Former BAYAN-Eastern Visayas Regional Head turned NPA killed in an encounter in Northern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 30, 2023

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Clashed of 43rd Infantry Battalion and members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Barangay Mabini, Catarman, Northern Samar last May 28, 2023, which resulted to the killing four CTG members and seizure of two M16 rifles, two cal.45 pistols, magazines with ammunition and personal belongings, authorities have now identified the four killed CTG members.

The cadavers at the encounter site were subsequently airlifted for identification and turn-over to 803rd Infantry Brigade Headquarters at Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Alias Kurati, a former rebel (FR) who operated in the area positively identified the cadaver of Joshua Musico Sagdullas alias Miyong/Martin, the Secretary General of Bayan Eastern Visayas and former chairperson of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban Campus (UPVTC) College Student Council as one of the casualties.

Alias Miyong served as the Political Instructor of the group for almost a year. He also identified the three others who died in the clash as Geraldine Teopinto alias Luz, the Finance Officer; Abigail Padula Baselga alias Moana, Medical Officer; and Vicente Termo.

Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander, 8ID regrets the demises of the CTGs because of a pointless ideology. He said that they could have had a better future ahead and be an active partner of the government in nation-building, helping the people in the community if he had not been recruited with the terrorist group.

“Another life has been lost in the war against the senseless ideology of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG). Let us put an end to this way of life of constant struggle and fear. The door is still open for those who want to surrender and live a better and more peaceful life,” Maj Gen Ligayo stressed.

Meanwhile, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Chair, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez conveyed his sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased especially to the family of his fellow Taclobanon, Miyong.

The RPOC Chair strongly urged the remaining CTGs to choose the right path while they still can.

“I feel sad for the families, kaya kayong ibang nandiyan pa sa movement, isipin niyo ang mga naiiwanan ninyo. Feeling ninyo itong ginagawa ninyo ay talagang may ipinaglalaban kayo. Pero sa bandang huli ang mas nakakaawa dito ang mga iniiwanan ninyo. ‘Yong parents pinagpawisan para mabigyan ka ng edukasyon, maraming talent and all tapos, what happened? It is really sad, I hope this will stop, and this will end very soon,” Romualdez lamented.

Top CTG leader in EV captured in a joint law enforcement operation in Bulacan

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 26, 2023

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The AFP and PNP conducted a joint law enforcement operation that led to the apprehension of Rosita Solayao Taboy alias Laling, the former Secretary of Regional Organizational Department (ROD) and member of Executive Committee (EXECOM) of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan earlier today, May 26, 2023.

Alias Laling, also a staff of the National Finance Commission of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was apprehended together with her party husband alias Beto, a demolition expert of the National Operations Command of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Troops seized in their possession a one cal. 45 pistol, one cal.38 pistol, one commercial C4 bomb, blasting caps, assorted cellphones, laptop and subversive documents.

Alias Laling and alias Beto are responsible for numerous atrocities committed in the Eastern Visayas region, including the burning of Smart Communication tower in Catbalogan City, Samar on January 06, 2000; the assassination of Cafgu Active Auxillary (CAA) Danilo Nuguit last September 27, 2006; and the ambush of military personnel that resulted in the death of 10 soldiers and a 9 year-old civilian named Joven Cabe on December 14, 2010.

In a statement, Major General Camilo Z Ligayo, the Commander of 8ID said that the EVRPC’s downfall is now more evident as its top leaders are either captured, surrendered or killed.

“The arrest of couple, alias Laling and alias Beto, is another victory for the combined efforts of PNP and AFP in pursuit of peace and security. This is a great development in attaining justice in honor with the victims of violence perpetrated by the CPP-NPA in Eastern Visayas,” Ligayo expressed.