PIA 8 endeavors to professionalize the media

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 20, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Believing that there is a need to professionalize the information and communication service in Region 8, the Philippine Information Agency 8 recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Education and the Asian Development Foundation College.

The agencies mentioned, all commit to provide a venue where the media practitioners, the information officers and the advisers of school publications will have the chance to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Freelance Journalism or Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting.

It has been observed that not all media practitioners in the Region had formal training in journalism. The same is true with the information officers in some government agencies and local government units. In schools, some of the advisers of the school publications have had formal training in Journalism so they are not really adept in teaching the students about school publications.

The target students, most of whom are already working, need not worry that they will be absent from their classes because the curriculum for this special courses was designed in such a way that they need not go to school everyday. This is the work-based method of learning. So the student can pursue her education and continue working at the same time.

A brainchild of PIA 8 Director Olive Tiu, the project was immediately supported by CHED 8 Director Ma. Rita Ortiz and DepEd 8 Director Sol Matugas.  Dr. Edward Chua of the Asian Development Foundation College accepted to be the service provider and to make it easy, financially, to the students by charging minimal fees.

Director Tiu is grateful that these agencies have the same vision of professionalizing the media who is tasked of providing the right information to the people. Well informed people are empowered people and when people are empowered, development of a community is not remote, Director Tiu said.

Director Tiu is calling on media practitioners, information officers and advisers of school publications to enroll in this special course at Asian Development Foundation College.  Those who would like to enroll may get a certification from PIA so that ADF College will accept them in the special course.

DENR Secretary highlights stand on mining and logging

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 19, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  – DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes defined the government’s stand on mining and logging during the press conference held on Tuesday (May 16) at the Leyte Park Hotel’s President’s Hall.

Secretary Reyes said that it is the duty of the State to encourage the development of the natural resources for the common good to improve the quality of life of the people. The natural resources must be developed in a very responsible manner in such a way that they pursue the triple goals of growth and profitability, social equity and environmental protection as well.

In so far as mining is concerned, the general position is that the government is not against mining per se, what the government is against of is irresponsible mining. It cannot be denied, Secretary Reyes said, that there has been horror stories in mining experiences foremost of which is the mining experience in Marinduque.

When foreign mining investors come to the Philippines, the Secretary continued, they are always told to do in a responsible manner observing the highest standards and strictest regulations, the same standard of operations they impose on themselves when they mine in their own country.

DENR will not be lenient, it will be harsh on those who do not follow the regulations for responsible mining. He said that there are success stories in mining when in the early 70’s and 80’s, mining was on its heydays. The mining industry was contributing around 25% of the country’s exports and around 20 % of the Gross Domestic Product.

Right now, the mining industry is contributing only 2% of the country’s total exports and only 2% of the GDP. The mining industry can put the country in a state of prosperity. There are risks but these risks, with the modern equipments and methods that we now have can be minimized.

The laws and the rules that we have on mining are at par with that of the other countries. What is lacking is the proper implementation. This is a call for the DENR to capacitate itself to supervise and monitor the operations of the mining companies.

When it comes to forestry or logging operations, the government does not want our forest to be denuded. The cover forest used to be 67 % but now it is down to 23%. This is bad for the environment and so DENR has passed some measures to conserve the forest cover. The DENR is aware that the construction industry is dependent on logs and so the agency allows timbers to be cut to support the industry but this must be regulated.

REDCOP Catarman Medical-Surgical Mission starts May 19

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 19, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  – The Renal Diseases Control Program (REDCOP) Medical and Surgical Mission and Lay Advocacy Forum in Catarman will take off on May 19 at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital and at the Freedom Park of the capital town.

The medical team is composed of more than 40 volunteer doctors who are all specialists in their own respective fields. They will be doing surgical work on kidney and gall stones and other operations and services that are not easily accessible in the province.

The team is headed by NKTI Executive Director, Dr. Enrique T. Ona who is a transplant surgeon, and Dr. Remedios de Belen-Uriarte, National Program Director of REDCOP. Joining them are Dr. Antonio Paraiso, nephrology consultant of NKTI, Dr. Eduardo Rivera, Urology consultant, Dr. Jaime Velasquez, anesthesiologists and Dr. Carlos Ramon Torres who is also a urologist.

Dr. Uriarte commended Congressman Harlin Abayon of the first district of Northern Samar for inviting the REDCOP and National Kidney and Transplant Institute to have such mission in Catarman and the Provincial Government of Northern Samar thru Governor Raul Daza for giving its all out support to the medical mission.

The Medical Mission hopes to be able to treat as many patients as possible. The surgical patients have been screened and were given schedules so that they will not have to wait for a long time for their turn. The out patients who will be served at Freedom Park have also been pre listed to avoid any confusion.

Meanwhile, a RECOP Advocacy Forum is scheduled in the afternoon of May 19, at the Ibabao Hall in order to seek the support of the local government officials, the medical health officers, the private sector and the heads of other agencies in the prevention and control of renal diseases which affects not only the old but also the young population. This activity will be conducted by the REDCOP Advocacy Committee chaired by the Philippine Information Agency in the Region headed by Dir. Olive Tiu.

Renal diseases rank number ten killer disease claiming the lives of about 7,000 Filipinos every year. In the Region, it ranks 6th and so everybody must help prevent and control this disease. The Provincial government of Northern Samar through the leadership of Governor Daza has included the prevention of non communicable diseases as one of its major programs.

Gov. Tan and daughter to challenge influential couple in next year’s provincial top posts election

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  At this early, personalities belonging to two influential families of this capital town has signified their willingness to contest each other in the province’s two top government positions in May 2007 election.

Of this writing, the name of one Cherry Ann Tan, the daughter of the incumbent Samar Governor Milagrosa T. Tan has surfaced to apparently unseat administration lawmaker Catalino Figueroa from his position as representative of the second district of Samar in Congress, a position held by the latter for seven years now.

In the gubernatorial post, as luck would have it, its Zumarraga town mayor Neliphta, wife of Congressman Figueroa, have appeared to challenge the incumbent governor on, it seems, as to who is seemingly the “most endearing lady” in Samar.

In their public appearances, it appears that both parties promised their supporters and constituents to give each opponent a tough fight – either in money and number of political supporters.

Since mid of 2005, neophyte Cherry Ann has been reported roaming around the second district of the province, especially in the remote areas, distributing relief goods in behalf of her mother-governor.

Taking cue from her speeches in public appearances, observers said it appears that the young lady, sources said, graduated as Pharmacist, is now being groomed as Congresswoman Candidate in the next year synchronized local and national election.

“Yes, that information is true. We’ve been planning that since last year. That (plan) was also pronounced boldly during the recent inauguration of the Balantak Resort in Basey,” a source close to Tan’s camp told this writer.

The source informed that although they are a bit angst-ridden for the inexperience of their candidate “but I think she (Cherry Ann) can do that in Congress… she is intelligent and multitalented so to speak.”

When asked for more details, the source, however, refused to comment for more information such on possible platforms, line ups, etc. “But… she is ready, we are ready,” he added.

On the other hand, the 68-year old Figueroa (Nacionalista Party) when asked to comment said he is not bothered as he already knew it all since the start.

“Why I will be bothered? She is a neophyte, no experience in politics, no experience even in the smallest government position and definitely young at that, she can’t handle this province just like her mother,” the solon told reporters here.

The solon, who celebrated his 68th birthday last May 15 at the lower House, and is considered a veteran in political arena, has been a public servant since 1966.

A certified public accountant (CPA) by profession, he was appointed supervising examiner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from 1966 to 1987 and served as senior provincial board member from 1988 to 1992. He was the representative of the 2nd district of Samar from 1992 to 1998 and from 2004 to present.

Meanwhile, the solon’s wife Neliphta, who is now serving her native town of Zumarraga for years now, is determined to block the reelection bid of the two-termed Governor Tan.

The plan was repeatedly announced by the couple themselves during public gatherings and media interviews here.

Describing the administration of Tan as “a real shame,” the Figueroa couple wants to end the “maladministration” of the governor saying “she has done nothing” to improve the province.

Mayor Figueroa, who is currently heading the Samar Mayors League of the Philippines, Regional and the Visayas League of Municipalities, said she can develop this province like what she did in Zumarraga town.

Governor Tan, on one hand, did not show a bit of alarm over the couple’s plan to unseat her saying he has the support of the masses.

“Basta ako trabaho lang ang ako, bahala nalang ang tawo magbuot sa sunod eleksyon,” (It's up to the people to choose when election comes, I’m just working) the governor said in vernacular.

To date, those political aspirants who signified their intention to run are now seen roaming around the province, while candidates seeking the mayoralty and provincial board seats are still silent.

ICOT park boosts Leyte’s evolution as the IT hub in region 8

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 17, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The development of Leyte as the Information Technology (IT) hub in the Region is coming to fruition. This, with the forthcoming inauguration of the Leyte Information and Communication Technology (ICOT) Park on May 23, 2006.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla revealed that the Province of Leyte is proud to be the owner/lessor of the ICOT Park, a 6.8 hectare property located at Candahug, Palo, Leyte.

The ICOT Park which according to Governor Petilla, is also home to the Leyte Academic Center (LAC), is a PEZA Zone facility which is envisioned to be the host to call center operations and business process outsource companies in Leyte.

Since his assumption into office as Governor of Leyte, Governor Petilla has always believed that IT is the key to a strong economy, not only of Leyte but also of the entire Region 8.

He envisions that IT will attract more investors and stir the creation of more jobs for the Leyteños and the Eastern Visayans. With more jobs created, more people will be employed and with more citizens employed, the economic condition of the families will also improve, Governor Petilla quipped.

Being a businessman engaged in the IT business before he became Governor of Leyte, Governor Petilla knows what he is talking about and with his sincerity and determination, his vision is slowly but surely coming into fruition.

Through Governor Petilla’s initiatives, some big international IT companies are now considering to locate in Leyte. Lately, the Teletech came to the province to make interviews of future employees and because of the positive outcome of the interviews, Governor Petilla was informed that Teletech has decided to locate one of its call centers in the province.

In a recent interview with DOST 8 Director Ed Esperancilla, he intimated Governor Petilla’s plan to make an IT Incubation Center at the ICOT Park. This center will provide aspiring IT investors, the equipments and facilities to start the business right there in the Park paying a very minimal rent. When the investor knows the trade already and decides to go into the IT business, then it will relocate in another place if he so wishes.

RDC 8 continuous to chart the development of Eastern Visayas

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 16, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –   With the end in view of continuing to chart the development of Eastern Visayas, the Regional Development Council 8 will meet on May 18 at the Biliran Garden Resort in Naval, Biliran.

Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Lerias, the chairperson of RDC 8 announced that aside from tackling the matters arising from the previous meeting, the Council will also discuss new issues like the presentation of the Regional Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals by Governor Roger Espina who is the chair of the Social Development Committee.

For the Economic Development Committee, its chair, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla will discuss the Second Agrarian Reform Community Project and the action plan on the eradication of abaca viral diseases in the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte.

Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento will present the Participatory Irrigation Project proposal and the proposed construction of a RORO port at Triana, Limasawa, Southern Leyte while a representative of the Department of Energy will present the Philippine Energy Plan.

A representative of DOST-PCARRD will talk about the Techno Gabay Program and the K-Agrinet Project of the agency.

Governor Lerias said that aside from the meeting, the members of the Council are also invited to stay overnight at the Biliran Garden Resort in Naval if they decide to join the “Biliran Eco-Tour” on May 19.

This will be a two in one trip, Governor Lerias said. The members will be able to discuss the development issues of the Region and they will also have the chance to help promote local tourism.

The overnight stay and the eco-tour, however, is optional, Governor Lerias clarified. It will be the decision of the member whether to stay or go home right after the meeting, she concluded.