more report...

► Myrna Lardizabal de Vera: There’s a new mayor in Hercules, California

► Month three in jail: artists, art events echo demand to end poet’s detention

► Rock Oyster Processors’ Association inaugurates pilot processing center in Samar

► Ban on black sand mining pressed in Region 8

► Biliran Mayor prioritizes the “intangibles”

► The Honors Project (THP) awards Villahanons with exemplary performances

► DA turns over to Calbayog Social Action Center the biggest organic farming enterprise in the region

► ICRC gives water-supply kits and trainings to Philippine Red Cross to enhance disaster response

► Paranas holds MPOC, Two rebel returnees surrender high powered firearms

► Survival Issue is a Political Reality, says Cong. Sarmiento

Model Community eCenter brings digital literacy to women in barangays

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 28, 2012

TANAUAN, Leyte  –  The Community eCenter of Tanauan, Leyte which emerged as the grand winner for both the CeC and the Knowledge Worker categories of the 2nd Philippine CeC Excellence awards, has recently embarked on a new undertaking, that of bringing digital literacy to women right in their respective barangays.

Mr. Eugene Ramos, the CeC manager and this year’s Knowledge Worker, informed that many women in the 54 barangays of Tanauan cannot afford to go to the center in the town proper in order to learn about digital information technology.

Thus, instead of the women coming to the CeC, the CeC staff brings the technology to the women right at their barangays, Mr. Ramos said.

So far, the CeC of Tanauan has conducted digital literacy training in three barangays, Canramos, San Roque and Bantagan, Mr. Ramos informed. He said he is happy that many women really show their interest to learn about the course.

Ramos disclosed that as far as he knows, the undertaking is the first of its kind among the country’s CeCs.

The CeC manager disclosed that this undertaking is in support to the Philippine Digital Literacy for Women Campaign (PDLWC) which aims to empower 10,000 women from the poor and marginalized communities in the Philippines through digital literacy training.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Commission on ICT, together with the members of the PhilCeCNet and the telecentre.org Foundation.

CeC Tanauan has committed to train at least 800 underprivileged women out of the 10,000 target.

The series of digital literacy training in Tanauan uses the Intel Easy Step modules which the organizers found useful and comprehensive tools in the Basic ICT Training Course.  The course covers five modules; self-practice activities were conducted after every module.

The CeC continues to provide ICT trainings at the Center for those who are interested to learn. At the same time, it also manages the eSkwela for the out of school youth and adults who wish to finish elementary and high school without going to the regular schools.

Ramos informed that several eSkwela graduates are now enrolled in college after passing the equivalency examinations of DepEd.

The Tanauan CeC continues to strive to become a competent provider of ICT services that will improve the quality of life of the people of Tanauan, Mr. Ramos said. It will also continue to empower women through technology, because empowered women make an empowered community.

838 East Visayas informal sector workers get P8.337-M aid from DOLE in 2011

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 19, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Some 838 informal sector workers in Eastern Visayas have availed of around P8.337 million worth of livelihood assistance under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program for Workers in the Informal Economy (DILP-WIE) in 2011.

The beneficiaries from the six provinces of Region 8 received the livelihood assistance in the form of tools and equipment, production and skills training as well as upgrading to capacitate them to pursue their income-generating activities, Mr. Virgilio Doroja, DOLE Information Officer said.

A total of 337 projects were implemented with the support of 22 accredited co-partners (ACPs), Mr. Doroja added.

For Northern Leyte, among the projects implemented were Integrated Aquaculture and Bangus Cage Project at Barangay 1 of Babatngon town to enhance the livelihood of some 31 fisherfolks.

Other projects include a massage therapy and sari-sari store, a formation project for one person with disability in Burauen, Leyte; school chair and other furniture production, an enhancement project for 28 persons with disabilities in Tacloban City; and starter kit projects, namely, native delicacies making, commercial cooking and fish processing for 20 parents of child laborers in Babatngon, Leyte.

In Western Leyte, 20 bee hive farmers from Barangay Lamak, in Hilongos town received financial assistance for the establishment of bee colonies to enhance their livelihood while 37 fisherfolks from Barangay Matapay, also in Hilongos, were granted financial assistance for the establishment of deep sea fish shelter.

Informal sector workers in Southern Leyte availed a total of P2.847 million to fund 200 projects such as the enhancement of 29 members of Bacolod Women’s Health Organization root crops processing in Hinundayan town.

For displaced workers affected by typhoon in Saint Bernard town, funded were livelihood formation for displaced workers in Barangay Catmon; welding shop and allied services for 12 workers from Barangay Mahayahay; TUPARIN formation project for 43 displaced workers from Barangay Tambis; and livelihood formation for 13 displaced workers from Barangay Mahayahay.

Moreover, at Libagon town, 14 women vendors were provided 14 Nego Karts to enhance their livelihood; while at Silago town, 26 women were granted funding for the Puntana Vege-Garden Park.

In Maasin City, 48 fishermen were granted assistance for small scale project while 63 informal sector workers were provided starter kit for livelihood formation.

In Biliran province, 60 informal sector workers in Naval availed of the funding to enhance their suman production while 65 from Cabucgayan town were provided funding for enhancement of their coco-wine production.

Further, in the province of Samar, 85 informal sector workers were granted funding to enhance their individual projects while in Calbayog City 20 ambulant vendors were provided Nego Karts.

In the province of Eastern Samar, 23 members of the Busilak Women’s Association were granted funding for their Busilak Canteen and Sari-Sari store; while 42 fisherfolks from Borongan City were granted financial assistance for the acquisition of 42 fishing paddle banca with gillnet.

In the province of Northern Samar, 100 fishermen from Allen town were granted funding for small scale fishing project; 17 women from Allen were given funding for their weaving handicraft project; 25 women from Bobon town received funding for their Pinangat and Pinato Making project.

The DILP-WIE provides productive, gainful and secure employment to marginalized and unprotected workers.  It provides integrated livelihood interventions for livelihood enhancement, livelihood formation, and income augmenting livelihood.

Taking thyroid cancer seriously

Press Release
January 18, 2012

CEBU CITY  –  With the increasing incidence rate of thyroid cancer in Metro Cebu, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) urged the public to undergo early screening and prevention measures to fight the disease.

“Thyroid cancer is high on prognosis. It is preventable through various screening methods, such as physical examination and ultrasound of the neck, as well as some prevention measures, including regular exercise and maintenance of a well-balanced diet,” Ronald delos Reyes, EJACC program coordinator, said.

Based on EJACC’s Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry, the incidence rate of thyroid cancer in 2003 to 2007 is high but the mortality rate is comparatively lower.

Within this period, about 573 cases of thyroid cancer were reported and 116 were recorded to have died of the disease. The figures also show that 97 cases have been attributed to persons in between the ages 15-30 while 350 cases are persons with ages 30-60. More women than men have been affected by this disease; in fact, 134 cases are male while 439 cases are female.

As a common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women, thyroid cancer ranked sixth in most common cancer cases in Metro Cebu.

According to the 2010 journal of the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates of the Philippine Cancer Society, the incidence rate had increased from 1980 to 2002, with an annual change of 0.4% in males and 1.6% among females.

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of women at ages 15-24 years. Among women, the incidence rate rises at age 30 and continues to rise with increasing age. Among men, the incidence rate begins to increase much later, starting at 60 years old.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. It works like a tiny factory that uses iodine, mostly from the diet in foods like seafood and salt, to produce thyroid hormones that, in turn, help regulate the body’s growth and metabolism and other functions of the body.

The most common signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump or thyroid nodule, that can be felt in the neck; trouble in swallowing; throat or neck pain; swollen lymph nodes in the neck; cough; and vocal changes.

People exposed to high levels of radiation are much more likely than others to develop papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Treatment with x-rays is one significant source of radiation exposure. Between the 1920s and the 1950s, doctors used high-dose x-rays to treat children who had enlarged tonsils, acne, and other problems affecting the head and neck. Later, scientists found that some people who had received this kind of treatment developed thyroid cancer.

People who are diagnosed with this kind of cancer may undergo surgery. Common surgeries include thyroidectory, lobectomy, and tracheostomy. Sometimes, even the removal of the thyroid itself is needed.

“Like many other cancers, thyroid cancer may be more easily cured with early detection. Earlier diagnosis removes thyroid cancer at a time when they are not likely to have spread beyond the thyroid gland,” delos Reyes said.

For more information about thyroid cancer, please contact EJACC at 254-6351and look for Gina Mariquit.

'Ayaw kong magkawatak watak tayo'

By ALEX P. VIDAL / PNS
January 5, 2012

VANCOUVER, British Columbia  –  For Tomas "Tatay Tom" Avendano, president and CEO of the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) here, designating specific places for ethnic groups in Canada "is tantamount to creating an atmosphere of division."

This was Avendano's reaction to proposal to create a "Pinoy Town" located on a stretch of Fraser Street between Kingsway and 33rd Avenue.

"Ayaw kong magka watak watak tayo (I don't want our group to scatter). As Filipino-Canadians, we have already assimilated with other ethnic communities and we are all Canadians," Avendano told this writer.

Avendano's stand was echoed by Nemecio "Mang Nemy" Cepeda, longest serving former president of the Filipino Zodiac Circle of British Columbia.

"We have already started so many projects and most of them have not been completed yet," Cepeda, 68, sobbed. "We should focus on one project first so that we can maximize our resources before undertaking another project."

Leaders

Cepeda lamented that past and present Fil-Can community leaders "have failed to erect the Filipino Community Center which should have been given priority to serve as the bastion of Filipino-Canadians' solidarity and identity."

"We always have the temerity to start something and not finishing them," bemoaned Cepeda. "It seems that some of our leaders have mental dishonesty and ulterior motives the reason why we can't complete one major project except the MHHS."

MMHS was built "to help newcomers succeed in Canada...moving Canada forward, one immigrant at a time."

Cepeda suggested that in order to finish one project, members of the Filipino-Canadian community "must do it ala Bayanihan style and set aside personal interests."

Attention

"Let's work together, focus our attention on one project so that our resources will not be divided and wasted," he suggested.

The proposed "Pinoy Town" rekindled the debate after 24 Hours, one of Canada's biggest daily tabloids with circulation in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, devoted a spreadsheet feature story about the project on January 4.

"Petitions for a city-designated Pinoy Town – located on a stretch of Fraser Street between Kingsway and 33rd Avenue – have been going out since October. The movement comes after city council passed a motion last fall designating Kingsway area between Fraser and Nanaimo Streets as 'Little Saigon' neighbourhood," 24 Hours reported.

"But Little Saigon supporters made the misstep of not consulting with the entire community before submitting a 3,000-signature petition to city council, said RJ Aquino, a COPE candidate in the last municipal elections who declared in favour of Pinoy Town. That omission angered many locals.

Consultation

"City-funded public consultation on the Vietnamese neighborhood is scheduled for the start of 2012.

Councilor Kerry Jang, who put forward the Little Saigon motion, said he supports efforts to celebrate Vancouver’s diversity, but adds it’s important for organizers to talk to both businesses and residents before approaching the city."

The report also quoted 83-year-old Avendano as saying, "I think while we are here, we shouldn’t live as separate Filipino or Vietnamese (communities). This is Canada; therefore we should strive to be integrated and assimilate to Canadian culture.”

Avendano said "giving neighbourhoods official ethnic designations could hamper integration of new immigrants and wouldn’t necessarily boost cultural recognition or improve business."

DA, EDC partnership allots initial P92-M to develop ‘salad bowl’ in Leyte

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
December 28, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  A 20,000-hectare area at Tongonan mountain range, straddling Ormoc City and municipality of Kananga, in the province of Leyte, will soon become a ‘salad bowl’ that will produce high value semi-temperate vegetables.

This, as the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), other institutions and farmers’ groups, has set its eyes to make this development a reality.

Recently, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala led the signing of a memorandum of agreement at Tacloban City to implement a five-year initiative, called Agri-Pinoy integrated and diversified program for the development of the ‘OK’ upland range. OK refers collectively to Ormoc City and Kananga. The Tongonan mountain range is 500 to 800 meters above sea level.

The DA and EDC will jointly invest P92 million in the next five years to develop suitable areas surrounding the Leyte Geothermal Production Field (LGPF) to benefit 5,600 farmers, who are members of 23 farmers’ associations in Ormoc City and municipality of Kananga.

Secretary Alcala said the DA through the DA Region 8 office and National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) will assist farmers in the land preparation, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and marketing of vegetables and other high value commercial crops.

Currently, subsistence farmers at LGPF produce assorted vegetables and fruits like cabbage, green onion, tomato, eggplant, radish, chayote, cucumber (pipino), and pineapple. About five tons are harvested weekly and sold at public markets in Ormoc City and Kananga.

Under the five-year project, farmers will be encouraged to plant other fruit crops like durian, rambutan and Jackfruit, including coffee and abaca.

Aside from the DA and EDC, the other project partners are the Visayas Sate University (VSU) and the Partners Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC), representing the 23 farmers’ associations, located in 16 villages or barangays surrounding the LGPF at the OK upland range.

The joint project will not only uplift farmers from poverty but more importantly transform them into entrepreneurs. It will benefit about 3,000 subsistence farm-families in seven villages in Kananga namely, Rizal, Hiluctogan, Montebello, Aguiting, Lim-ao, San Ignacio, and Tongonan; and nine villages in Ormoc City namely Milagro, Nueva Vista, Cabaon-an, Danao, Gaas, Liberty, Tongonan, Mahayahay, and Dolores.

During the MOA signing, Secretary Alcala underscored that the partnership will not only help in the production but also in the processing and marketing aspect of the project. He stressed the importance of economies of scale saying that the farmers can demand better prices if they have the volume of production.

Of the P92-M initial funding, the DA-NABCOR will share P29 million to establish a consolidation center and pilot packinghouse, and provide marketing support, said NABCOR president and CEO Honesto Baniqued, Jr.  Another P13 million is earmarked for research and development.

Baniqued said the project has five interlinked components that include a vegetable consolidation center and postharvest management assurance system, livestock with feedlot operation, marketing, environmental management, and manpower development as a sustainability mechanism.

“We at the DA-NABCOR aim to help transform the Ormoc-Kananga range into a major vegetable growing area in Eastern Visayas, which can later diversify into producing other high value horticultural crops such as cutflowers and fruits.

Similar initiatives are undertaken by the DA under the leadership of Secretary Alcala to develop a modern wholesale marketing and processing center in La Trinidad, Benguet, and a major vegetable production and processing cluster at Dupax del Sur in Nueva Vizcaya, Baniqued said.

For its part, PNOC-EDC will provide a total of P50M top finance farming activities, at P10 million each year from 2012 to 2016.

“We are committed to sustain this corporate social responsibility initiative. Many people in the upland range are still poor. Our main concern is help the farmers on the marketing aspect,” said Emiliano Argoncillo, head of the EDC community partnership department.

The Leyte Geothermal Power Fields is the country’s largest producer of geothermal energy, with a capacity at more than 700 megawatts (MW). The area covers a total of 107,625 hectares along the Tongonan mountain range.

For its part, the VSU, based in Baybay City, will provide farmers technical assistance, and supervise crop production, postharvest handling, processing and marketing, said VSU President Jose Bacusmo.

ICRC responds to urgent needs in aftermath of Sendong

By ICRC
December 22, 2011

In the aftermath of tropical storm Sendong (Washi), one of the most pressing problems is a lack of access to drinking water. Andres Casal, the ICRC's water and habitat coordinator in the Philippines, gives us an update on the current situation and the humanitarian response.

How did the ICRC react when the storm hit?

As Sendong left destruction behind on its path across the southern Philippines, the ICRC immediately mobilized emergency support for the relief operations led by its local partner, the Philippine Red Cross. The aftermath was particularly devastating because the storm hit parts of the country that do not usually experience typhoons. Food packs, essential household items and hygiene kits for 18,000 people were distributed in Cagayan de Oro, Illigan and Bukidnon (three of the areas hardest hit) within the first 48 hours – a crucial period for life-saving action in such an emergency.

The ICRC adapted its activities to meet a range of humanitarian needs arising in the days that followed. Together with partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the ICRC stepped up its response.

What's the situation like on the ground?

I'm currently working in Cagayan de Oro, one of the places that was the worst hit by the storm. Along the Cagayan River, which overflowed and caused the flooding, there is mud and debris everywhere. Both sides of the river have been ravaged. Some people are starting to leave evacuation centres to rebuild their homes or to stay with relatives or host families. But many centres are still filled with families who lost everything in the disaster. The main concern now is that more than 270,000 people – some housed in evacuation centres, some living in nearby communities – lack access to drinking water.

Cagayan de Oro is a big city and not all areas were affected. However, even in some of the areas that are relatively unscathed, we can sense that there is a problem because we see a lot of people standing along the road with jerrycans and waiting for water trucks to come.

What caused the lack of access to water?

All along the river, the flooding damaged not only the water pipelines and network but also many of the wells that were the source of the water supply. While communities can still rely on the wells that survived the storm, the damaged infrastructure limits the ability of the local water company to deliver or store water.

What is the ICRC doing to meet the need for clean water?

Earlier this week, to support the Philippine Red Cross disaster management team, we immediately sent specialized water and habitat engineers to this area. We are devising ways of bringing water from the undamaged water sources and of storing it for use by the flood survivors and neighbouring communities.

The ICRC is increasing storage capacity by setting up water bladders and tap stands designed for these kinds of emergencies. We set up the equipment in strategic places in districts where there is no access to water, such as near barangay (community) halls. We are also connecting tap stands directly to water pumping stations that still function so that the water can reach even more people.

The ICRC is working closely with the Philippine Red Cross and local water district to ensure that water tanks and bladders are continually refilled. In a short time, we have already been able to make water available to 13,000 people, and this work continues.

In the coming weeks, it will be the job of the local water district to restore as quickly as possible their capacity to deliver water to the flood-stricken areas. The ICRC will support these efforts. Our staff remain very motivated and we will continue to deal with needs as they arise.

Almeria cooperative produces charcoal briquette air fresheners

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
December 15, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The members of the Almeria Seafarers Cooperative of Almeria, Biliran, is now producing charcoal briquette air fresheners, thanks to the SET UP program of the Department of Science and Technology.

DOST-Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla approved late last year, the establishment of charcoal briquetting facility using abandoned biomass as raw materials. The project involved the acquisition of charcoal briquetting facility that utilizes bio-mass waste in charcoal production. The project utilizes a combination of DENR-ERB and DOST-FPRDI briquetting technology.

Charcoal is a good air and water filter in addition to its common use as alternative fuel for domestic use, and its many industrial uses.

The Almeria Seafarers Multi-purpose Cooperative led by its manager Anita Corto, thought of developing this small air-cleaning product made of charcoal briquette.

While common air fresheners emits some harmful compounds into the air, this small "thing" absorbs harmful and odor causing compounds from air making them fresh again. This is therefore the true air-freshener in a sense.

The product's environment friendly character is also reinforced by the fact that it utilizes biomass wastes that are charred and powdered then compacted using briquetting machine.

This year, the ASEMCO started producing the charcoal briquette and the air-freshener when commercial operation of the charcoal briquetting facility supported by Department of Science and Technology through Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) started.

The air-freshener is a small item that can be placed on top of tables or cabinets in rooms where air need to be cleaned. This is useful in newly painted rooms or in rooms sprayed by insect repellant. It could even be placed inside the refrigerator to remove undesirable odors.

Charcoal briquettes are compacted charcoal powder mixed with starch and molded under pressure. Charcoal briquettes can be used in homes, restaurants, and other industries and is an effective substitute to the ordinary wood charcoal.

Use of charcoal briquettes is cheaper than LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and it is also environment friendly since it emits lesser smoke compared to the ordinary charcoal.

‘Tis the season

Catbalogan City gleams with Joy and Hope

By ADOR LEANDA HURTADO
December 7, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  Young People, City and School Officials along with other Catbaloganons from different walks of life got educated, enlightened and empowered during the 2011 World AIDS Day Commemoration and the Launching of the 2011 Christmas Festival through the Ceremonial Lighting of the City Christmas Tree at the City Plaza last December 01, 2011.

Dubbed as the “RED NIGHT”, the event started with a Foot Parade from the plaza and around major city streets that gathered participation from members of Junior Chamber International, Inc (JCI) Catbalogan Balud Chapter; students from different Elementary, Secondary and College Schools; various Youth Organization, Fraternities and Sororities; and the Stellar Society of Samar that came in colorful Mardi Gras costumes.

As the official World AIDS Day (WAD) Program commenced, a game show titled as the “1st HIV and AIDS Mass Quiz” organized by WARAYA, got the students excited over answering seven (7) questions related to the commemoration of 2011 World AIDS Day. The WAD Program ended with the Ceremonial Send-Off of Seven (7) Red Lanterns that were hoisted by groups of stakeholders and partners. The red lanterns carried seven (7) Key Messages in support of HIV and AIDS Awareness and these were: (1) Take A Stand… Demand! (2) Break Free (3) End Stigma! (4) Reach Out; (5) Speak Up! Speak Loud! (6) Stay Positive! and (7) Our Choice! Our Right!

These same key messages were worn by the organizers during the event, firmly promoting HIV and AIDS Awareness. Waray-Waray Youth Advocates (WARAYA), being the lead organizer of the 2011 WAD is the pioneer youth organization advocating for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) in Samar and has been educating and empowering young people since 2004.

Seven (7) questions during the quiz show, seven (7) red lanterns bearing seven (7) key messages, these sevens were part of WARAYA’s “Seven Eleven” Program in celebration of its 7th Founding Anniversary.

Following right after the WAD Program was the 2011 Christmas Festival Launching, which started with some Christmas song numbers followed by the Christmas Tableau of cute preschoolers from Fun N’ Learn Preschool. In behalf of the City Government of Catbalogan, City Vice-Mayor Art Sherwin L. Gabon gave a moving message of gratefulness, hope and the importance of family as the main reasons of celebrating Christmas. The highlight of the night was the actual lighting of the approximated 20-Feet Christmas Tree, followed right after by the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Stormtroopers Band that gave the accompaniment of Christmas songs, filling the night with joy and warmth.

The Christmas Tree is situated on top of the canopy at the side of the plaza colorfully adorned with Parols commissioned from enterprising inmates from the Samar Provincial Jail and with nearly 500 colorful bulbs and several dangling lights brightening the City Hall façade.

Signaling the start of the 2011 Christmas Festival, several activities were launched on that eve and are being coorganized by different partners and stakeholders of the LGU. Starting with the “Wish Ko Lang”-inspired activity of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) City Federation through Federation President Hon. Dexter M. Uy with their activity “Hingyap Mo, Tatalinguhaun Ko!” which runs from December 01-11 catering to fellow young people aimed to share the Christmas spirit.

Making most of her passion for fashion, First Councilor Stephany Uy-Tan co-organizes with WARAYA, Samar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry – Samar (DTI) for a unique fashion trade for a cause. On December 12 at New Maqueda Bay Hotel, the Fashion Show and Auction Event will highlight pre-loved and unique collection of various fashion apparel and accessories.

From December 13-16 at the City Plaza, a Nightly Trade Bazaar will gather exhibitors of various used items on sale and all for a good cause. The organizers of the event has decided to donate a hefty percentage of the proceeds to several indigent families in Catbalogan as assisted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office through a combination of Noche Buena packages and some clothing items in time for Christmas.

Capping the festival is the “Panarit Pamasko: Christmas Carol Singing Contest” slated on December 14, 2011 at the City Plaza, expected to gather groups of singers and carolers sharing their melodic renditions of Christmas songs.

Anchored on the theme “Ha Pasko may Pagkaurusa, Paglipay ngan Pagpapasalamat!”, City Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy and the City Officials in coordination with different partners and stakeholders aim to ensure a festive and hopeful celebration of Christmas despite challenges and changes being faced. After all, this is indeed the season to be jolly!

Country’s most child-safe TV programs, “Makabata Stars” to be honored on December 6

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
November 25, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The winners of the year long assessment of the nation’s most child sensitive television programs were released recently by Anak TV.

Anak TV’s official spokesperson Ms. Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski informed that the association of TV networks will also honor television personalities selected by thousands of jurors as worthy of emulation by children and will induct these TV talents into the Roster of Makabata Stars.

Anak TV is run by officers led by Ed Roces, Chairman, Bob del Rosario, President and Mag Cruz Hatol, Secretary General. The foundation is at the forefront of a media literacy campaign that goes to the grassroots of the country.

The now iconic seal on Philippine television, Anak TV, is bestowed by parents, teachers, NGOs and other sectors of society on television programs they evaluated as being wholesome and child-safe. It is a seal not found anywhere else in the world, Anak TV being a movement that flourishes only in the Philippines.

A total of 110 programs were declared family friendly after nine months of tedious and thorough evaluation by thousands of jurors in 46 screening sessions nationwide. ABS-CBN national and regional stations will take home 24 seals; GMA News TV and GMA Network will bring home 23 seals while Net 25 earns 21. UNTV gets 20 while TV 5 gets 9. The rest of the remaining seals are shared by Zoe, Studio 23, PTV, and IBC.

The awarding ceremonies will be held at the Soka Gakkai Auditorium in Quezon City on December 6, with Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada and Ms. Susan Roces as invited key guests along with Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Gov. Vilma Santos, and Superstar Nora Aunor.

Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, official spokesperson of Anak TV and will again host the awards rites that will also see the elevation into the  Makabata Hall of Fame five personalities who have consistently been topping the annual surveys for the past seven straight years. They are GMA Network’s Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco, ABS-CBN’s Julius Babao, Korina Sanchez and Gary Valenciano.

The annual Boto Ko ‘To survey winners will also be feted in the affair. Selected by the national jury as the most “credible, wholesome and worth emulating by the youth” are eleven male and female TV personalities led by top winners news and public affairs anchors Ted Failon and Jessica Soho.

The other honorees are Ryan Agoncillo, Gerald Anderson, Kim Atienza, Arnold Clavio, John Lloyd Cruz, Noli de Castro, Luis Manzano, Coco Martin, Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto among the males with Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis, Karen Davila, Sarah Geronimo, Toni Gonzaga, Angel Locsin, Vicky Morales, Charo Santos, Judy Ann Santos and Bernadette Sembrano among the females.

Anak TV will also bestow on noted film and stage director and TV critic Nestor U. Torre of the Philippine Daily Inquirer the special Anak TV Broadcasters’ Award for his significant contribution in espousing the agenda of child sensitive, quality television programming. Torre follows Gina Lopez, Feny delos Angeles Bautista and Daisaku Ikeda who all previously received the same honor.

The Anak TV Seal winning programs for 2011 are: Dora, the Explorer, Failon Ngayon, I Got It, Jimmy Neutron, Jr. Masterchef, Kabuhayang Swak na swak, Matanglawin, Rated K, Salamat Dok, Spongebob Squarepants, Wansapanataym and Why Not? of ABS-CBN.

For ABS-CBN (Regional), the winning programs are Arangkada, Derecho (Iloilo), Halad sa Kapamilya, Kapamilya Winner Ka! Davao, Maayong Buntag Kapamilya - Cebu, Maayong Buntag Mindanao, Magandang Umaga S.C. Mindanao, MagTV Na! Amiga, MagTV Na! Atin 'To! (Baguio), MagTV Na! Ato Ni! (CDO), MagTV Na! Cebu and MagTV Na! Sadya Ta!

PTV’s winning programs are Ang Tao't Kalikasan, Beautiful Batangas, Biz News, Oras ng Himala, Power to Unite, Signs and Wonders, Teledyaryo Sports and Yan Ang Marino.

For TV 5, the winning programs are Alagang Kapatid, Batibot, Chuggington, Handy Manny, Pidol's Wonderland, Special Agent Oso, Vita Minix, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Yo Gabba Gabba.

GMA Network’s winners are Aha!, Art Angel, Hanepbuhay, Kap's Amazing Stories, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Pepito Manaloto, Pinoy MD, Sabadabadog, Tropang Potchi and Wish Ko Lang.

Meanwhile, GMA News TV’s Anak TV programs are Ang Pinaka, Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie, Brigada, Day Off, Front Row, Full Time Moms, Good News, I-Juander, Kuwento ni Rizal - Special, On Call, Pluma - Special, Pop Talk and Reel Time.

IBC’s Asin at Ilaw, Biyaheng Langit and FilChi are winners of Anak TV seal together with Studio 23’s Biyaheng Bulilit and Zoe TV’s Gabay at Aksyon.

NET 25’s winning programs are Ang Iglesia ni Cristo, Ang Pagbubunyag, Ang Tamang Daan, Discover Germany, Footprints, Global 3000, Homepage, Iglesia ni Cristo & the Bible, In Focus, In Good Shape, Landmarks, Light of Salvation, Moments, Onset, Pananampalataya, Pag-asa at Pag-ibig, Pasugo: Ang Tinig ng INC,  Red Carpet, Spoon, The Message,  Tomorrow Today and Tribe.

Finallly, UNTV’s winning programs are Ating Alamin, Bread n’ Butter, Candidly Speaking with Willy,  Climate Change, D 'Xman, Doc on TV, Easy Lang Yan, Estranghero, Istorya, Kaagapay, Kilalanin Natin, KNC Show, Law Profile, Make My Day, Manibela, Mapalad ang Bumabasa, Munting Pangarap, Pol Watch, Rotary in Action and Sports 37.

The top ten favorite programs of Filipino households as polled by Anak TV are TV Patrol World, 100 Days to Heaven, Eat Bulaga, Showtime, 24 Oras, Amaya, Budoy, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Matanglawin and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

Anak TV is run by officers led by Ed Roces, Chairman, Bob del Rosario, President and Mag Cruz Hatol, Secretary General. The foundation is at the forefront of a media literacy campaign that goes to the grassroots of the country.

Detained artist is finalist in international art award

Press Release
By FREE ERICSON ACOSTA
November 14, 2011

QUEZON CITY  –  Artist and political detainee Ericson Acosta is one of the three finalists in the prestigious 2011 Imprisoned Artist Prize.

The other two finalists are musician Win Maw of Burma and filmmaker Dhondup Wanchen of Tibet.

The Imprisoned Artist Prize is one of the awards given by Freedom to Create, an international award-giving body launched in 2008 aimed to “celebrate the courage and creativity of artists and the positive influence of their work to promote social justice and inspire the human spirit”.

Acosta is the sole Filipino finalist in the Freedom to Create Awards.

The Imprisoned Artist Prize is presented to artists who are incarcerated “because of their courage and creativity in pursuing their art, and the role of their work in highlighting injustice”. One winner will be awarded USD$25,000, which will then be utilized in securing the artist’s release, and advocacies and campaigns for his or her freedom.

“In 2011, we have received over 2000 prize entries from more than 145 countries around the globe. A total prize fund of US$100,000 will be awarded to the winning artists and their nominated advocacy organisations to further the cause their artwork has highlighted,” the group’s website said.

Among the judges for the Prize are actress Daryl Hannah, novelist Salman Rushdie and danseur Mikhail Baryshnikov. Winners will be announced on the Freedom to Create Award Festival on November 19 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Acosta is an artist, journalist and cultural worker who was illegally arrested by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on February 13, 2011 in Barangay Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar province in the Eastern Visayan region. He faces trumped-up charges of illegal possession of explosives and is currently detained at the Calbayog City sub-provincial jail. Acosta's counsel filed a Petition for Review of his case before the Philippine government's Department of Justice (DOJ) last September 1.

Even in jail, Acosta continues to make his art and music heard despite and in spite of the most pressing of circumstances. A raw recording dubbed “Prison Sessions” featuring Acosta singing his original compositions in jail instantly enjoyed thousands of hits and followers online. He also maintains an online journal, Jailhouse Blog.

Acosta’s supporters call on DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima to immediately withdraw fabricated complaints against him. Among his supporters are officials of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), National Artists for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and F. Sionil Jose, Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists), Concerned Artists of the Philippines, University of the Philippines National Writers’ Workshop fellows and panel, and artists from the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia who attended the International Conference on Progressive Culture last July.

‘Outstanding Pinoy’ entrepreneur, 70 yr old ma in $10M drug cartel, money laundering raps

By FLORENCE F. HIBIONADA
Senior Reporter, Philippine News Service (PNS)
November 13, 2011

A 42-year old “Emerging Asian” awardee honoured as “Outstanding Entrepreneur” of the Asian Business Association of Orange County is back in the news.  From the pages of Filipino newspapers, this time his entrepreneurship made it really big with news landing in the pages of major newspaper throughout United States.

This as the former awardee was indicted on conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to structure financial transactions. The co-accused – his 70 year old mother dubbed in the news as the “ringleader” of a bigtime drug cartel.

Both are of Filipino-Chinese descent facing Federal charges directly linked to what US authorities have dubbed a narcotics ring involved in illegal drug trafficking of a controlled substance.

Arrested yet out on $75,000 (Php 1.8M) bail is Lucita Uy and son, Lemuel Uy Libunao whose bond was $150,000 (Php 3.6M).  Uy has been named and tagged by US authorities and the US media as the “ringleader” and the son, a co-conspirator.

The duo is assisted by the Glenn K Osajima Law Offices in Santa Ana, California with Court trial set on November 29, 2011.  Pending the Court date, mother’s and son’s passports have been confiscated with further Orders out on travel restrictions.

Local follow ups confirmed that Libunao along with his Ilongga wife and two children made at least two trips to her hometown in Iloilo.  The young couple is also known to relatives and friends to have an opulent lifestyle in the US with regular foreign vacations.  In fact, the wife was reportedly set for another hometown visit for a school reunion prior to her husband’s arrest.

The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) confirmed the charges versus Uy and Libunao and two others who were similarly arrested.  Said confirmation was subject of an official news release obtained by Philippine News Service (PNS).

Uy and Libunao when arraigned pleaded not guilty.  US authorities in pursuing the charges against mother and son established a four-year buying and selling spree of controlled substance Promethazine. A cough suppressant, use of Promethazine is known to be habit-forming and has since been commonly-abused.  “Diverted” Promethazine has street value of $150 to $200 in Los Angeles while price is more than doubled at P$300 to $600 a pint of bottle in Houston, Texas.

Being a controlled-substance, only authorized and registered doctors or pharmacists can avail of wholesale Promethazine purchase.  Mother and son are now charged to have elaborately planned the illegal drug trafficking in two US states by setting up three pharmacies.  Incidentally, all areas of Uy and Libunao’s pharmacy have predominant presence of Filipino-American communities.

Promethazine as abused and illegally sold is known to cause a “high” to users similar to what Heroine would cause.  If taken with alcohol, the results are often fatal.

In a 36-paged indictment obtained by PNS, established were wire transfers in hundreds of thousands of dollars and at least 10 bank accounts that were opened through the years by Uy and Libunao.  Two of the questioned seized accounts included “nominee accounts” under the name of Libunao’s Ilongga wife with initial deposits of $10,000 and $5,000.

“More than twice as many Americans abuse prescription drugs than those using cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined,” said Timothy J. Landrum, DEA Special Agent in Charge in an official DEA News Release. “DEA is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who endanger our communities by distributing these dangerous drugs are brought to justice.”

“According to court documents, Uy acquired three pharmacies – Plaza Pharmacy in Santa Ana, Value Plus Pharmacy in Long Beach, and Blue Rose Pharmacy in Buena Park – so she could obtain promethazine from wholesale distributors,” the DEA news release continued.

The indictment further stated deposits of more than $6.9 million in cash and more than $2.7 million in money orders into bank accounts courtesy of the ‘drug money.’

“In conjunction with the indictment, the IRS - Criminal Investigation is seeking to forfeit property allegedly obtained with the proceeds of the illegal distribution scheme. The property to be forfeited includes seven real properties located in Monrovia, Claremont and Houston; $64,500 in cash; a 2007 Mercedes Benz S550; a 2007 Honda CRV; a 2007 Toyota Tundra; and 11 luxury watches including a Rolex trimmed in diamonds,” the DEA said.  “The allegations against Uy and her co-conspirators indicate they intended to enrich themselves by engaging in conduct that put the lives of others at risk,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Leslie P. DeMarco. “One of the government’s most powerful weapons is the ability to seize through asset forfeiture the property obtained through this illegal distribution scheme, including real estate, cash, vehicles and jewelry. By taking away their assets and profits, we deprive them of the proceeds of their criminal activity.”

If convicted, Uy and Libunao would face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison while two others similarly charged would each face up to 20 years in prison.

US blogger and culture writer Brande Victorian in a post wrote, “I had really hoped the purple drank trend would die out, but thanks to Lil Wayne and a Houston grandmother from the Philippines, the sizzurp supply and demand chain lives on.  Seventy-year-old Lucita Uy reportedly raked in at least $10 million by purchasing 97,000 pints of prescription-strength cough syrup and smuggling it from California to Houston to make the purple stuff. According to the Houston Chronicle, the going price is $300-$600 per pint, and granny had enough to make 1.5 million doses.  If you think perhaps her kids and grandkids are the mastermind behind the scheme and she’s just an innocent bystander, don’t. Uy once served 20 months in federal prison a decade ago for money laundering. I can only imagine what she was up to in her heyday.”

Another post by Danielle Pointdujour wrote an article titled “When Old Folks Go Bad: Grandma charged with running $10 Million “Purple Drank” Ring.

“Whose granny is this??,” he asked. “A 70 year-old Houston grandmother from the Philippines has been charged with being the ring leader of a multi-million dollar codeine distribution ring.  Lucita Uy apparently felt like President Obama was taking too long to up her social security payments and decided to form her own criminal enterprise instead.  The grandmother along with her son Lemuel Libunao and two others, banked at least $10 million and used pharmacies that she owned to purchase 97,000 pints of prescription-strength cough syrup and smuggle them from California to Houston.”

Remembering Leyte Gulf Landings

By ALICE NICART, PIA Samar
October 20, 2011

PALO, Leyte  –  As a young adult, he was merely a fisherman, a vocation he opted to choose in order to elude the unkind treatment of the Japanese who ruled in their community, in Tanauan, Leyte.

Yet, there were times when he could not escape the cruelty of the invaders.  Sometimes, when he would get ashore, the Japanese would ask, “Sakana nay?” (Is their fish?) and when he would answer “Nay” (none) he would be slapped in the face.

Thus recounted Mr. Leovigildo Azucena, 88, in a brief interview shortly before the formal commemorative program today for the 67th Leyte Gulf Landings or the famously known MacArthur Landing.

The fondly called Lolo Gil narrated, that he was fishing one night in October when he heard of sounds, which he dismissed instantly, could not be the sounds of bombs.

Not long after, however, what he rejected as sounds of, became an ultimate and a sheer reality, as more and more ships appeared his very eyes, which were firing to the direction upshore.

“Move out!, move out!” a crew shouted at him repeatedly.

“No, sir! Please! I am a Filipino”, he cried and he gave them his boiled banana for dinner.

In an instant, he was picked up from his tiny boat and found himself in the middle of American soldiers.  Still frightened for any harm the armed men could do to him, he chilled in fear.

But a small table was arranged in his front and his fear turned to joy for he imagined an American food is about to be served him.  But no.  The Americans laid wide a map on the table, pointing at some angles and questioned him, “Where are you?”, “Where are we?”, “Where is Tolosa?”, “Where is the mountain where the Japanese hide?”

Because he believed in the intentions of his new found friends, and fed-up by the cruelty of the Japanese, the young gentleman faithfully answered the questions.

This writer asked why he spoke good English then, “I was a Grade VII pupil when the war broke, and there were even times when I would be the substitute of our teacher”, he replied.

As he continued his recollection, he said that after the friendly interrogation, he was allowed to eat with a Chorizo which according to him was as big as his legs with matching pack of Lucky Strike cigarette.

At dawn he was told to disembark the ship and go to the civilians as far as 20 miles and informed them of another bombing that was to happen any day soon.

And the bombing did occur, but he stressed there was no Filipino civilian found dead.  Sooner, Gil was hired as an interpreter by the American soldiers and a member of the ship’s crew until he was registered as a US Scout.  Yes, he maintains his claim, that he was the only Filipino who was able to board the American ship during the Leyte Landings.

Now at 88, and already a Lolo, the young Gil, (some 67 years ago), assured he is still vibrant specially, he said, when he sees ladies in mini skirts.  He has since enjoyed his benefits as a US Veteran and all his six sons who entered the US Navy are now living in the States, the others have already retired. He promised though he is no longer returning to the US because it is in the Philippines where the real paradise is.

Filipino seafarers most sought after by ship owners worldwide

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 25, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Filipino seafarers are the top choice by ship owners all over the world, Atty. Manuel Portus, Regional Director of Marina in Eastern Visayas, informed during the Harampang Ha PIA media forum  that launched this year’s National Maritime Week celebration on September 26 to October 1.

It is a fact that one-third of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers are Filipinos, Director Portus said.

Director Portus’ statement was backed up with data, the Philippine Information Agency found out. For one, a report mentioned that the chairman of International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) has stated that Filipino seafarers are the top choice of Japanese ship managers and owners.

Data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) shows that 266,533 Filipino seafarers were deployed all over the world in 2007. Out of this, more than 50,000 Filipino seafarers work in Japan's 3,000 merchant ships. This indicates that roughly 65 percent of Japan's maritime personnel are Filipinos.

Hellespont, an European shipping company with a manpower agency in Manila, has been hiring all-Filipino crews for its tanker fleet since 2004.

This is another confirmation that Filipino seafarers are the most sought seafarers in the global shipping industry. In fact, Filipinos are in demand to man ships at sea – from luxury cruise ships to giant tankers and container ships.

There are many reasons why the world wide shipping industry seeks to employ Filipino seafarers.

One of the foremost reasons mentioned was that Filipinos are seafarers by nature. The Philippines is an archipelago with vast coastline of 36,289 kilometers, more than USA’s 19,924 kilometers, UK’s 12,429 kilometers, China’s 14,500 kilometers, France’s 4,668 kilometers, and is almost equal to Russia’s 37,653 kilometer coastline.

As the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands, Filipinos have natural mariner's instincts and always work cheerfully despite months of separation from their families. They never show that they are homesick. While on shore leave, instead of going to the nearest bars to waste their earnings, they prefer to spend their time more at Internet cafes, writing e-mails or chatting online with their loved ones in the Philippines.

Another reason why shipping industry worldwide prefers Filipino seafarers is because of their dedication and discipline. Filipino seafarers work with dedication and are much disciplined. They are also very conscious about their conduct especially while on shore leave.

Filipino seafarers are hard-working. Filipino seafarers have more stamina and work physically more on board the ships. Filipino seafarers are also reliable and loyal. They are also are flexible and willingly perform duties that are not part of their contracts.  They highly trainable and adapt to changing environment, and have problem-solving capability.

Perhaps, one of the most important reason why Filipino seafarers are preferred is they are fluent in English. They have good command of the English language and have good communication skills.

World Rabies Day message: “Register and vaccinate you dogs”

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 22, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Department of Health Region Center for Health Development in Eastern Visayas is set to spearhead the commemoration of World Rabies Day on September 28.

DOH Region 8 Director Edgardo Gonzaga said that the highlight this year’s celebration in Eastern Visayas is the Mass Dog Vaccination at the Barangay Hall or Basketball Court in the respective cities and municipalities in the six provinces of the Region.

Director Gonzaga said that the objective of the activity is to vaccinate at least 70 to 80 percent of the total dog population of every municipality.

The theme for this year, “Register and Vaccinate your dogs,” underscores the importance of registration and vaccination of all dogs as a crucial key in controlling the incidence of rabies in the Philippines and reducing the number of resulting deaths.

With over 700 Filipinos seeking emergency treatment for dog bites each day last year, dogs are clearly the primary source of rabies in the country, according to latest records from the Department of Health (DOH).

Less known to the public is that 88 percent of rabies infection is acquired from pet dogs, shattering the myth that stray dogs are the primary source of rabies transmission.

Official count of incidence of dog bites reached roughly 266,000 last year, resulting in 257 deaths due to rabies infection, the DOH National Rabies Prevention Control Program said.

Separate records obtained from the DOH also showed that from January to May 21 this year, the health agency has so far monitored 76 deaths due to rabies, with Central Luzon registering the highest number with 13 fatalities. Almost 50 percent of these cases affected children aged 5 to 14.

Still not very many are aware that the incubation period or the time for the infection to develop, for rabies can be as short as a few days, but can also last as long as five years.  About 95 percent of people who have been infected by a rabid animal, however, develop the disease within one year.

The tragedy is that once a patient starts to show symptoms, there is no treatment and he or she usually dies within 10 days.

People also need to be made aware that transmission is not only limited to actual animal bites.  Anyone handling a dead animal that has acquired the virus can be infected if they touch their eyes or lips if they have traces of the animal’s fluids on their hands.

Dispelling myths about rabies can also help reduce incidences of deaths due to the deadly virus. Many people still believe that rabies should be handled by traditional healers using folk medicine such as “tandok,” which is done by placing a deer horn over the wound.  Such procedure is believed to suck out the rabies virus from the injury.

Health records have shown that patients who received “tandok” treatment died either of rabies or tetanus. Dog bites must always be seen by a medical expert.

Rabies is a viral disease in mammals which animals and people can get through exposure to saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal. It spreads from the exposure site through the nervous system to the brain, eventually causing death if not immediately treated with medical care.

More than 55,000 people die from rabies each year, mostly in Africa and Asia where little medical care exists. The largest source of rabies in humans around the world is due to uncontrolled rabies in dogs, and children are most at risk for being bitten.

This is why it is so important to educate the public on how easy it can be to prevent rabies through animal vaccinations, being aware of the surroundings, and having available medical treatment nearby.

Responsible adolescent sexuality education module pilot-tested at Palo school

By Provincial Media Relations Center
September 22, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  A module on responsible adolescent sexuality education is being pilot-tested by the provincial government of Leyte through the Provincial Population Office to curb premarital sex and teenage pregnancy.

The special module, carefully crafted by the Leyte PopCom, was piloted at the Palo Central School over the week with Grade 5 & 6 pupils as participants.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, who was in hand to evaluate the whole presentation of the module, tells teachers at the Palo Central School that this education has undergone close scrutiny and will be further refined before the same module will be introduced in all public elementary and high schools in the province.

“The main purpose in coming up with this module was brought about mainly by a survey which placed Eastern Visayas second in rank in terms of teenagers engaged in premarital sex,” Gov. Petilla told teachers after the whole module was presented to the pupils.

Also, the governor disclosed, that he was quite alarmed of the number of teenage mothers delivering babies in various birthing clinics in the province.

“Pregnant mothers are getting younger and younger these days. The youngest of whom we have encountered is only 12 years old, which is very alarming,” the governor added.

Further, Gov. Petilla said children and adolescents need accurate and comprehensive education about sexuality to practice healthy sexual behavior as adults in the future. He warns that early, exploitative, or risky sexual activity may lead to health and social problems, such as unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

For teenagers and young adults, sexuality education can provide a welcome opportunity to get correct answers to burning questions.  Research among teens has shown that young people want and need more information about reproductive health, sexuality and the environment.  Information usually comes "too late" and does not include enough detail.

The module piloted by the province consist mainly of a puppet show discussing major physical and emotional changes among adolescents, as well as friendly and interactive discussions on sexuality behaviour and open forum where the students can openly ask questions.

After the pilot-test, the module will still have to undergo minor revisions before it can be shown in all public schools in the province. The module would also be made available to freshman and sophomore students where most students are starting their teenage lives.

The same module has also been screened both by the Department of Education and the church.

SMC Educational Fund invests on Samar Youth

By EMY BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
August 27, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The SMC Educational Fund, a Scholarship and Financial Aid program, will be investing on Samar youths by providing a secured future through education. The organization hopes to provide paths for young Filipino adults to better themselves by assisting them with resources in education and work experience.

SMC gives credit to Mr. Simplicio Mendez Cajipe, a native of Sta. Rita, who made it well and good while working abroad. Mr. Cajipe was a source of inspiration to people whom he provided food, shelter and all the necessary tools at their younger ages until they became adults.

Ms. Emy Cajipe-Matthews, the Foundation’s CEO, attested to this and disclosed that she was just six years old when her father died and became an orphan herself. Still, Matthews has family ties in the Philippines and she would willingly work towards her cause in helping the young adults of Samar.  Samar is known to be one of the poorest provinces.

SMC, under Ms. Matthew’s initiatives, has become successful in making linkages and coordination with other partner institutions. It has now become a foreign assisted program.

The organization has long been extending yearly outreach programs in the Philippines that benefits the children. She has designed programs that would encourage creative and critical thinking skill in youth using Samar’s natural resources.

“Young adults need to understand the idea of community service, of learning the past, the present and the future of their province”, says Ms. Matthews.

Just recently, it has decided to shift on extending scholarships and financial aid to truly deserving and less fortunate young Filipino students.

“We make sure that children in each category qualify for our program (a) Poverty Assistance (b) Academic Scholar for high school graduate. We will help secure the child meet their basic needs, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, clothing items and a monthly allowance.

We are willing to extend help to those students at any Santa Rita Public High School District”, Ms. Matthews reveals her plans.

Inasmuch as the SMC is based in North Dakota, it has coordinated with the Samarnews.com through Engr. Ray Gaspay and Ms. Emy C. Bonifacio who takes charge in screening qualified beneficiaries. Presently, two (2) deserving SMC beneficiaries from Sta. Rita High School will be receiving cash assistance for this school year.

Cristina I. Lampanizo, 16 years of age, is a resident of Brgy. Hinangutdan, Sta. Rita, Samar and is in her 3rd year of secondary education. She is the 3rd child of seven children whose family’s main survival is sourced from charcoal making with a meager income of 50-100 pesos a day. She hikes to and from the school for more than two hours during school days because it would need thirty pesos a day for transportation fare using a “habal-habal”. At times, she goes to school without eating breakfast. Most often she fails to go to school because of lack of food and fare.

Likewise, Albert O. Baldiza, 19 years of age, was an orphan since he was in grade 1 and lives with a foster family. He disclosed that at times he goes to school with an empty stomach but he is decided to pursue his education. School records will show that Baldiza is a consistent honor student and is expected to become the valedictorian this school year at Sta. Rita High School where he is already in his fourth year.

An amount of P2,500 will be granted to Cristina Lampanizo while P1,000 will be given to Albert Baldiza. These monthly allowances from the SMC Educational Fund will cover the months of July 2010 to March 2011.

Furthermore, the SMC has identified two (2) graduating high school students who will be awarded cash incentives amounting to P30,000 per beneficiary, on the day of their graduation to financially help them pursue their college education. The identified beneficiaries were Wilfredo Ramirez Jr. of Tominamos High School and Emmanuel John Caudilla of Sta. Rita High School. Matthews disclosed that online applications to partners abroad were also facilitated.

The SMC is also finalizing proposals for student exchange programs. Hopefully, for this year, two lucky individuals from Sta. Rita will become the first beneficiaries in this program. The processing of their travel documents are now being taken cared of by the SMC.

The organization has been gaining support from Ms. Mathhew’s acquaintances and from those who believe in her cause. In fact, MMA Super Star Brandon de Vera has donated his autographed fight trunk to SMC Educational Fund for auction. More supporters and volunteers have signified their desire to extend charitable help to Samar youths.

The SMC Educational Fund maintains a Facebook Account and its own website at www.smceducationalfund.org

5th Anniversary of the Inopacan exhumation

Government inaction scored!

By ANAD Partylist
August 27, 2011

QUEZON CITY  –  On August 28, (Sunday) the free and peace loving Filipinos will commemorate the 5th anniversary of the exhumation of about 67 remains, part of the unknown number of Filipinos, violently murdered by the Maoist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF in the forested area commonly known as “The Garden”, among the residents of Southern Leyte.

In August 28, 2006, skeletal remains of innocent victims of Maoist terrorist’s tyranny and violence were dug up in a mass gravesite in a ridge of Mt. Sapang Dako of Inopacan, some 370 meters above sea level, by elements of the Phil. Army’s 802nd Brigade, 8ID supported by residents and former NPA rebels who claimed to have witnessed the mass killings and have since rejoined government.

The Inopacan mass murders far outweighs the many OPLANS that the Maoist terrorists ordered and under the supervision of the so-called AHOS committee headed by Jose Ma. Sison, with Satur Ocampo, Vicente Ladlad, Randall Echanis, and Rafael Baylosis.

Many, if not all, of the witnesses positively identified them as among the top CPP-NPANDF personalities involved in that highly despicable act against human life. Like their master and iconic leader, Joma Sison, Ocampo et. al. culled the same lines of defense saying that they were under detention in l984 at the different government detention facilities then and could not have been involved, directly or otherwise, in the Inopacan mass killings. What a lame and highly dubious excuse that government would believe and give credence! This alone is reminiscent of the usual pattern of denials skillfully dished by Ocampo and his comrades to exculpate them from whatever liability not only on the Inopacan massacre but in all other CPP ordered mass purgings like OPLAN Kahos, Missing Link, Kadena de Amore, Zombies, and Oplan Venereal Disease (VD) that resulted to the infamous Inopacan Massacre.

But why has the wheels of justice stopped turning? Could the reported entry of several die-hard Maoist communist personalities in Malacañang have something to do with these?

Many freedom and peace loving Filipinos decried the double standard by which the present government has dealt in cases involving Maoist terrorist personalities, especially those arrested for violations of the country’s Revise Penal Code, and known top Communist personalities who continue to remain scot-free despite complaints filed against them and awaiting resolution by the Department of Justice.

While the cases against the Ampatuans are vigorously pursued in the courts of law, the many criminal cases against Maoist terrorist personalities not only are stalled but were withdrawn upon orders of Justice Department. We must not forget - - -The Maoist terrorist NPA’s are just as guilty as the Ampatuans! The number of lives snapped by the vicious hands of power politics in Maguindanao pales so much to the number of Filipinos killed by a group whose loyalty and faith on the ideology of Frederick Engels, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Tse Tung is unflinching and uncompromising covering some 42-years and still going!

Worth noting is the fact that the so-called sectoral front organizations of the Maoist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF, e.g. Bayan, Karapatan, Gabriela, and NUJP, among others, were very much noisy in denouncing the Maguindanao massacre of November 2010, and pinning the blame on the Ampatuans! In stark contrast and for many years, they have closed their mouths, blindfolded their eyes, and has thrown deafening silence on the murders perpetrated by their comrades in the NPA’s, particularly the Digos and Inopacan Massacres, and other human transgressions revealed by Robert Francis Garcia in his book - - To Suffer Thy Comrades!

Appropriately, an Internet blog dated January 4, 2010 by a group known as Unheard NPA Victims (www.topblogs.com.ph/post/inopacan+massacre.html) described the Maoist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF as -“. . . red-handed criminal(s) incriminating another felon is more or less a masquerading hypocrite that thinks the public is naïve enough to believe (them) . . .”

The government of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III now bears the burden of proving to all and sundry that indeed justice must be served equally among Filipinos. PNoy’s battlecry against the “Wang-Wang” mentality should now take center-stage to fully convince the millions of Filipinos that indeed his administration means business and never shall they fall and indulge in petty ‘lip-service’ and political grandstanding.

In the meantime, the wailing shall continue and the cries for justice, by those who suffered the pains of Maoist terrorist violence, shall ring loudest in all nooks and corners of the country! This shall only end when government moves strongest to make the Maoist terrorist leadership answer for their crimes against humanity!

The STORMTROOPERS accomplishments: A fitting tribute to a leader who believes in teamwork

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
August 8, 2011

The 8th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division has been recognized as the best division in the entire Philippine Army based on its performance within the first six months of 2011. In 2010, it was the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division; this year, the STROMTROOPERS.

Moreover, two of the 8IDs Infantry Brigades are in the top 5 from among the 31 Brigades of the Philippine Army while four of its battalions are in the top ten out of the 75 battalions of the Army.

Of course, a major element to this accomplishment is the brand of leadership and management style of the Division Commander. It was under his leadership that the 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division was adjudged the best division in the entire Philippine Army. And under him, the 8th Infantry Division (STORMTROOPERs) Division has accomplished many things, earning for itself the best division in the entire army.

Major Gen. Mario F Chan AFP has steered the division with vigor and dedication, thus raising the unit to a level fit to be called as the best. But asking him on this accomplishment, he would always say, “this is teamwork and cooperation in action”.

What propelled the Storm Troopers Division to become the best division in the entire Philippine Army?

The Division commander is quick enough to say that any major accomplishment cannot be attributed to one person alone. Such accomplishment can only be the result of effective teamwork. Quoting the famous French aviator and author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, MGen. Chan then said that “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” This is similar to what he quoted from Dwight Eisenhower when he emphasized during his assumption speech, that “leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”

MGen. Chan insisted further that the success of the 8th Infantry Division is not entirely due to his own efforts alone. So much has been contributed by the other stakeholders who have also been very supportive of Oplan Bayanihan’s objectives. In fact, the accomplishment is the result of good teamwork with the Local Government Units of Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Western Samar. Equally important are the contributions of the national government agencies and the civil society organizations and institutions.

In the practical experience of the 8th Infantry Division, teamwork works inside and out. This dedication of the troopers to pursue its mission is as important as the dedication of the broad stakeholders to realize peace, thus, the need to work together as one.

Building Peace through Solidarity

The Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the government also known as Oplan Bayanihan puts emphasis on winning the peace as the fundamental objective. The defeat of the enemy does not necessarily come secondary, but that it should be brought about by rendering it irrelevant in the eyes of the people and the whole society. This entails that more efforts would be unleashed towards bringing development into the lies of many impoveri8shed rural communities even as combat operations are still being conducted against the New People’s Army.

This strategy requires the mobilization of stakeholders aside from the Armed Forces. The local government units, government line agencies, the private and business sector and civil society organizations are forces whose participation is crucial to the delivery of services and programs that will bring about development in the different rural communities affected by the insurgency problem.

But gathering different stakeholders together is one thing. Enabling them to work together is another. This is the challenge.

Nurturing Unity

Oplan Bayanihan follows the “whole-of-nation” approach, which presupposes shared understanding and shared responsibilities between and among government security forces, members of the civilian bureaucracy and the communities. The approach highlights he need for different stakeholders to work together in order to build peace and promote security.

Of course, the whole concept is not something alien to the Filipi8no. In fact, it is rooted in the Bayanihan tradition where everyone lends a helping hand in order to address or to resolve a community need or a community problem. The bayanihan spirit, however, was gradually swept into oblivion by the culture of consumerism and crab mentality. Oplan Bayanihan, therefore, has to reinvent the spirit of bayanihan by promoting common understanding among different stakeholders relative to the desire for peace and the quest for development.

In the pursuit of peace, everyone’s participation is not only important. It is in itself the means to achieve peace. Bringing everyone on board is the first step in building solidarity which is a critical element of peace.

This was precisely the parameter that guided the whole Storm Troopers Division and compelled them to participate actively in the different forum and avenues where LGUs, line agencies and civil society organizations converge in order to address pressing social concerns. Thus, the 8th Infantry Division officials, led by MGen. Mario F. Chan, would participate in all the meetings of the Regional and Provincial Development Council as well as the Regional and Provincial Peace and Order Councils within its Area of Responsibility. The Division also participated in the meetings and conferences organized and initiated by the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD).

MGen. Mario F Chan and the other Officers of the Division would strive hard to make meaningful representation in all these avenues with the end view of unifying with the other stakeholders relative to the internal security plan of the government. In these forums, the call to promote development in the communities as a means to improve the peace and security situation reverberated and the means to do it was their solidarity.

And their voices did not fall on deaf ears.

Promoting Cooperation

One of the monumental accomplishments in the drive to promote solidarity and cooperation among the different stakeho9lders is the proposed road construction project towards the interior municipalities of Samar. The whole project costs P4.6 Billion, covering a total span of 265.8 kilometers.  And if not for the support of the Regional Development Council and the other stakeholders including the provincial governments and line agencies, the project would not have reached first base.

The proposed road project will traverse 16 municipalities and is expected to contribute significantly to the economic development of these municipalities. The road will not simply make travel more comfortable, it will usher in economic opportunities for the communities and it will broaden their market access. With more opportunities for livelihood and with easier market access, residents are expected to have increased their household income.

Aside from this monumental project, the Storm Troopers Division has also forged partnership with the public and private sector in the conduct of development interventions and delivery of social services.

From August 2010 to June 2011, the Storm Troopers has implemented and undertaken several projects such as medical and dental missions, literacy projects through the Army Literacy Patrol System, livelihood support, improvement of educational facilities through active participation in the Brigada Eskuwela and road rehabilitation and construction.

Through these projects and initiatives, different stakeholders have found avenues by which they can work together and manifest heir commitment to the government’s internal peace and security objectives.

In support to the government’s internal security campaign, local government units in Samar have initiated their localized version of the Social Integration Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). With this program, LGUs are able to provide assistance to those who surrender and return to the fold of the law.

Unity is easier said than done, but when concrete and tangible initiatives are used to bring different stakeholders together, unity becomes the thread that binds them and enables them to pool resources towards the accomplishment of development targets. The active cooperation of the different stakeholders to promote and achieve peace within the AOR of the 8th Infantry (Storm Troopers) Division is the best proof of the unity of the stakeholders.

Winning the Peace

When communities begin to denounce violence as a means to correct societal defects, and when they begin to work with government institutions to address the poverty that characterize their situation, [peace becomes possible and visible. Of course, peace and security as a result of social development cannot happen overnight. But peace is not just an end. It is also the means to it.

Oplan Bayanihan drive to win the peace is more than just an objective that is attainable in the near future. “Winning the Peace” means building it in the here-and-now through concrete and tangible measures such as the implementation of development projects that improve the life and well-being of the people.

At this point, it is too early to say that Oplan Bayanihan has already achieved victory, or that peace has already been established. But, with people working together to promote solidarity in order to build peace, what can prevent victory?

Rice frozen near North Pole

The first was a footprint on the Moon. The second one is a freezer

By MARIA LIZBETH BAROÑA / IRRI / PNS
August 5, 2011

This freezer, however, is one dug deep inside a frozen mountain about 1,130 kilometers from the North Pole, in the archipelago of Svalbard, Norway. Tucked away in this giant refrigerated vault is the foundation of humans’ food – seeds. Neatly packed and frozen to withstand hundreds of years of storage and just about any conceivable destructive force known to humans are duplicates of seeds of different crops from all over the world, including more than a hundred thousand seeds of different rice types.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) sent its final batch of rice seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, dubbed the “Doomsday Vault,” in November 2010. IRRI deposited the largest shipment of 70,180 for the inauguration of the Vault in February 2008. Following its last shipment, IRRI now has the largest number of accessions, amounting to 112,807, for any single crop and its wild relatives kept in the Vault.

These are duplicates of the rice diversity conserved in IRRI’s International Rice Genebank (IRRI-IRG). Dr. Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, evolutionary biologist and IRRI’s T.T. Chang Genetic Resources Center head, assures that IRRI takes every reasonable measure to make the collection in the IRRI-IRG safe.

“The IRRI-IRG is earthquake-proof, typhoon-proof, and flood-proof,” Dr. Sackville Hamilton explains. “We also have an independent backup power supply to protect against power cuts, and we keep a supply of spares in stock to deal rapidly with equipment failure. We also have a backup collection to the primary collection kept at IRRI that is untouched, but provides immediate backup.”

Dr. Sackville Hamilton said that, since 1980, IRRI has also been keeping another backup of the IRRI-IRG collection at Fort Collins, Colorado, in the United States. “The United States’ environmental and political risks are different from those in the Philippines,” he further explains. “This backup collection in Fort Collins adds to the safety measures being taken at IRRI.

“The collection kept in Svalbard is our ultimate backup. We cannot conceive of any other measure we could take to make it safer. We cannot think of a more secure system to safeguard this vital resource.”

Life’s frozen cellar

The frozen mountains, the isolation, and the polar bears that provide extra layers of security are just some of the reasons why the world’s agricultural heritage found itself a fortress in Svalbard, Norway.

According to the Global Crop Diversity Trust, “The technical conditions of the site are virtually perfect. The location inside the mountain increases security and unparalleled insulation properties. The area is geologically stable, humidity levels are low, and it has no measurable radiation inside the mountain. The Vault is placed well above sea level (130 meters), far above the point of any projected sea-level rise.”

The Trust is a public-private partnership that raises funds from individual, corporate, and government donors to establish an endowment that will provide complete and continuous funding for key crop collections.

The Trust explains that, even if the supply of electricity gets cut off, the frozen mountain and its thick rocks will keep the seeds frozen for a long time. The Vault, constructed by the Norwegian government as a “service to the world,” is managed under terms between the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the Norwegian government, and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center.

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 2004 provided the platform through which an international legal framework for conserving and accessing crop diversity, as well as building the Vault, became a reality.

Taming the wild

Although thousands of rice species exist around the world, only a few of these are being cultivated. These cultivated rice varieties are naturally diverse. This diversity, however, is not enough to build better varieties. It is, in this case, more than in any other, that the extraordinary diversity in rice and its wild relatives becomes crucial.

For decades, scientists have been scouring the unbeaten path of the vast wild rice gene pool to look for genes that allow them to develop rice that provides more yield and is tolerant of stresses such as drought, heat, flooding, and saline soil.

Among the major setbacks to food production today is the increasing scarcity of resources. Hence, we look more closely at rice, and at every other crop species, to find ways to unlock the many secrets of its gene pool and help it adapt, survive, and thrive despite the many challenges.

Such is the story of “scuba rice”—the IRRI-bred variety that can withstand being submerged under water for 2 weeks (see Scuba rice). Many years ago, an Indian low-yielding rice variety called FR13A caught the imagination of scientists due to one remarkable trait: flood tolerance. For years, scientists looked for the genes that gave FR13A its flood-resistant characteristic. And, when they found it, they named the gene “SUB1.”

Today, high-yielding varieties that had been given the flood-resistance gene are helping rice farmers cope with frequently flooded rice fields. The wonderful story of the previously unremarkable FR13A highlights why the world should be worried about vanishing plant species and rice varieties.

Treasure on loan

A nuclear holocaust need not happen to spell doomsday for food sources. Every day, a crop species is lost to typhoons, floods, war, and, sometimes, to simple things like mismanagement or lack of a sustained power supply.

It is hard for some people to appreciate the importance of conservation. But, thinking of crop conservation as a way of keeping a good credit record may help, because “biodiversity, the world’s most valuable resource, is on loan to us from our children.”

Diversity is the insurance for food security. Every time a species is lost, that diversity narrows, which means that the number of options shrinks as well. There is something “in” these vanishing varieties that is priceless: genes. These genes hold the many answers to questions on basic survival and sustaining life on the planet.

Scientists said that warmer temperature causes lower yield for rice. They may not be able to do something about the heat that gets trapped in the atmosphere, but they can do something about the food. They can breed varieties that can stand up to climate change.

Food for the next generation

Backing up and protecting the world’s diverse agricultural heritage are giving this generation, and the next, options to get around nature’s roadblocks as the human population grows, while the resources that are needed to meet the corresponding demand for nourishment become scarce.

These “options” are kept frozen, ready to be retrieved when events of the future require it. It is a way of ensuring that food keeps coming even well after this generation has passed on.

Three rebels in Leyte surrender in succession to 19th Infantry Battalion

By GINA DEAN-RAGUDO, Samar News.com
July 24, 2011

CALBAYOG CITY  –  Three members of the local communist terrorist movement in Leyte Province laid down their arms and surrendered to the 19th Infantry “COMMANDO” Battalion this month.

LtCol Federico J Tutaan, Commanding Officer of the 19IB said that the surrender of the rebels is a manifestation of the positive effects of the relentless information drive efforts of the battalion in “reaching out to the whole populace” and explaining to them the reformed government programs for peace, security and development. He said that the 19IB has been conducting symposia, teach-ins, lectures and dialogues with high schools and universities, as well as communities down to the barangays and sitios in pursuit of the AFP’s Campaign Plan “Bayanihan” calling for a united effort of bringing peace to the province of Leyte.

LtCol Tutaan identified the three “now former rebels” as Carmelino Lebres Bulfa alias “Jackson,” Arthuro Librano Gamayon alias “Art / Rex” and Berting Codog Eleuterio alias “Bogart / Unaw.”

The three revealed that sometime late June, they jointly decided to end their participation and commitment to the rebel cause and run away from the area, citing several reasons like hunger in the mountains and forests, leadership conflicts as well as abuses by their cadres, lack of supplies and equipment, and overall general discontent for their supposed cause which they all described as “walang patutunguhan.”

Initially they did not think of surrendering to the government agencies like the LGU, Army or PNP. They admitted that all they wanted then was to get away from the local communist movement due to their dissatisfaction on their “mahirap na buhay” and to eventually find and start new lives for themselves.

The three former rebels, from different squads of the “Pingkoy Platoon” of the Front Committee-Leyte of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), revealed that on a pre-set date, they all left their firearms in their respective temporary jungle base (encampment) sites in Albuera, Leyte and without a word just walked away and soonafter rendezvoused in a designated meeting area.

Bulfa and Gamayon thereafter travelled all the way to Liloan, Southern Leyte and boarded a commercial vessel to Mindanao, ending up in Agusan Del Norte. They both proceeded to the home of Bulfa’s uncle and both had started to work in the small farm. Eleuterio went on his own way.

Two weeks after running away from the “kilusan” Bulfa contacted his parents and siblings back in Baybay, Leyte and informed them that he wanted to return to Baybay and surrender to the authorities, particularly to the 19th Infantry Battalion in order to “clear his name and record” and thus live freely along the mainstream of society. The parents then sought the help and assistance of Baybay Mayor Carmen L. Cari who facilitated Bulfa’s return travel and also contacted LtCol Tutaan to turnover Bulfa alias “Jackson” on July 3, 2011.

Upon his surrender, Bulfa revealed his story and added that Gamayon was still in Agusan Del Norte with no friends and relatives. Bulfa also said that he had already told Gamayon about the good treatment of the 19IB towards him and even his parents, to include the sick child of his sister to whom LtCol Tutaan gave financial assistance for medical treatment. Bulfa was also thankful for the financial assistance to his parents, along with rice and canned goods, plus transportation fare. Gamayon was thus convinced to surrender.

Immediately, LtCol Tutaan sent 19IB intelligence operatives together with Bulfa to Agusan Del Norte to fetch Gamayon and bring him back to the Battalion Headquarters in Kananga, Leyte. Gamayon alias “Art” officially surrendered to 19IB in the morning of July 5, 2011.

Gamayon alias “Art” was the one who revealed that he knew the whereabouts of Berting Eleuterio alias “Bogart” and that he personally knew that the latter also wanted to surrender to 19IB. LtCol Tutaan again dispatched the intelligence operatives together with Gamayon to fetch Eleuterio in Sitio Can-Alay, Barangay Buroc, Ormoc City. Eleuterio was found there along with his siblings tilling the soil of the family farm and was overwhelmed to be welcomed by the 19IB troops. Eleuterio alias “Bogart” surrendered at noontime of July 7, 2011. Moreover, he also surrendered to LtCol Tutaan one caliber .45 pistol and one 9 mm pistol with ammunition.

Bulfa and Eleuterio were eventually escorted by 19IB personnel to their respective homes and were given by LtCol Tutaan modest financial assistance as well as food supplies to start their lives over.

In a related development, Gamayon alias “Art” who remained in the Battalion Headquarters eventually felt at ease and at home and thus revealed that while in the “kilusan” he had buried two (2) rifle grenades he had been carrying but had never found a way to use them. Thereafter special intelligence teams from 19IB went with Gamayon to recover the two rifle grenades and were brought to 19IB Headquarters.

Of late, Gamayon has revealed that there were actually five of them who ran away from the “Pingkoy Platoon” and that he will help locate the two others whom he reveals also want to surrender to 19IB.